California’s Central Valley Wilderness Courses
Central Valley parents–Are you ready to send your child on a journey that will not only ignite their sense of adventure but empower them with essential life skills? The importance of wilderness survival skills for kids should not be overlooked. So, let’s discover why you may want to consider introducing them to the wilderness at an early age and how courses like Wonder Valley Outdoor Education can nurture resilient adventurers in your children!
Here are just a few of the things that children who participate in wilderness survival programs get to experience.
Introduction to Basic Survival Skills:
- Shelter Building: Children learn how to build simple shelters using materials accessible in nature
- Fire Starting: Kids discover methods of starting a fire safely, including using friction, matches, or lighters (when available).
- Water Sourcing and Purification: Kids also learn to identify and find sources of water in the wilderness. They will learn purification techniques to ensure it’s safe to drink.
Navigation and Map Reading:
- Compass Reading: Kids become familiar with compasses and learn how to navigate using direction.
- Map Reading: Kids learn how to understand and read maps, from deciphering the symbols and legends, planning routes for outdoor exploration, and identifying areas that may be of danger.
Engaging Survival Simulations:
- Lost in the Wilderness: Kids learn tips and techniques to stay calm, make decisions, and use survival skills to find their way back to safety, if they ever find themselves in this situation.
- Wildlife Encounters: Equipping children with insight on the different animal behaviors, giving them clear steps in how to react responsibly during wildlife encounters, and understanding the importance of respecting and preserving wildlife habitats is crucial to wilderness preparation.
LNT Awareness and Environmental Education:
- Nature Observation: Kids are encouraged to observe and appreciate the flora, fauna, and natural features of the wilderness, developing a deeper connection with the environment.
- Leave No Trace Principles: Children learn the importance of LNT, minimizing their impact on the environment and leaving nature undisturbed by packing out the gear and materials they bring in.
Wilderness Survival offers kids an immersive and hands-on learning experience. By engaging in survival simulations, and developing a deep connection with nature, children gain essential skills, resilience, and a heightened sense of environmental awareness. And while no parent wants to imagine their child in a life-threatening situation in the wild, giving them the tools and preparation to remain calm and make logical decisions is key.
Contact Wonder Valley Today
Wonder Valley Outdoor Education offers these courses for schools and child organizations to allow your children to experience these one-of-a-kind moments alongside peers and friends. Together, let’s nurture a generation of explorers who can face any challenge that comes their way with courage and grace! Call us today at (800) 821-2801 or fill out a contact form.
