Survival preparation is about more than just collecting a few cans of vegetables and putting them in a storage area. If you're someone who is genuinely interested in learning how to be self-sufficient and prepared for survival in the wilderness, then there are actually a few interesting activities that you can partake in. In fact, these activities are a great way for the whole family to have some fun, even if they're not actually concerned with survival preparation at all. Without further ado, here are some activities to inspire you and your family and to get you thinking about the practical applications of survival preparation.
Lake Fishing
At its core, fishing is about more than just relaxing and enjoying the landscape. For a survivalist, fish is an excellent source of protein, and an effective means of getting food when other options are limited. If you've never gone fishing before, or simply don't know where to start, then a guided lake adventure can be a great stepping stone. Fishing for monster lake trout at places like Lac La Marte can help prepare you for fishing on your own, and can also get you prepared for the ways in which different fish respond to being baited and caught.
Paintball
Paintball is another great way of enjoying the outdoors, while at the same time building up the skills that are necessary for survival in extreme situations. Paintball can be an exhilarating experience, but it is also one that understandably scares some people off. After all, who wants to get hit by a paintball? In reality, adrenaline helps to take the edge off of any potential pain, but even then it's minimal at best. If that still doesn't sway you, it can at least be fun to witness. Bring your family along to spectate if they don't want to take part, and then maybe they'll change their minds once they see how much fun everyone else is having. Regardless of whether your bring your whole family or just go to a paintball game by yourself, it's sure to be a fun and educational experience.
Backyard Games
For those that don't want to make the trip somewhere else, there are plenty of games that can be played right in your own backyard that promote the same skills necessary for outdoor survival. One of the most popular games is a variation of hide and seek, in which all of the hiders must covertly access a number of different places without being caught by the seeker. It's certainly much more difficult than traditional hide and seek, but it's the perfect opportunity to help kids understand how important stealth is for personal protection.
If you're eager to help your family build up their survival skills, then it's important to have an honest discussion ahead of time about safety. Survival preparation is about taking care of the people you love, but that doesn't mean you can't undercut that seriousness with a little fun every now and then.