I was wondering if any of you have ever taught this type "course" to elementary school aged children. We go over a lot of survival related things with the Boy Scouts, but, unfortunately, there are many too many children in our schools who are never exposed to even the most basic concepts of survival. Still, they do go out in the woods, and every year we hear about some of them being lost.

I briefly explored the idea of doing something like the "Hug A Tree" program mentioned here with some folks at our local elementary school. They were receptive, so I thought I'd see if any of you have experience with actually teaching an intro to survival for young folks?

There's a great "Kid's Wilderness Survival Primer" on the ETS site that would be a good start for a basic course. I'd be interested hearing what things people have tried to get across the basic concepts to children.

The SAR team that I am apart of in VA teachs what sounds like a similar course called Lost But Found Safe and Sound. I think you can get the tape through the NASAR web site. A google search should find it for you.

Brian

Brian, I was able to locate that video, and there's a Powerpoint presentation on CD also, thanks!

How big a group do you typically try to teach? Classroom size, or a larger group? It seems like this might stimulate some questions that would be fielded better for discussion in a small group.

Yes, I have taught numerous elementary grade Girl Scouts "Hug A Tree" type programs. Scouting and other outdoor programs are more receptive and conducive to this type of lesson.

I would think that unless you have an excellent working relationship with your local school, especially ones located in small towns, that it will be difficult to have a system wide program, most school systems are “stuck” on fairly rigid and approved forms of instruction.

Pete

NASAR has recently reached an agreement to take over the Hug-A-Tree progrm which was falling apart and plans to expand it considerably. I expect to hear more on this at the NASAR conference in a few weeks.

For a few minutes I was wondering why NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) was sponsoring the Hug-A-Tree program.

I finally figured it out. Duh!