Yup, shouting would have done even less - especially with 11 to 14 year old boys. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

When I taught survival/hug-a-tree skills to my 9 year old Cub Scout den rather than sit and try to blow the whistle continuosly, I told them whistle for a while at first, and then to whistle back at any sounds they hear - whether shouts, other whistles, or even those scarey bumps-in-the-night sounds. The idea being that it is most likely either someone looking for them or something that they'd just as soon scare away anyway.

This also leads me to put even more value on good signal mirrors and large bright signaling gear (I carry two orange 55 gallon trash bags) for longer distance signaling. Though people talk about using fire for signaling, by day, it would be pretty tough to generate enough smoke to gain attention - unless burning a tire or similar.

Ken K.