How to Make Your Own Personal Survival Kit
Want to try new things, go on amazing adventures, learn new skills, and make friends with lots of different people?
Scouts welcome young people between 5 and 26 and are open to all genders, ethnicities, religions, and abilities. All you need is a sense of adventure and fun!
The Scouts programme is designed to give you ownership of your own adventures. Find out more about Scouts NZ and how to join here…
In this article, Scouts NZ shares everything you need to assemble your own survival kit.
What to put in your survival Kit:
It’s a good idea to have a survival kit at the ready for any outdoor adventure you go on. It’s one of those things that you hope you will never need... but is really good to have if something doesn’t go to plan. A survival kit will help you stay safe and get help.
Survival Blanket
These blankets are compact and will keep you cosy if you find yourself outside in the cold.
Whistle
If you get lost or separated from others, a whistle will help you make a loud noise without wasting lots of your energy on shouting.
Snacks
To keep your energy up.
TIP: Choose foods that have lots of energy and won’t go off... or get squashed!
First Aid Kit
A few things can go a long way if someone hurts themselves. Sterilising wipes, sticking plasters, gloves and a bandage are a good start.
Pencil and Paper
Useful to have so you can write notes for people who might be looking for you and to keep track of things. TIP: A pencil is better than a pen because it can write when it’s wet!
Pocket Knife*
A small knife is useful for all sorts of things.
Waterproof Container
Put all these survival kit items in a waterproof container, so that they won’t get wet! This could be a plastic container, a ziplock bag, or something like a drybag that has been specially designed for keeping things dry in the outdoors!
Fire Starting Kit*
If you end up stuck somewhere for a while, being able to light a fire will help you stay warm, boil water, and maybe even cook food. Flint and steel, waterproof matches, and something small and flammable like cotton wool and Vaseline will give you the beginnings of a good fire.
* Ask permission from an adult first - they can show you how to use it safely.