that's awesome info montanero, good to know that BSA is right in line with such notable experts

I also noticed in the wilderness survival resources part of the handbook it lists this site as an internet resource

resources for the survival kit portion would be appreciated, however, neither I not the troop have the financial resources to provide a kit for each scout. I am considering asking for a fee to cover the cost of such a kit, but it won't be cheap, looking at about $20 minimum to have some decent quality items in it. Currently, my plan is to bring in all the necessary (and a few unnecessary) items to assemble for a kit, split the boys into groups of 2 or 3, have each group pick the items they think would make for a good kit, and then present their kit items to everyone, with an explanation of why they included each item and what they could use it for. Obviously, I'd like them to follow up on their own and assemble their own kits at home and bring them to a meeting to show everyone.

awesome advice on the emergency preparedness, I will make plans to follow up with that asap