Frank Grindrod - Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids

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Edited by Deanna F. Cook, Lisa H. Hiley, Michal Lumsden, and Corey Cusson

Art direction and book design by Carolyn Eckert

Text production by Liseann Karandisecky

Indexed by Christine R. Lindemer, Boston Road Communications

Cover and interior photography by Jared Leeds Photography

Additional photography credits appear on page

Prop management by Liseann Karandisecky

Illustrations by Steve Sanford, with additional illustrations by Ilona Sherratt Storey Publishing,

Text 2021 by Frank Grindrod

Ebook production by Kristy L. MacWilliams

Ebook version 1.0

April 13, 2021

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Im excited that you have picked up this book!

I give tremendous gratitude to all the present and former staff of Earthwork Programs who helped improve the culture and programing over these last 20 years and to all the students and families who have supported this vision and trusted us with their children. We cherish our relationships with kids who started in elementary school and who, year after year, continue to give themselves to this important work. My love to you all.

Contents

Find your way.
Pack the right gear.
Build a fire.
Make your own tools.
Set up your own camp.

Welcome to Wilderness Survival

debris hut

Im excited that we will be going on a wilderness adventure together. You might have been on a camping trip before, but it was probably your parents or some other adult who made the plans for your adventure. Well, now its your turn!

No matter how far youre going or how long youll be gone even if youll just be camping in your own backyard overnight there are certain things youll need to bring with you and other things youll need to learn.

Here are the essentials for your trip:

• The right mind-set for adventure and survival
• Your survival kit
• Skills to be comfortable and confident

How do you find out where to get these things? From a guide, of course! Its important to learn from someone who has traveled the path before you. For many years, Ive been teaching kids to survive in the woods, and Ill teach you the most important tips and lessons in this book! Look for my tried-and-true Tips from the Guide throughout the book for extra information.

On any journey, there will be challenges that may be outside your comfort zone. For example, in the book My Side of the Mountain, Sam left the city to live in the Catskill Mountains. He built a shelter, made fires, learned what to eat, and figured out how to take care of his needs all things he had never done before. Even though he struggled sometimes, he made it through his amazing adventure!

This book is your call to ADVENTURE. Are you ready? Lets begin!

Get Ready for Adventure

You can have an adventure just about anywhere, from your own backyard to a state park to deep wilderness. Wherever youre camping, its important to be prepared with the right clothing and gear.

Clothing

Proper clothing is a very important part of your equipment when youre out in the woods. There is an old saying that goes, There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Whether the weather is hot and sunny, rainy and windy, or cold and snowy, the right clothing and accessories will keep you safe and comfortable.

The most important thing to remember is to try to avoid cotton. Cotton, which is what most T-shirts and jeans are made of, is usually comfortable, but when it gets wet (even from you sweating as you hike or make camp), it gets cold and heavy and takes a long time to dry. If the weather is nice and youre not going too far from home, its fine to wear cotton clothing. But if its rainy or snowy, or youre going on a long hike or a camping trip, there are lots of better choices for what to wear. Check clothing labels for materials like silk, wool, polyester, nylon, wool, acrylic they are better at keeping you warm and dry.