How to Prevent Kids From Getting Lost Outdoors

There is nothing scarier than losing a child in the wilderness - for both you and the child. Help children feel safe in the backcountry by taking the following precautions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Maps
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Kits
• Colored Pens
• Paper
• Pens
• Paper
• Compasses
• Sports Referee Whistles
• Flashlights
• Flashlights
• Colored pens
• Maps
• Pens

1. Set strict boundaries around your campsite.

2. Set clear and reasonable limits early on about when and if children in your group may be without an adult. This might involve a "buddy system" in which children must always be with a "buddy," and a "check in system" in which children must update adults of changes in their whereabouts.

3. Scout the terrain around your camp with children soon after arriving. Have them identify for themselves large landmarks in several directions to orient themselves in relation to your camp, and consider having them draw their own map of the immediate area.

4. Give children whistles to wear and a communication code: two whistles for "help" and three whistles for "I'm over here."

5. Teach children to stop and "hug a tree" as soon as they are lost. Assure them you will come looking for them and they must remain where they are until you arrive.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 11/22/2005 Have your child carry a large brightly colored trash bag with them. If they become lost, the bag makes a great signaling device. More importantly, if it is cold out, the child can be instructed how to cut or tear a slit near the top of the bag, and pull it down over their head to form an emergency shelter. This little bit of plastic might be just enough protection to keep the child alive if they remain lost overnight.

on 11/22/2005 We bring old shirts or stuff like that and tie them around trees so they know that they can't go past them.

on 11/22/2005 Outfit your kids with a chemical light stick. Put it on a breakaway neckless and have them wear it at night. Kids love them and you get an instant headcount at a glance.