Acquiring basic survival skills is of paramount importance. Teens want to experiment and have an adventurous life. So, there is a possibility that at any time they may be thrown into a dangerous situation. To survive in such a situation and come out, basic survival training for teens should be taught. Teenagers also love places like mountains, woods and deserts. To survive in such places they need survival skills.



Many schools and private organizations offer basic survival training for teens. Many courses are specialized. For example a course can be held on basic survival skills while mountaineering, another could be survival skills needed while deep sea diving etc. Although the situations and the circumstances will be different in each case, if a teen learns a few basic skills, he will be able to handle the situation he is in, in a better manner.

The ability to make a fire is very essential for survival. A fire has many and varied uses. It fulfills a teen’s want for warmth, light and fire. It keeps wild animals and dangerous creatures away therefore giving a person peace of mind while resting at night. It is used to cook food and purify water. It is used to dry clothing. It is also used to signal over very long distances. Teens should know how to make a fire using the material available with them. The age old method of making a fire using friction should be taught during basic survival training for teens.

Knowing how to make a shelter is also important. Shelters protect a person from rain, wind, sun, snow, heat, cold etc. In basic survival training for teens, teenagers are taught to build shelters. Shelters can be built by twining branches together, draping a cloth or a parachute over some branches etc. While caves are a very good shelter, the teen must ensure that there is no wild animal or dangerous insect lives inside.

Finding food and water is another skill they have to be taught at basic survival training for teens. Every teen’s basic wants of food and water have to be fulfilled in order to survive. A person can go without food for a number of days but not without water. On an average, a person can survive for three days without water. Lack of water can lead to lethargy, dehydration, headaches, dizziness, confusion and finally death.

If they do not have food and water, they must be taught to search for them. Most plants provide water. Water can be found in the roots of trees and in vines. Rainwater can be caught and stored. The dew on the vegetation can be carefully collected and drunk. Once the water is collected, the teenager has to ensure that it is fit for drinking. He can boil the water on the fire he has made. Food can be collected. There are many edible nuts and berries, insects and even bugs. Teenagers should be trained at basic survival training for teens to snare animals, cook and eat them.

Most basic survival training courses give a session on first aid. First aid is essential for lacerations which will otherwise turn infectious, venomous bites, fractures, sprains burns etc.

Signaling techniques are a must in every survival training course. Signaling enables a person to be rescued faster and helps a person to make contact with the rescuer without being in actual, physical contact. Fire, smoke, flashlights, reflective mirrors, whistles etc are some signals that can be used.

Navigation is yet another skill to be taught. Map and compass reading is taught as also using stars to find a way out.

Basic survival training courses for teens also train teenagers to overcome panic, think clearly, formulate an action plan and implement it.