The Ultimate Children’s Survival Kit

Introduction

In this article we will delve into the items that go into setting up your own Children’s Survival Kit.

Your child may be a whiz kid with their iPad but that doesn’t mean they’re prepared and knowledgeable in real life circumstances. Especially an emergency situation, whether it’s something as simple as a day at the beach or a camping trip. Or in a rare situation like an earthquake or hurricane. You want your kids to know what to do in any circumstance. The Ultimate Survival Kit for Kids is perfect to keep around the house in a backpack. Small enough not to take up too much space in your home but ready at a moments notice to take on a road trip or emergency situation.

The next step for your child having their own survival kit. Is to know how to use the items and the multitude of uses they can provide. I will make a note to write a post showing a more detailed look at the items listed below. So look out for that one.

What age should your child have their own survival kit?

In most cases that would depends on the child. Although in my opinion as soon as a child is old enough to play in the playground they are ready to learn what to do in adverse situations. For example start with teaching them how a compass works or how to use a mirror to signal from afar. You can create small activities and games that include these items and become familiar with their children’s survival kit. The way I taught my children is I took them camping. In the process I would show them how I lit fires, gathered wood, setup tents, etc etc. This may not be possible for all people, especially city folk, you would be surprised what can be learnt in a backyard and the local park. Not only will they learn life saving skills but they will have so much fun. Not to mention fondly looking back to the time they spent with you.

Special notes to consider

Once you survival kit items have been packed in a back pack be sure to check if it’s not too heavy with your child. I good rule of thumb is keep the bag roughly the same weight as their school bag. As the child gets older you can adjust the back pack with more and/or larger items.

It’s also a good idea to monitor the survival bag for expired products i.e energy bars. Also remember to check the condition of batteries i.e headlamp, torch.

Whenever possible get the child to use the bag like taking it along to hikes, camps, day trips etc. This keeps them accustomed to the bag and a sense of ownership.

Top 20 items to add to your child’s survival kit

Let’s get into the nuts and bolts with my ‘must have’ items to include in the survival kit.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is great for youngest, it’s a chance to teach them basic first aid. I believe all children should at least have a basic knowledge of first aid and having one in their survival kit is a good motivator to learn.

Whistle

This item is important and one that you can pick up at the local thrift store. Buy one that is loud and looks like it will last more than 5 minutes.

Collapsible water bottle

Being collapsible this water bottle wont take up a large amount of space or add too much weight to the survival bag.

Winter Gloves

Gloves can be bulky so you may need to spend a little more and get good quality gloves.

Rain poncho

This item is packed so small it’s worth having one in the survival bag. They are generally so roomy so can easily be worn over parkers and jump suits.

Sunscreen

A small tube is all that’s needed here, the smaller the better. Must be at least 30+

Signal Mirror

A small item that has some powerful uses. Be sure to include one in the survival kit.

Torch

Battery powered torches are fine but you must remember to keep the batteries charged if they are rechargeable. My preferred option is crank powered torches. Read my article on the best ones here.

Knife

There are some small kids knives to choose from. Importantly teach your child how to safely handle and use such an item. Obviously there are many useful uses having a knife so teach them to use it responsibly.

Headlamp

Since discovering the headlamp it’s quickly become one of my favorite fishing companions. They are so good it’s a must have in any survival bag.

Energy Bars

Storing some long lasting food is a great idea, in this case energy bars foot the bill.

Duct Tape

Another item you can cheaply obtain at a thrift store. Such a valuable item that can be used in hundreds of different ways.

Water Filter

This is one of the most items to include as it can be life saving. They can also be used during school times and all types of outdoor activities.

Wash Cloth and/or moist Towelettes

This is another item you can buy cheaply at the local supermarket but ideal to clean sticky fingers.

Can Opener

You never when you might need one. May not be an essential item at the beginning but one worth adding as they get older.

Firestarter

There are a multitude of fire starters on the market and most are a good buy. One I highly recommend is this one above. Take time to teach your child how to use it effectively.

Emergency Blanket

This item can be used to sleep in or keep a young one warm. They are a small item and should be a survival bag addition.

Plastic Bags

Preferably zip lock bags, they can be used to keep things dry, such as matches.

Compass and Map

This may be last but could be the most important item you can include. What’s more important than having a compass and map is knowing how to use one. This takes specialized knowledge, so as a parent or guardian it’s up to you to first learn how to use a compass and map effectively. It would be a good idea to start an orientation course together.

Final Thoughts

As the child gets older and stronger you can continue to add more items which invariably will turn into a full blown survival bag. At some stage they will take full ownership and manage it themselves, which is the goal I suppose.

As you can clearly see from the above list you only need to spend a little to gather all the items. Most can be bought at the local supermarket for pennies to the dollar which would go into a usable and useful Children’s Survival Kit.

More importantly your teaching them life skills which in some cases could save them or others lives. With today’s kids stuck indoors playing computer games or watching videos this will encourage them to get into the outdoors. This all starts from the parents so don’t become complacent and put it off. Take action today and spend some quality time with your children start by putting together the items above and start their very own children’s survival kit.