AdventureSmart: Hug a Tree

Hug a Tree is an AdventureSmart program that helps lost children survive in the woods. It teaches children how not to become lost in the woods, and what to do should they become lost .If a child should become lost in the woods, hugging a tree can help them stay safe, and be found. Staying near a tree offers some protection from the elements, and keeps lost children in the same place, which makes it easier for searchers to find them. Best for ages 5-11.

The Hug-a-Tree Rules

Hug-A-Tree and Survive emphasizes four key rules to keeping children safe:

• Tell an adult where you are going.

Always tell your parents, or another trusted adult where you are going, who you are going with, and when you will be back. You can do this in person, over the phone, through a text message, or by leaving a note in a place they will see it.

• If you are lost, “Hug-A-Tree” and stay put.

A tree can help protect you from the elements while you’re outdoors, and most importantly, keep you in one place. Depending on where you are, there may not always be a tree. Perhaps your “tree” can be a large rock or bench at a park, or a sales counter at a mall. No matter what your landmark is, it is important to stay put, in order to stay safe.

• KEEP WARM AND DRY

Temperatures change throughout the day, and can drop at night. Even if you are warm during the day, keep your jacket handy for night time. If you get cold, put on an extra layer, pull up your hood or put on your hat if you have one, tuck your shirt in, tuck pant legs into your socks, and zip up your jacket. You can also keep warm by building a nest to keep you off the ground, or by using an emergency shelter.

• Help searchers find you by answering their calls.

Whether searchers are parents, police officers, or SAR volunteers, remember they just want to get you home safely. Answer back to their calls by making noise and signaling, so you can be heard and seen. Make sure to leave lots of footprints and clues, so searchers can follow your tracks to find you.

While designed for the outdoors, these rules are easily transferable to other places including sporting events, shopping malls, public parks, urban areas, and much more! Together, these core points work to ensure kids have the knowledge and training needed to safely enjoy the outdoors, and their communities.