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