Significance

• There are lots of reasons why you may need some wilderness survival skills with you on a camping trip. You could get lost or stuck in a surprise storm while hiking far from others. A member of your group could get injured. If you didn’t go out fully prepared in the first place, you could be caught without enough warmth, sun protection, food or water. These issues should all be prepared for before you leave for your trip.
  
  

Ten Essentials

• The “ten essentials” were originally defined by a group in Seattle called the Mountaineers in the 1930s as the things that you should have with you on every back country trip, whether camping or on a day hike. They vary slightly from group to group today but should include: fire starter, matches, map and compass, sun protection, knife, extra layers, extra food, water, flashlight and a first aid kit. These are all small enough things to carry on any trip and will definitely save lives if the necessity arises.
  
  

S.T.O.P.

• A survival skill developed by the Boy Scouts of America that will help you if you realize you’re lost is called S.T.O.P. It stands for “Sit, Think, Observe, and then Plan.” This is the order that you should proceed the moment you think you’re lost. It will keep you from wandering in circles to the point of no return, and help you be thoughtful about your most prudent next step.
  
  

Animal Attacks

• Camping can bring wild animals around, especially if you leave food near your campsite at night. If a large predator comes to your camp, it will probably not threaten you unless provoked. Use slow movements while at the same time being loud to let the animal know you’re there. Never run, or even turn your back. You want to protect yourself, and grab small kids who could run. Sticks and rocks work well as protection if you have nothing else.
  
  

Shelter

• Many times you will take a day hike while camping in a remote location. If you get caught away from your tent site by nightfall, you should build yourself a shelter. This will protect you from wind, cold weather and bad weather. Your shelter should be strong, so use a log or boulder as a back wall against the wind. Lean large sticks or pieces of bark against that, and make a space just large enough for one person to fit in. It will be easier to warm with your body heat if you make the shelter small.