Prepping for my oldest child...

[bettersafethansorry]

Ok so i dont get my kids all the time and they live 180 miles away...

this being the case if TSHTF i would love to know he could cope till i could get to him.

(8 years old)

So my idea is some backyard camping but with 0 luxuries from the house.... teaching him how to handle a knife and how to start a fire. (i think doing these safely and ensuring he knows its not a toy is a good start.

Any other suggestions of things we could do.

-M

[tigs]

sounds like a good start , add a few walks in the woods while there collect tinder and fire wood and a few edibles , or build a den(shelter), show him how to filter water too and some of the basics are there.

[Decaff]

Seeing as he's only 8, you might want to ease him into it all very gently, if he thinks that camping is all hardship and no fun he wont want to go again which would make it difficult for the future. I would do a few and then gradually reduce the "luxury" side so that he doesn't feel like it's hardship.

Just a personal feeling rather than in at the deep end but obviously you need to do what you feel is right and I don't know your sons personality which makes a difference.

Please don't take offence as none is meant.

[bettersafethansorry]

See the thing is he is very army orientated with games and toys ect so im going down that root. with some camo netting and mess tin meals etc. think he will love that aspect of it.

[Decaff]

See the thing is he is very army orientated with games and toys ect so im going down that root. with some camo netting and mess tin meals etc. think he will love that aspect of it.

OK, so he is into the outdoors which is a bonus! so he might be more open to going in at the deep end.

You could also "hunt" for rabbits/deer (not "that" kind of hunting to start with ) trying to be quiet enough to track them and they have no idea you are there kind of hunting, good practice for SHTF and the need for absolute silence and the ability to remain hidden for a period of time.

Good luck and I'm sure your son will love it!

[J23]

I wouldn't rush things - just treat it so he will feel it's fun, besides don't tell him all this BS about zombie, social collapse, apocalypse, volcano eruptions, ufo, climate change etc - you'll scare the Kid and overload him with lot's of BS info - allow him to learn additional language - French, Spanish, etc, plus encourage him for Maths and education in general, plus if he'll enjoy it - some martial sport would do.
and again - don't rush things, he's only 8 and it's not the army - let him have normal childhood

[Stasher]

Think it's a great idea. Gives him quality time with you (which should be enough for him to enjoy it) and teaches him by sleight of hand. Like it

[SooBee]

8 yrs old equates to cub scout level so a quick look at their programme/handbook will help you get the right level for his age.
Basic rule...no scary stuff. Walks that will teach him about birds and woodland animals and how to recognize which plants are safe to eat and which ones are poisonous are the best way to start. Even teaching him how to keep dry is good, especially when sleeping out.

Keep it happy rather than 'kill' oriented. That can come later.

[bettersafethansorry]

Cheers Gent's

I have no intention of telling him "Why daddy has more camping stuff than the shop" its all gonna just be for fun and i want to keep it about safety and skills.

i want to be Dad
not Dad

Hahaha

[J23]

Cheers Gent's

I have no intention of telling him "Why daddy has more camping stuff than the shop" its all gonna just be for fun and i want to keep it about safety and skills.

i want to be Dad
not Dad

Hahaha

good, keep it this way, and call it bushcraft not prepping