Instruct your kids to always explore the wilderness with at least one other person rather than alone. Also remind them to let someone know exactly where they will be going and what time they expect to return.
Insist that your children take a backpack with basic supplies whenever they are in the wilderness. These supplies should include items such as fresh water, a knife, a magnifying glass, matches or a lighter, sunscreen, a flashlight, a basic first-aid kit, a cell phone, snacks, a whistle, a compass and a brightly colored cloth for signaling.
Teach your kids to stop and assess the situation before taking action if they feel that they might be lost. Tell them to breathe slowly and talk out loud as they work on a plan of action. Focusing on breathing, along with talking out loud, can help them to make calmer, better decisions.
Instruct your children to look for running water if they don't have any water to drink. Stagnant water is more likely to carry harmful bacteria that can make them sick.
Pitch a tent with your children so that they can learn how to perform this task. Talk about other ways of forming shelter in the absence of a tent. These alternative methods might include using branches, a tarp, plastic bags or other usable materials.
Study pictures and real-life specimens together concerning which wild plants are edible and which are not.
Role play an injury scenario in which your kids must use various first-aid supplies.
Build a fire together and discuss various methods of building a fire.
Teach your kids how to use a compass so they can find their way back to camp. Practice using one together.
