Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival

by Denise Long

Anyone can get lost while camping or on a hike and Survivor Kid teaches young adventurers the survival skills they need if they ever find themselves lost or in a dangerous situation in the wild. Written by a search and rescue professional and lifelong camper, it’s filled with safe and practical advice on building shelters and fires, signaling for help, finding water and food, dealing with dangerous animals, learning how to navigate, and avoiding injuries in the wilderness. Ten projects include building a simple brush shelter, using a reflective surface to start a fire, testing your navigation skills with a treasure hunt, and casting animal tracks to improve your observation skills.        

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction, Survival, Outdoors

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting, at times scary, but very informative and helpful. Some of the dangers we perceive in the outdoors, I not as big of a danger as might be thought, and others are perhaps a bigger danger than we thought. But yet in both cases we need to be prepared. Gives practical advice on many things, including what to take with you, knot-tying, dealing with extreme temperatures, being lost, etc.

The author has a wealth of experience, and gives personal anecdotes from time to time.

I read this before gifting it to a grandson. I should probably borrow it to reread, as there was a lot for me to take in and remember! A great book for those who love to explore the outdoors!

[Kami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I debated between this book and Bushcraft Kid for my son's birthday present (he wanted a survival kit--dont know where that came from). I liked the info in this book better, it was excellent and more useful, but I kept the other one because it had color photos and many more photos/illustrations than this one and I knew my son would do better with that. I wanted to keep both, but budget and all that. For a better reader I'd definitely recommend this one.

[klagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first wilderness survival book that I've read, and I will refer to it again and again. It is simple, straightforward, and a great starting point for those interested in spending more time outdoors. I also like it's small size; it can easily be carried in your pack during your adventures.

[Nick Eager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic information. Has food and water ideas. Basically if for a kid who is lost while camping.
Rating 4/5 for kids. Lower for anyone else.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand, great tips, and overall a good book!

[R Waterfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it! Such an interesting book about wilderness survival. I definitely learned a lot! Great for preparing for camping, hiking, and all kinds of wilderness adventuring.

[Josiah Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book.

[Sue Poduska · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive reference for the serious hiker, this book is best used as a reference. The author packs an amazing amount of information into twelve short, but well-organized, chapters. Much of the information consists of good advice that this age group should be able to follow. Throughout, there are fun activities to help bring the message home, such as geocaching, a sort of treasure hunt to practice GPS or compass use. The author does get preachy occasionally, but this is a very serious subject. Each section is nevertheless readable.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview for kids of what to do if you get lost or otherwise can't get back home when out in the wilds. It emphasizes basics, like once you realize that you are lost, stop and bring the basics with you when you're going out. It explains how to make shelters in different environments, how to find water and what plants are safe versus which ones are dangerous. It also doscusses what to do when faced with various types of wild animals. A good book if probably a little optimistic about what people will carry on a day hike.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, wise advice for kids (and adults) on how to survive for a few days in the wild. The author sticks to realistic options and common situations that arise when in survival mode. Also includes an excellent list of must-have items to take with you even on single day hikes (when many people do get lost), as well as what to have in a first-aid kit and what to have in your car at all times. Highly recommended. Ages 9 and up.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good book i think it was written for a younger age than me but i know some technices from survivor man (the show)but it was cool to take my time and know exactly how they do it (survial technichs)