I am another advocate of headlamps. There are quite a few models that will take AAAs or AAs and will resist spontaeous turn on quite handily. Variable brightness levels are also readily available.

One of the challenges I found with headlamps when my son as six, was that the temptation to open the battery pack was irresistable. They were easily broken becuase those little tabs that secure the battery covers aren't very sturdy in a lot of lights. Not trying to dissaude, I love headlamps too, just something to keep in mind when shopping for one. My solution was to buy less expensive ones and being prepared to buy another sooner than I'd like. if you kit it in the kit and keep an eye on the kit, they have a much longer life.

My kids do the same thing, give them a flashlight before bed and you better have a spare to use to look for the parts under the bed in the morning.
I keep packs of small light sticks now, the little ones people give out for Halloween and similar. Pull out the tube full at bedtime and let them pick a color for bed.
I do need to research and get a headlamp for myself, holding my maglight while cooking dinner on the wood stove was a little unhandy.
We visited my parents, who now have no electricity, phone, or gas since Sandy, they have been keeping the refrigerator and freezer running from their small generator and all the neighbors worked to cut downed trees off of the roads so they were mostly passable. They ran out of propane a couple days ago so they no longer have hot water even unless they heat it on the wood stove.
We got there sat afternoon and left this morning, wasn't too bad for us, basically like camping. Weather was nice so we didn't use much of our preps at all. I left one of my bulk packs of AA's for them and they are now going to get on my family cell plan so they have some backup communications.

I forgot, besides headlamps I need to get small battery powered clocks to prevent the "is it time to get up yet" questions at 4:15am.

Didn't we have a thread on here about headlamps recently. I'm trying to find a decent one that will run on 2AA's. I find a lot of 3 AAA but I'm nearly standardized on AA's, I hate to go and add AAA's to thee mix.

Well, if we didn't, candle power forums has a complete subforum for headlamps, replete with lots of comments from aficianodos.

When you say AA headlamps, I immediately think of
Zebralight. Their models are single AA, but that just means that with a spare, you have double the run time. For me, runtime is the most important characteristic of any light - could I use it to hike all night or use in a cave on an extended trip?

I'd also add some reflective tape to the outside. Easier to find the pack, easier to find the kid.

Great idea, Teacher! When my son was younger, we attached one of those battery powered reflective strips to his pack. It worked just like reflective tape in the day time and then we could turn it one to flash at night. Relfective tape would be cheaper and as long as you have a light, you'll be able to spot it and him.

Good one.Was it mentioned one of those dog collar lights? They can be seen a long way at night,use little power to flash multi color LED,very bright. I think one of those on a jacket zipper......

Plus they are great for pets as advertised.

Take em to the Neil Diamond concert,when he turns to your section,open palms with light in each...His eyes pop open and he gives you a BIG smile,much fun!


Must order some more,fine little flashers,best pet flashers weve used,and tried several.Last a Looooong time.

deal extreme.1.93,free shipping!
http://dx.com/p/flashling-led-dog-collar-pendant-light-5718
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Pet Blinkies for collar , leash or harness
by Safety Technology
3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews) | Like (6)
Price: $4.99

Only 3 left in stock.
Ships from and sold by Body-n-Home.
3 new from $4.99

Nite-Ize makes a variety of small led lights which can be attached to just about anything. I use them to tag my scouts when moving around at night, especially in a crowded area. I can tell which ones are mine. Check Amazon, REI, or Gander Mountain, they all carry a lot of Nite-Ize stuff.

Those Camelbak packs have several bright reflective strips already on them.