What To Do If You Get Lost in the wild.

We have been talking about this a lot the past week with the Little Man. We want to go camping this summer and want him to know what to do if something happens , like getting lost. The number one thing that you need to reenforce is that you have to stay calm. If there are many hours before sunset than you can easily just follow the path that you had been on back to where you were , but if you can't that follow these simple rules:

S is for Stop -  Stop moving. Stay where you are so that others can find you soon. Try and make a shelter if you have too.

T is For Think - After you have calmed down, think about who knows where you are. What is around you? How much time before it gets dark? What is the weather like and do you need a shelter? What do you have on hand that can be used as tools? Think and stay calm. Since you are staying in one spot you will be found soon.

O is for Observe - Look around you and get aquainted to the area that you are in. Is there water nearby? This will make it much easier for you to stay calm. If you get your bearings and use what you have nearby.

P is for Plan - Plan what you need to do and in what order they need to be done. What is the first thing that you need to do and so on. Planning and keeping yourself busy will help to keep you calm until you are found also. Plan on some way to give a sign that you are where you are. Can you start a fire safely? Or use big rocks to make a marker for someone to see from above?

If you ever get lost you will be alright and be able to survive if you stay calm and prepare.