Hiking with kids

Children can hike safely. They just need a survival kit, a few rules and some instruction.

Kids, like everyone, need to consider the amount of time in the woods, the time of year and the weather conditions.

Their survival kit needs the basics in case they get separated and need to be rescued. The right stuff will keep them in good shape and will get help to them faster. Children love to carry stuff – all kinds of stuff – so the kit will be fun to put together and to use.

Parents need to set the example. And they need to carry a whistle.

Here is what parents need to teach:

	Stay with the group.
	Stay within sight of others when hiking ahead. Learn what trail markers look like, and watch for them.
	Stay on the trail. When backpacking, stay within sight of camp.
	Dress in bright colors.
	Wear survival pack at all times.
	Practice using the survival kit before hiking.
	How to use a cell phone. This could help if you are injured.

What to include in the survival kit:

	Water bottle.
	Emergency snack in addition to the planned snack. Examples: Power Bar, granola bar, snack size peanut butter, chewing gum or bubble gum. Small package of dry Gatorade or similar drink.
	Red bandana.
	Large yard-type plastic bag or orange disposable plastic poncho.
	Loud whistle.
	Small LED flashlight, preferably with flashing mode. There are also small LED flashing lights.
	Chemical light stick.
	Aluminum foil, about 18 inches square.
	Disposable foil space blanket.
	4" piece of 3-M marine reflective tape.
	For older children, a plastic container of matches and fire starter or a lighter.
	small pocket knife.
	small first aid kit.
	25 feet of nylon cord.
	Small first aid kit.
	Kids folding binoculars/compass/reflector tool (for signaling help)
	GMRS two-way radio tuned to Channel 1 (parents also)
	Extra wool socks (which can double for gloves).
	Small roll of toilet paper in a Zipoc bag.

Most of these items are easily obtainable. Check the camping aisle in department stores or dollar stores.

Children survive better than adults when lost in the woods. Teach them to be calm and rest. Teach them to find a tree to make a nest by raking leaves or pine straw together and to let help come to them.

Here is what to do when lost:

First: Blow three loud toots on whistle, counting to 3 between each toot. Repeat. Then be quiet and listen for someone calling to them. If available, turn on two-way radio to Channel 1 and broadcast their name and that they are lost and need help. Repeat. Listen for response. Blow the whistle and send two-way radio message every few minutes. Radio batteries will only last about 4 to 5 hours.

Second: Lay out orange poncho so it can be seen. Hang the red bandana on a small tree or bush along with the aluminum foil.

Third: If cold, make arm holes and a head hole in trash bag, then pull over like a poncho. If you have a space blanket, use that. Clear out a space on the ground and build a small fire, adding to it occasionally to keep it going as long as possible. During daylight hours, add green evergreen branches to create smoke.

Fourth: At dark, eat half the candy bar and drink some, but not all, of your water. Add Gatorade if you have it. Hang the glowing light stick nearby. Hang the LED flashing light on the aluminum foil to reflect the red light. Put the reflective tape on a small limb. The flashlight also can be used to move about.

Fifth: Use the nylon cord and the space blanket to make a shelter. Use toilet paper or a gauze pad from the first aid kit to start a fire.

Remember, stay put and let help come to you.

Parents can find something of the child’s belongings in the car for search dogs to get a scent if dogs are needed.

In an emergency on the Pine Mountain Trail, contact the FDR State Park office 24 hours a day. The FDR ranger number is 706-663-4256. Let the rangers come to you. If you call 911 from a cell phone, be aware that you may not reach a 911 center that knows about the Pine Mountain Trail, so having the park office number is very important.

Jim Hall for the PMTA.