There's no reason why young people (children & teens) shouldn't become familiar with bush skills and wilderness survival skills. Children have an innate sense of fun, and wilderness survival skills are indeed fun!

There are many advantages of training young people in wilderness survival skills:

They are less likely to become lost while in the wild areas.
If they do become lost, they are much more likely to survive the experience.
Knowing the skills, and spending time out in the bush practicing them gives them a greatly enhanced appreciation of the natural world.
Increased self-confidence from knowing they can take care of themselves.
It's fun, and so they are doing something that makes them happy.
It's a great way to spend time with your kids.

Outdoor Ed Thoughts - Rob Bicevskis - An article about the value of outdoor education.

Involving Your Children in Wilderness Survival Skills - Allan "Bow" Beauchamp

Grass Shelter - by Keith Gerwing (this article is in the Thatch & Grass Shelters section)

See Also the Teaching Survival Skills section of this website

An excellent book:

Rediscovery
by Tom Henley
ISBN 0-9692230-3-X, published by the Western Canada Wilderness Committee
Drawing on North American indigenous traditions, this book is a guide to getting children and youths reconnected with themselves and the Earth. Tons of exercises and photos. Excellent book!

Survival Young People Teaching the Skills

READ THE DISCLAIMER