What age to teach survival?
- Thread starter CBatch
- Start date
You could check out your local state park, national forest or metro park. There are also tons and tons of private agencies who do this sort of thing. I have been teaching my kids little by little every since they can walk. My kids both know how to use a compass and have for a good while now.
The kids can learn the tactics of survival through boy scout/girl scout training. Some schools offer extracurricular activities like this. I was a girl scout during my Elementary days and the experience at the campus ground was similar to camping in the woods.
northernbushape
The Jeepist
Realistically, survival training begins the minute the little rascals make their appearance.
I am also a firm believer in getting kids into scouting right from Beavers on up. My wife and I were leaders (Gilwellians) and once the kids hit cubs they are learning some very valuable outdoor skills. It gets even better when they move up into actual Scout level and beyond. Studies also indicate that kids who come up through the scouting movement are happier and more successful in adult life.
Even as adults my boys are always eager to learn new survival and wilderness skills, so the training never really ends. It's like the old expression ... give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.
I am also a firm believer in getting kids into scouting right from Beavers on up. My wife and I were leaders (Gilwellians) and once the kids hit cubs they are learning some very valuable outdoor skills. It gets even better when they move up into actual Scout level and beyond. Studies also indicate that kids who come up through the scouting movement are happier and more successful in adult life.
Even as adults my boys are always eager to learn new survival and wilderness skills, so the training never really ends. It's like the old expression ... give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.
sh4d0wm4573ri7
New Member
Believe it starts from the beginning its a way of life for some
outdoorlover001
New Member
I fully agree with everything said here. I have taught my kids what I learned in the military. They both were in girl scouts, but this was not productive. Buy them books on the subject, give them hands on experience when your in the outdoor with them, set up challanges to give them confidence in the woods. There is so much more, have fun and learn with them, I'm still learning after all the years I've been doing this.
IndianaHiker
Active Member
Well put Old Sarge. Most important thing when all falls apart is to keep a positive attitude and keep your wits. As others have said Stupidity kills.
Refrigerator
New Member
I agree with Rider One. Get them connected with the outdoors early on. Teaching your children will fill both you and your children with life learning skills.
I'd say go spartan and let them out in to the wilds for three days to teach them some survival skills, but I'll probably get sued for that statement so let's just say I was kidding. Sign him up for the scouts he should be able to pick up the basics there.
Hmm, this is a good question. I think it's good to have them connect to wildlife at an early age, as in bringing them outdoors and letting them experience the wilderness, but if you're talking about how to actually survive, I would lean towards 10-15. Any earlier and I don't think the child will understand exactly why it's important to learn survival. Plus, starting at 10, kids seems to want more responsibilities, at least the ones I know.