Since the forum is growing and there are many new members, I thought I would once again make this offer. It is not limited to new members nor to individuals, who have already received one or more kits, just the same general rules. It will take me few weeks to get them assembled and mailed, so please be patient <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />.

Okay guys and gals ?I have an offer you can not refuse <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />?

Here is the deal, I will send free (I will even pay the shipping <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ), to the first 10 respondents (just add your name here to the bottom of the posting, so everyone will know when to stop) ? I will have you PM me later with your addresses) the start of a basic survival kit.

Here are the conditions:
- For now, I will only send to the Continental US <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />.
- The ?kit? is only for a child/youth <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.
(I would like to encourage the request for a ?kit? to come from a parent/Scout Leader/friend who might not be able to afford to put something together for their kid, a Scout or some neighborhood kid or friend. This is not a hard fast condition. I will let you be the judge.)
- You, the adult will not pilfer/remove for your personal use any item in the kit (even if it better then what you have in your kit). <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />There are two exceptions to this condition ? see *
- You, the adult must work/instruct the child/youth on how to use the contents.
- The ?kit? can be for your child, a Scout or some neighborhood kid or friend <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />.
- Only one or two kits per request (I want to try and allow as many individuals to get in on this offer).
- Doug, while giving his blessing to this idea, is in no way responsible for any failure of any item I send. I will not ask anyone to sign any waiver and will rely upon common sense to guide you <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />.

I have no hidden agenda, other then to foster a working relationship between members of this forum and kids/youth, who might benefit from such interaction. This is totally on the honor system. Hopefully, those who receive the kits can report back on the success/failures they have with the children/youth <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />.

The contents may vary (depending upon what I can find), but will try and include at least: a small led flashlight, whistle, Kevlar thread, 10? of paracord, some small plastic vials, one of the PSK instruction sheets on waterproof paper, compass, survival blanket, etc.

*I will include some fire making items and a small knife separately. I will leave it to you, the adults, to appropriately supervise the use of these items. If the child/youth is too young, not your child or if you have any hesitation in introducing these items, they are the only ones which you as the adult may keep for yourself. If you decide to allow the child/youth to use these items (fire making items and a small knife), they can never be brought to school <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />.

Pete

Pete your awesome, thanks for the offer. I have just always thought that I would just take care of my kids I forget that teaching them not to be so dependant makes them more independent. Thanks again for the offer I will put a kit together for my kids. You save them for the next few posts. I just wanted to say thanks for thinking about my kids!

Jack

Paramedicpete,

I would like to know what you are putting in your kid’s PSK.

I have 4 boys (Webelos II - 11, 11 (identical twins), Life Scout - 14, and Eagle Scout - 20) and I have been working on PSKs for all of them plus my wife. I have been researching what the best items are for each of the categories (Fire, First-Aid, Navigation, Shelter, Signaling, and Water). My oldest son is currently taking REC 340 (Outdoor Survival, with Scott Kozakiewicz) at ASU. I get them an item for their birthday or Christmas. They now all have: Camelbacks, glass 2”x3” military signal mirrors, Storm whistles, first-aid kits, Leatherman tools, CMG Infinity Ultra LED lights, base plate compasses, parachute cord, BSA Hot Sparks, Coghlan’s Emergency Tinder, 2 clear 60 gallon trash bags, work gloves, cheap plastic ponchos, bandannas, FRS radios, Space Blankets, and cheap binoculars.

I am confident in the categories of: fire, first-aid, navigation, signaling, and water. I’m still not satisfied with shelter. The minimum is two trash bags. I need something that will fit in the back of a CamelBack and not be too bulky or heavy. It has to be 3 or 4 season protection. Here in Arizona we get it all. When the Scouts camp from the Grand Canyon down to Tucson they can get anything from hot desert, Monsoon rain, hail, and snow storms. I have been reading survival books, watching survival videos, and playing with all kinds of things in my back yard. For my CamelBack I have a HD Space Blanket with pre cut cord, 5 thin steel tent stakes and a small Space Blanket. It seems too much for the boys. I like the 6.6 foot clear trash bag from Survival and Outdoor Safety. You can just step into it and pull it around yourself. The main problem is condensation from sweat. When camping, my 11 year old likes to take a small tarp and put it on the ground for shelter. Put his sleeping bag on that and then pull the tarp over him, like a taco. I’m not sure how well it would keep him dry in a downpour.

Thanks!

I want one! For my nephew, of course.

I'd like to give one to my younger sister (if that is ok; I'm 20).

Thanks for this great offer <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd be interested. Thank you!

That is a really nice offer from you. If possible I'd like to get one for my daughter. It would be a great way to get her started (she is in girlscouts/brownie) Again, Thanks.

Hi Pete:

My Boy Scout son would love one!

Thanks,

Bob

I agree that the shelter component is the toughest part to "get right" and it really isn't talked about on this forum as much as knives and fire starting stuff. I still haven't gotten it right yet, but trying is part of the fun.

For now I've packed a Tacoma emergency shelter from REI and a few large 55 gallon plastic bags.

Hi

My son would love it

Thanks

Pete if you have another, I would appreciate one. I have a friend with a Boy scout son. Thanks!

I saw ten replies to the post, but I'm not sure if each one was a request for a kid's kit.

If I'm not too late, I'd like one for my daughter

Thanks Pete

Pete -

If you've not already reached your limit, I'd love one for my niece, who's in upstate NY. Her single mom (my sister) is having a tough time medically/financially and it would be a much appreciated and useful gift for my niece.

- Steve

Contents will vary depending upon what I have on hand. I try to include some of the basics. This not meant to be a replacement for a complete or “total’ kit, just a start.

My hope is that it will stimulate interest in the youth to be prepared and your desire, as the adult to share your knowledge, time and concern.

Pete

Pete, I have been trying to get my nephew interested in camping. I think it would help to show him other adults are intersted in being prepared too. I would like one for him if they are still avaliable. Thanks for the offer at any rate. Most generous of you.
Thanks
Willowmaker

If it helps...........some idea on preparing your kit to pass out
-first, your generosity is very thoughtful

-35mm film cases make great containers (free)-ask any photographer or local photo print shop
-walmart in the "$1.00" secetion, i seen some small locking serrated pocket knives for a buck as well as keychain LED lights for a dollar as well
-also currently at your walmart super store, in the halloween section i seen they have 8-12 hr lightsticks for 88 cents each-they are Cyalume brand, not cheapies, they have green, pink, orange, and blue colors
-also from time to time, yes walmart again. not that i shop there everyday , but they do seem to always have fishing supplies on clearance
-also i seen some nice metal LED lights -pocket, and keychain size
-hope this helps you and anyone else looking for cheap survival kit supplies/refills

Pete,

I think your idea is great! As a parent, I have put together kits for my kids already. As a scout leader, I am introducing the idea through a number of badge requirements.

What I would like to offer is sending you some supplies you could use to make the kits you are giving away. My Dollar store often has LED flashlights, disposable ponchos, bandaids, whistles, etc. Let us know what supplies you could use and I will send you some.

Resqman

I second Resqman....Let us know what you could use.

Thanks for the offer, but I am in pretty good shape with what I have on hand.

Perhaps, you could touch base with a Scout or youth group and offer to help them put a kit together. In this way the members of the forum are reaching out to youth and perhaps adults who will very much appreciate your interest in them to be prepared.

Pete

I wanted to give those of you I promised a free starter survival kit an update. I hate making excuses <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />, but we have had a few incidents at the house that has forced me to move a lot of my supplies around and right now things are a bit disorganized to say the least <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.

Last year, our roof suffered some damage due to a storm, we had it fixed or so we thought as we recently noticed the plaster ceiling in our bedroom was beginning to crumble and fall <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />. So, we had to move stuff from our bedroom and attic area where the leaking was occurring. The roof has been replaced, but the stuff has not been moved back yet <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />.

Then my middle daughter comes into our bedroom 5:30 Saturday morning and says the house smells of oil and were we all going to die <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. We went into the basement and sure enough our oil tank had developed a nice leak. The tank was pumped out, but we had to move A LOT OF STUFF (man, do we have a lot of junk ? I mean good stuff <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) from the basement, outside under tarps so the tank could be replaced.

In addition, I have had an enormous amount of training the last month plus, Paramedic Refresher, Rescue Boat Ops, Helicopter Hoist Ops Refresher and now Trench Rescue Refresher through this weekend; so free time has been nonexistent <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />.

It will likely be a week or more until after Thanksgiving before we will have the chance move things back and get organized. So, I must apologize to all of those who were expecting the kit before now, unfortunately it will be several more weeks before I can finish putting the kits together (I did start be fore all this happened) and get them sent out <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />.

Sorry-
Pete

Life happens, no worries.
<img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

No problem - in fact, if I can help, please PM me and let me know how.

- Steve

If you need anything to help I may be able to get some fox-40 whistles and possibly some brunton 9050 compasses for free. I do have a couple of extras right now and I would be willing to part with them for something as cool as this. Let me know. I may be able to find other stuff while I am looking around. I would also be willing to buy some gerber milk bags and send you the remaining amount of bags. I also have about two dozen Altoids tins I was going to list on Evilbay but I would send them to you for this project as well.