mini survival kit for kids

[astrozam]

My kids and I have been studying bushcraft skills lately and today my daughter maddy came up with a mini survival kit for kids (or anyone for that matter) that would provide the most basic need FIRE.

Fire provides many things,cooks meat,disinfects water,provides warmth and a sense of well being,keeps critters at bay,can be used to signal,etc

Here is what the kit is carried in a simple dolar store cell phone holder


Here is the Kit,a plastic aspirin bottle


The kit contains water and windproof matches,a striker,lint, and some cardboard,all were wrapped in plastic














There you have it,a simple and effective way of having the necessary items to start a fire for a total of $1.60
empty aspirin bottle = free
wind and waterproof matches 7 approx .50cents
striker cut from match pack=free
lint = free
little piece of saran wrap = basically free
little piece of foil (for starting fire on if ground is very wet,or for signalling)= basically free
cell phone holder = 1.00
small role of trail marking tape stored in bottom of cell phone case 20' about .10 cents worth

[dumb lady]

That's a fantastic idea!! Holy cow, what a SMART young lady you have there Zam!
(Nice picture documentary too)

[LiftedAWDAstro]

That is a great idea especially if the kids like to hike and explore.

[astrozam]

That is a great idea especially if the kids like to hike and explore.

Precisely, thousands of children wander off on a simple exploration of their campsite or backyards,many become lost and frightened,most children are found relatively quickly,but some are not found for days.A simple fire starting kit could make the difference between a happy and a sad ending.

[potskie]

That is definitely a wicked little kit. May I suggest adding a small mirror for signaling as well as some fishing line and possibly some hooks then you'd be ready to take on the woods like a green beret lol

[astrozam]

That is definitely a wicked little kit. May I suggest adding a small mirror for signaling as well as some fishing line and possibly some hooks then you'd be ready to take on the woods like a green beret lol

The mirror is a great idea,tho a little difficult to fit in the bottle with all the other stuff,so she came up with the idea of using some foil for the signalling.

I would like to help her try to get a couple water purifying tablets packed in there safely 1st,and if there is still some room then the fishing line/hooks/split shot may be added.

Thanks for the suggestions

[scootermcb]

The problem with water purifying tabs is that once the bottle is opened, they deteriorate quickly. Purification tabs last approximately 3 months once exposed to air. They also aren't as good as other methods of purification. Chemical purification methods may only be partially effective, depending on the water temperature. Water should also be filtered somewhat before chemical purification. Besides, purification is unnecessary if you can boil the water.
It is possible to boil the water in a plastic bottle without melting it.
By carefully folding a large clear sheet of plastic and stuffing it in the bottle, a solar still (http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/ ... val-still/) can be made.

[Kidhauler]

We made simular kits in Boy Scouts years ago. We also added a quarter taped to the inside of the lid so you could make a call if you came across a pay phone. (shows how old I am as most kids have cel phones) Remember if you add a quarter to the kit to then pack the matches with the striker end down otherwise the edge of the quarter can light the matches when you go to unscrew the lid. I know it sounds stupid but this really did happen to one of the kids in my group it was funny as hell watching him yell and try and get the pack out of his pocket as he had been playing with the lid then put it away right as it went up.

[Smiliesafari]

KIDS, Don't ya just love em? They're so smart. Just give them some freedom to express themselves. Another small, cheap, and effective signaling device is a whistle.