Teaching Your Children Survival Skills in the Wilderness: A Comprehensive Guide

Teaching your children how to survive in the wilderness is a valuable life skill that can benefit them in numerous ways. It enhances their physical and mental resilience, fosters independence, and promotes a deep appreciation for nature. Whether you are a parent or a guardian, this comprehensive guide will help you teach your children essential survival skills.

Introduction to Wilderness Survival Skills for Kids

Teaching your children survival skills in the wilderness should be an enjoyable and engaging experience. Begin by taking them on short one-day or overnight trips, where they will learn about the basics of camping, survival, and the outdoors. This initial exposure will pave the way for deeper learning and adventure.

Starting with Short Trips and Experiences

Begin with short, fun trips to build their confidence and interest. For example, you could start with a one-day trip to a nearby nature reserve or state park, and gradually increase the duration and complexity of the trips. Long camping trips, like a 7-day backpacking trip, can be an excellent way to build resilience and a sense of accomplishment.

Consider signing up for outdoor courses such as those offered by Outward Bound or similar organizations. These courses provide structured learning and practical experience, allowing your kids to develop skills in navigation, first aid, and emergency situations.

Living It and Doing It Together

To truly instill the knowledge and skills, turn these trips into a learning experience by sharing your own skills and experiences. If you have military, scouting, or farming backgrounds, this is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise. Living it and doing it together not only makes the experience more memorable but also reinforces the importance of safety and outdoor skills.

Incorporating Real-World Skills

Teach your children practical skills that are essential for wilderness survival. These include:

tHunting and fishing tCooking food in different environments tNavigating using maps and compasses tMaking shelters and keeping warm tTreating wounds and providing first aid

The web pages from Bosswa and Selous Dynamics provide specific courses and resources tailored to bush survival and weapons training, which can be highly beneficial.

A Complementary Approach to Learning Through Play

Making learning fun is key to ensuring your children retain the information and skills. Transform book learning into a game, such as a trivia game, to make it more engaging. Plan fun events where they can apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios. For example, you could create a scenario where each child draws a skill from a piece of paper and must demonstrate it. Success in the task would earn them points, encouraging them to learn and practice more.

Example Curriculum

To help you structure this learning process, here’s a simple curriculum you could follow:

tReading and Research: Discuss skills and read relevant books together. tGame-Based Learning: Organize a trivia game about survival skills. tRole Play: Have each child or small group plan and execute a survival scenario. tReal-Life Application: Take them on longer trips where they can practice and apply the skills they have learned.

Remind them that no course can fully replace the "DO" experience with a family, so integrate these skills into your everyday lives as much as possible.

Remember, the key is to make learning a fun and engaging experience while ensuring they are safe and prepared for any situation they may encounter in the wilderness.