Survival Game idea.

**Sarge47** · 05-06-2008, 11:27 PM

Here's an idea for a game that teaches some Survival knowledge, yet is safe enough for younger folks...like Scouts. I call it "Survival Hike"; (not to be confused with a member of the same name.)

I figured this out by accident as I was out in the woods earlier today looking for Morels. (found none, BTW) I saw something made out of bright red plastic in the grass that someone had discarded some time back. It was a "retractable" dog leash. The end had broke off of it so someone tossed it away in the woods. (GRRR!!!

) Then I realized that I could pull out all the cord and cut it off of the handle, which I did, getting about 10 feet or so of dirty, but stout, nylon cord. Next I thought that if I was with a youth group of some type we could hike through a section of woods, picking up litter and bringing it back to a central area, like maybe a camp. Each person, or sub-group, (Patrol?) displays what they found and everything is examined to see if it could be utilized in a Survival situation. I originally thought to have them only pick up items that they definately knew would be usable in said situation, but the thought of also providing a service to the woods in picking up litter left by uncaring folks won out in the end. So what do you think? Good, bad, lame, what?

**crashdive123** · 05-06-2008, 11:31 PM

Sounds like a great learning experience....and a nice way to help clean up the woods. They could examine their new piles of treasures and brainstorm the possibilities. Kind of like we do on the multi use section. Then they could actually construct what they come up with. Great idea Sarge.

**Rick** · 05-06-2008, 11:46 PM

I think there are two learning lessons there. Either of which is a great teacher. I think it's a great idea.

**klkak** · 05-07-2008, 12:23 AM

If you dont mind me taking the idea and running with it. In 2 weeks I'll be conducting a survival weekend for some father and sons from my church. I'm thinking this idea will be a great way to start the first day.

**nell67** · 05-07-2008, 05:31 AM

Thats a great idea Sarge!

**canid** · 05-07-2008, 05:41 AM

if by some chance i get a group together this year, i think that is a fine idea. multi use to another level, that.

if i'm honest, i only get a couple people each year wanting to know how to make fire by friction or a dozen or so hoping to learn a few of the safer edible mushrooms.

**Rick** · 05-07-2008, 06:24 AM

Canid - I KNOW how to make fire by friction. I just need to be able to do it or have someone follow me around and do it for me. Any volunteers? About the only heat I can generate is internal. But I usually sleep well after I try. Exhaustion will do that to you.

**Aurelius95** · 05-07-2008, 07:34 AM

This past Sunday I took my son to the river again to fish. We were on rocks, out about 15 yards or so from the bank and he reached down and grabbed a discarded Coke can. Told me he was going to throw it away. Using Sarge's idea (albeit before he had it)

, I explained to my son that if we were lost or didn't bring our Nalgene bottle, we could use this can and make a fire to boil water to make it safe for drinking. Anyway, never thought of using Sarge's idea on a larger scale, but it makes sense. Make it into a game, the kids have fun, they learn, and the wildlife appreciates the litter being removed. Thanks Sarge!

**Boker** · 05-07-2008, 09:42 AM

I remember that game from camp. They called it a 'Scavenger Hunt', but essentially, we were on trash detail. Not that it hurt us to pick up trash others had left.