There’s something both primitive and comforting about knowing how to build an emergency shelter out of sticks and leaves. It’s kind of like a squirrel, bird, or possum building a nest, except yours is on the ground.
What could be more fun for outdoor kids to learn in the woods? My kids used to try to build shelters when they were younger. I wish I’d shown them this video so they knew how – it’s not hard. You did keep some of those fall leaves didn’t you? Stay in there quietly and you’re bound to have squirrels scampering over you and birds totally ignoring you as they hop about their business.
After searching around the web, I selected the following video which shows how. I like this one for it’s simple explanation without a bunch of discussion of when and why you might want to survive in the woods. For a real emergency pay a good deal of attention to the part on keeping warm and attracting attention; for a fun shelter still make sure you don’t build on top of ant nests, snake holes, etc.
Wilderness Survival – Building a Shelter – More amazing video clips are a click away
I’m not ready to camp out in one of these yet, but the kid in me thinks it would be really fun to build and play in. What do you say?
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What a great idea for the kids, Alison! Who wouldn’t want to build a hideout? Thanks for sharing the video, too.
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What fun! We’re building igloos, snow forts and quinzees right now, but it looks like a great activity for the snow-free time of the year!
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This really is a great idea. A simple, completely eco-friendly way for kids to have a lot of fun.
Love it Alison. My kids all made shelters, from stick shelters to blanket Tepees. Sam is still of the age where he wants to build shelters and now that the snow has arrived -I guess it will be an igloo!
Thanks for sharing-great video too.