Outdoor Survival Training for Alaska's Youth

Book excerpt: This document consists of illustrated instructor and student manuals developed to teach children outdoor survival skills. The curriculum was prepared for students in grades 5-7, but can be adapted to any grade level. The goal of the training is to increase students' chances of survival if they find themselves in emergency situations while boating, hunting, or hiking. The course is designed for a half-day in the classroom; a few hours at a pool or dock; and another full day building shelters, making signals, and collecting food. The manuals are used most effectively in southeastern Alaska, but can be adapted to other parts of Alaska and the north. The instructor's manual consists of seven chapters covering mental and physical preparation for outdoor trips and emergencies, seven steps to survival, building a survival kit, cold water survival skills, personal flotation devices and survival suits, and an outdoor survival practical. Each chapter includes goals and objectives, materials, presentation plan, introduction, additional reading materials, and quizzes. The instructor's manual also includes teaching agendas, additional references for instructors, videos, and student reading materials. The student manual includes abbreviated text of chapters found in the instructor's manual, illustrations, and reading materials. (LP)