Over the weekend I was visiting with my sister and her family and after walking down on the beach we went back to her house to hang out for awhile. I got my bugout bag out of the back of the vehicle and started a fire in her fire pit with my firesteel.
My nephew – aged 10 – watched with interest as I split wood with my knife and then thought it was pretty cool when I managed to light a fire with just a couple of strikes off the firesteel. He said, “Hey Uncle Jarhead. Can I try and light a fire like that?”
Are you serious? Get over here!
Hiking in the Moosehead Lake Region. My nephews will join me there someday.
First he went in and brought out a couple of knives his father had given him. One folding knife and one fixed blade that was small, but serviceable. We talked about the knives for awhile and then I showed him that he could use his knives in a survival situation if we had to. We split some small wood, started a fire, and cut a figure 4 trap from some small branches that were laying around. The whole time I lectured on topics like shelter, water, trapping small game, and things like that.
We were out there for less than an hour and he finally asked, “How did you learn so much about this stuff?”
I replied, “My father, my uncles, my grandfather, were all outdoorsmen and every time we got together they showed me a little more about being in the wilderness. The Marines showed me some cool stuff and I’ve done a lot of reading and trying out some of the things I found in the books.”
It was very rewarding to me to have a little time with him to show him a few of these basic things. My other nephew – aged 17 – lives in Canada with his mother and his existence is mostly in front of his computer. My heart breaks for him. He’s coming down this summer and I’ve already told him that we’re going to hit the woods for a few days.
Last summer I took him on a hike and I think that was the only “real” thing he did while he was down for two months. Heartbreaking. This summer I’m going to dedicate a little more time and get him engaged in the real world.
But how do you compete against the instant gratification of the Internet? Everything you could possibly want is just a mouse-click away, whereas with hiking and camping it’s a lot of hard work, sweat, dirt, and possible injury if you’re not paying attention.
Let me come back to that thought…
I told my sister I wanted to take her son out with me hiking and camping when our Canadian nephew came down and she thought it sounded like a great idea. He was sitting there and looked interested in the idea, but it’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re sitting there still smelling like wood smoke. It might not be so interesting to him in a few months when it’s hot and buggy out.
Now, back to my question about how to engage young people in an activity they find interesting, but are hooked into the ‘Net. How?
When I was around 12 years old my mother, knowing my love for the great outdoors, bought me a backpack. It was one of those with an aluminum frame and it tied down with a string and a flap. The shoulder straps would cut into your shoulders with any weight at all on it and it didn’t have a waist belt.
I was in heaven. Me and that pack covered a lot miles before it finally wore out. My kit was slowly pieced together over a year or more and was constantly evolving. I had a big folding Buck Knife that was the mainstay of my kit, a Boyscout cook set that rattled to beat hell when I hiked, and a sleeping bag that never should have seen 32 degrees, but did on many occasions.
Here’s my idea. These kids have an interest in the wilderness, but no knowledge or equipment when they get there. My brother died eight years ago and my nephew and his mother returned to Canada where she came from.
My sister divorced her husband and he hasn’t spent much time with my younger nephew in a wilderness situation. Her current husband is a hell of a nice guy, but no woodsman. What’s an uncle to do?
It hit me on the way home. I’ll set these boys up with a basic kit and spend time with them over the summer showing them how to use it. After a few campouts I’ll encourage them to spend time out there practicing their skills and improving their knowledge.
Will it work? I don’t know, but it seems to me that if I don’t try nobody else will. And I ain’t gonna give up that easy folks.
My son is going to do some dirt time with me – that’s a given, and I hope I can get my nephews out there as well.
Now imagine that you’re a teenager again and that cool, but kinda hardass, uncle is going to buy you some basic equipment. What would you want in your pack?
I’m going to supply them both with a pack and a knife to start with, but what else would you put in a pack for your younger kin?
-Jarhead Survivor
I think you are onto to something here – getting kids acquainted with the outdoors when they are young would be a great first step from removing them from ‘Cyber-World’.
A cook kit (basic) is something they can use in backyard. Simple boiled meals like spaghetti, Mac N Cheese, that sort of thing. A Mora sheath knife – tough, easy to sharpen, and down sized handle may be a good choice for sheath knife. Then teach DIY projects that use that knife. Marshmellow / hot dog skewer, fire sticks, etc. – teaches tools build other tools.
A hammock gains you something you can use anywhere you have a suspension point, and gains you a chair or bed to relax and enjoy and appreciate the outdoors. Sometimes doing ‘nothing’ gives you time to appreciate what you otherwise miss while engaged doing something else.
Hammocks are great. I keep one in my kits. Yes they are known for sleeping in. But I don’t like sleeping in one. I keep it because they have so many other uses. Bear bag, fishing net, shelter, and laundry bag come to mind right away but there are more uses than that.
I made 550 cord belts with a weave pattern for my kids. The belt buckle has a hidden folding knife in it so they can cut the end ofr an instant 100 feet of 550 cord even if they lost everything else.
1) fire steel, with attached striker.
2) whistle.
3) orienteering compass.
4) first aid pouch.
5) closed cell foam sleeping pad.
6) steel “canteen cup” or enameled steel “mug”.
7) small tarp.
8) 50′ (min) of “trot-line” cord.
9) poncho.
10) one “boonie” hat.
there’s ten items, just off the top of my head, and i agree with j.r. guerra about the cook kit, or at least a small cook pot.
each “camper” will need something to carry water in. (could be anything from a “camel-back” to a Nalgene bottle to an “arctic canteen”) the best practice is to keep a personal “drinking cup”, plus a separate “clean” water container. an inflatable pillow is really nice to have, regardless of what they’re going to use as bedding.
I’m with Irish –
1 poncho
oops
1) poncho. 2) US canteen, cup and cover. 3) mag bar w/ fire steel. 4) Pad. 5) 550 cord 6) Survival card deck 7) Boonie hat Have “earn” the right to carry a knife by reciting safe use Having them “earn” each item by proper use and reciting why they are important is probably a better idea than just “gifting” them. Teaching them to use their minds and imagination is a better gift than things. Teach them what can be used if their gear is not available.
I agree with Sput; having them “earn” the items will make it more like a game and make it more meaningful. I would also include a good survival manual with projects. Have them choose something from it that they would like to do, and then have them come up with alternatives with what they can find and what they have.
i don’t want them to know i’m teaching them anything.
i’ve always given little preparedness items as “stocking stuffers”, for Christmas. (whistles, water bottles, small flashlights,
res-q-blankets etc) i try not to get too extravagant, but i don’t want to give them junk. i hope this stuff is the beginning of their first “bug out” bags/ EDC pocket kit. (can’t give the school age ones knives anymore though…)
the 550 cord was on the list, (in my head) in addition to the other cord. on second thought, i’d probably substitute a piece of heavy plastic or TYVEK for the poncho and tarp, and maybe a foam seat cushion for the sleeping pad.
I’m 61 but you can adopt me and I’ll call ya unkle too, just till I get the gear, ahem!!!! I would think since communication is a skill that some hand outs to communicate through hand signals for them to learn, or the proper way to signal with a mirror, that would be nice to be able to communicate without talking yelling or even moving your lip’s….
You’re a good man, Uncle Jarhead!
I might add a copy of the Boy Scout handbook to all the gear. As a scout volunteer for many years, I find the basic scout handbook is a good place to start. And/or get them involved in a local troop that is active, then you volunteer, too.
The scouts need wilderness types to help out with training, and that gets the parents educated, too.
Both my sons got a tremendous amount from scouts, and I got at least ten-fold what I put into the local troop.
Kudos to all above. I had a Mora knife as a kid and one of those cook kits that opens up to make a fry pan, plate cup and small pot. They still make them.
I’d add:
1. A set of knot cards like the Pro Knot cards
2. Sterno stove to practice cooking on in places where a fire is a problem
3. Waterproof match case with strike anywhere matches (getting increasingly hard to find
Mini water filtration kit.
Mini fishing kit.
When we were kids it was hard to keep us out of the boonies on weekends. We made a lot of our own gear of course, it was late 60′s and early 70′s. We tried a lot of Boy Scout projects we saw in the magazine’s and slowly built our retreats in the wilderness. From Indiana to New Mexico to Spokane Washington and back to New Mexico. I often wonder how many relics and buried old playboys could still be found at those sites. I’m now a 54 year old Dad and my 5 yr old son can already start a fire with the fire steel. We have been camping since he was 15 months and now his sister is 4 months and will begin her camping adventures this May. One of these day’s we might get a Nintendo type game but not till I’m too old for the boonies and need something to do. LOL. Great job with your family.
Head lamps and compasses seem to go over well with my nieces and nephews. I’ve taken my nieces and nephews to a few orienteering meets and they seemed enjoy it.
Great ideas ….mine is a little less practical but waterproof playing cards or even UNO ..gotta do something fun around the campfire!
I feel that one of the best ways for boys to learn and grow in the outdoors, while learning important leadership and life skills is the Boy Scouts of America Program. Get them outdoors and teach them. Just my two bits.
As a child I spent quality time with my father by accompanying him to Military surplus stores and salvage yards and thrift stores. We would find awesome stuff (like a pulley to make the best zip line ever) and then use them in the woods around the property or on camping trips. If he thought I needed a canteen, he’d take me to the surplus store, talk with me about what I should be looking for in a canteen and then let me pick my own. It made me take ownership of all my gear because if it was bad or useless or didn’t work quite like I wanted it to, I had chosen it. But at the same time when everything came together and worked just like I wanted it to, it was my victory because I had chosen my own gear. That long story was my round about way of suggesting that you give your nephews criteria but allow them to choose their own gear so they feel more invested in it.
Everyone has covered almost everything imaginable. I was going to suggest just ‘mission specific’ items, so they wouldn’t be taken out and used for other stuff, but my main suggestions were firesteel, compass and sharpening tool for the knife. Mabe a headlamp type flashlight. And – do they still make the Boy Scout Handbook????? If they can be obtained, preferably the older ones – maybe used book or thrift stores? – they had a WEALTH of woodlore in them, and I carried one for years and years, until it fell apart.
You are doing an awesome thing – i salute you! Wish I’d had someone to ‘mentor’ me in my younger years. The Army can do a decent job but they operate on a tighter time schedule and with a little less tolerance ;o)
I agree…..the new Boy Scout handbooks are diluted to the point of uselessness. Find one from the 50′s on Ebay. It’s a survival course in a book and was my woodcraft bible back then.
Fire starting materials, water filter/purification supplies; paracord and flashlight.
My first set-up stemmed from a fishing kit my grandfather (on Ma’s side) gave me. I think that the love for fishing/hunting he instilled in me, with the help of several Uncles and Cousins (my dad was a Field-Grade Logistics Officer in the Army, many years he spent 8-9mo deployed). Starting with fishing, I got to the point where I wanted to catch bigger fish, and a wider variety of species… which ment getting further and further from home to accomplish my goal. It was a little scary the first time (in the Everglades of Florida), not knowing if what “went bump in the night” was looking for a nice snack, namely me! But it stands as one of the best memories I have.
So my suggestion is to find something similar to inspire them, sparking a child/teens curiosity can be the best way to send them into a lifetime of learning… I’m living proff. Good luck Jarhead, they are lucky to have an Uncle like you!
I taught my son the basics of out door survival. He was eager to learn and was a natural. He actually taught me a few things along the way. It’s about bonding and building memories that last a lifetime.
It was a drunk driving SOB that took him away from us twelve years ago. I could show him how to protect himself from the dangers in the wilds but I couldn’t protect him from selfish people who get behind the wheel of a car drunk and think that it’s cool. Damn them all!
Please don’t drink and drive.
P.S. My son, I see your face among the stars on a still northern night. I hear your heartbeat in the sound of the pounding wing beat of a startled grouse. I see your shadow in the tranquillity of a silent forest — but most of all we will miss you always.
I am so sorry for your loss Watchdog.
The driver probably did prison time & lives a life of regret but it will never make up for the lost life. I wish people would wise up.
Thank you Jason. Your kind words are appreciated.
The driver did only six months and has already re-offended (no one killed, thank God). Before he killed David he had two priors.
Serial drunk drivers are a menace to us all. Fortunately, todays courts are finally waking up and handing out stiffer sentences. Today he would be facing 6 to 10 years behind bars.
God has helped us cope with our loss. Being a prepper means being able to face the unthinkable and moving on with dignity and courage.
May God bless and guide you always, Jason.
I remember getting my jansport aluminum frame backpack. My dad and I went to philmont. I finally grew out of it after about 5 years and 50 or more nights outside. How do you teach the young ones? It’s not that hard since they all have inside them. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
You sound like a very “cool” uncle – smart to not let ‘em know you’re teaching. Most kids have enough adults directing them, “imparting wisdom”. That’s why it worked when you just quietly lit the fire & sparked their curiosity!
Your story made me think back to when I was a kid. .. was it the thrill of being told to walk for miles with a heavy sleeping bag and an oversize pack that made us happy? No, it was because we were having an Adventure! with a capital A. (The one on the computer is probably playing video games… what kind of adventure stories are the kids into?)
Sure, bivvy sacs and canteens are the most practical survival items – but most survivalists aren’t showing off their sleeping bags on YouTube. I’d give a kid at least one real nice “Wow!” piece. Too bad it can’t be a jacknife, but your compass or flashlight or firestarter sound good too – not a toy, but still something they can show off at school, be proud of, pass down, and fiddle around with while still learning responsible use and building their skill.
(Don’t be too worried about the kid on the computer, though. Kids have a lot more going on than you’d think. I was on a camping trip and us adults were debating where the meteors would be… and a kid pulls out his phone with the astronomy ‘app’ and says, “Right over there”! Guess technology is good for something after all.)
Excellent Jarhead! You’re a good uncle.
Joe
Hey Jarhead, If you really want to get a kick out of things, put them both a p38 can opener in there along with some cans that don’t have the instant pop top. My kids all thought I was crazy, but that it was cool when I would open a can of vegetables or beans faster with the p38 than they could using an electric can opener.
Also, put them a MRE in there, along with a canteen, canteen cup and sterno burner. Nothing like hot Beef Tips, or Chicken Al La King from a MRE when you have been eating cold vienny weinys out of a can for a week.
My Son is a Scout leader and when he was young he did not have an out door man around that is why I signed him up for scouts when he was 5 years old and he loved it so much, anyway that brings me to now and he is a leader and he always likes his cooking and eating set, placed in a mesh bag, also I would add a rope.
Don’t let the boys compete too much .. would hate for the 17 year old to get skunked by the 10 year old. Maybe you could get the ‘computer kid’ to print you all some maps and info about the area. I would guess the 10 year old is going to be pretty happy to be playing with the big boys. Wonder if they would like a t-shirt with something printed on it that means something for all 3 of you: date, location, funny name ?? then get them another for next year … hope you have a great time … just remember the worst camping trip makes the best stories LOL
one other quick thought .. what about a disposable camera for each of them .. you get the developing done, and send them a booklet of your summer escape … and keep a copy for yourself
Sounds great, I think one of the greatest gifts that an uncle can give a boy, in addition to survival skills, is poker. Teach ‘em to play poker while you’re out there.
Don’t forget the mini first aid kit! They will need a few band-aids when they practice their knife skills.