Woodsproofing Your Child

by: A.R. (Sandy) Anderson
SPRING 1988

Many of us will be camping this summer. The fresh air, beautiful surroundings and good friends make for a wonderful, carefree time. But each year we read of adults and children being lost in the woods. All too often, the stories contain lines as "clad only in a sweater, shorts and running shoes", or "wandered into the bush while picking berries". Nobody expects to get lost, yet it happens. All too frequently the victim is a child.

The following checklist will help prepare your child for the outdoors:

  1. Tell someone - Have them always let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return.
  2. Dress well - Make sure they dress for the weather and terrain. Remember, weather conditions can change in a matter of hours. Headwear is very important.
  3. Set boundaries - Familiarize your children with the camping area. Show them how far they are permitted to go.
  4. Travel with someone - Adults and children are safer and more secure when travelling with a"buddy".

IMPRESS UPON YOUR CHILDREN that if they are ever lost, to:

  1. NOT PANIC - Fear can kill. Save your energy for survival.
  2. SIT DOWN AND REST - AVOID FATIGUE
  3. STAY PUT - They will be easier to find, and can better prepare for weather changes by building a fire and a shelter.
  4. BUILD A FIRE - Older children should be taught how before being allowed to travel in the woods. Point out how it can keep them warm, dry their wet clothes, and be useful to signal for help.
  5. FIND SHELTER - Show them how to safely use caves, fallen trees and brush piles, and how to build a simple lean-to.

And teach your children these life-saving ideas:

  • Hug a tree - Tell them that if they ever get lost, the trees are their friends. When scared they can hug a tree and talk to it. This not only helps to prevent panic, but keeps them in one spot, increasing chances of discovery.
  • Yell at Night Noises - Tell them to yell at noises that scare them. If it's an animal, this will frighten it away. If it's a searcher, they will be found.
  • No punishment - Assure the child that you will not be angry with them. (There have been cases of children hiding from searchers for fear of being punished.)
  • Look Big - Your child can attract attention by wearing a brightly coloured garbage bag or jacket. If they hear or see a plane they should lie down in a clearing.