Thanks everyone for your comments. Any more suggestions for version 2.0?

The kids actually like taking it hiking and camping and do use the items in there. The most popular by usage are the magnifying glass, flashlights, telescope/microscope doodad, and the good old pen and notepad. If they had their way, they would use the whistles all the time too. I let the kids blow them periodically, because sometimes you have to do to learn.

Before they were given their packs, the kids and parents went through a two our "class" on the items in there and theire usage as well as the booklet. The kids and the parents agreed to do the checklists and I did recommend having a personal item for each child as well as individual stuff that the parents feel are appropriate, such as medicine, etc. I weighed out the packs with a full water bottle and snacks and it came out to right around two pounds. I wanted the loaded packs to be under three pounds closer to two.

STOP is explained, but not in writing. I know observe and plan are a little difficult for kids, so we practiced and when we went over the booklet, I used both eyes and ears to explain observe. And they are told to stay hydrated and to stay put unless it is dangerous to do so. I also periodically drill my kids. And we go over the booklet and their gear prior to going out. And as the kids use their stuff and are outside, they get more comfortable with them.

I had one of everything opened to explain and practice with. The opened items made their rounds to each family so they could play and learn at home while keeping their kits pristine. I am happy to say that the packs are users and they have been personalized by the kids.

We now have about a dozen or so kids (not including the adult kids like me) that join us on our outings. We will be camping again in April after taxes.

Oh yeah, I also upgrade the kids' gear and provide duplicates to the parents as practicable. It is an expensive process so not everything is first class up front, but everything is usable. I think after I sell my rental property, I want to upgrade their signal mirrors and then their whistles. I may have to hit up Redflare for the purchase.