The Five W’s of Survival Camp
We have built our program on the 5 W’s. Weather, Wood, Widow Makers, Wrigglies and Water. These things are all interconnected and build on each other which make teaching them so much fun. In nature in New Brunswick, we can easily go from grassy orchard where food abounds, (and potentially bears, and deer); to a dry rocky outcrop with no food or water options but plenty of natural shelters (caves, fallen trees); to a flood plain with lots of water, but not a dry place to sit or a dry stick of wood to build a fire… all within minutes.
Our goal is to reconnect elementary aged children with nature. We want to teach them how to play outside. Give them the tools to discover things on their own and guidance to keep them safe as they do it.
Weather
How to prepare for it and use it to enhance survival.
1. Types of shelter to build. What areas to build on and which to avoid.
2. What foliage and fauna to use in construction and which to avoid.
3. How weather affects humans and animals. Heat and cold related illnesses.
4. Plants – What time of year edible and useful plants can be found.
Wood
Tree and plant identification and how to use this information to enhance survival.
1. Fire building: What foliage and fauna aids in fire creation, sustainability, and signaling.
2. How trees can provide shelter, food, water, and medicine without causing permanent damage to the tree.
Widow Makers
Obvious threats to avoid at all costs
1. BE PREPARED – what to bring with you whenever you enter the wild.
2. First Aid – How to avoid threats and keep a bad situation from getting worse.
3. How to avoid panic.
Wrigglies
What insects and animals tell us about the environment we are in and how to use this information to enhance survival.
1. Insects, which can be eaten in an emergency, which to avoid, first aid for stings and bites.
2. How to use animal signs (tracking) to find things like water, fruit trees, berries, and even civilization.
3. How to use foliage and fauna to protect yourself and your resources from opportunistic and dangerous animals.
Water
Where to find water in order to enhance survival.
1. How to collect, clean, and store water.
For more specific camp related “stuff” that you probably want to know see our FAQ:
We look forward to seeing the kids of Quispamsis, Rothesay, Hampton, Grand Bay, Westfield, Saint John and surrounding areas at Survival Camp this summer!
