During Fall Break in October, the Grayson County 4-H Agentplanned an Outdoor Survival Day Camp that provided youth the opportunity togain hands-on experience and knowledge for survival and protection inwilderness type settings. The knowledge gained was beneficial not only forwilderness (i.e. woods, hunting, etc.), but for general emergency situations aswell. Topics covered through the day camp included Entomology, map and compass reading, how to spark and build a fire, emergency packs, building shelter, basic first aid, and more.

The program was had 17 youth participants, with 7 being Breckinridge County 4-H members. The 4-H agents in the two counties collaborated on recruiting youth for the program and the Breckinridge County agent provided the entomology lesson on safe/dangerous insects as well as insects that could be eaten in survival situations. The Grayson County agent reached out to community members who have skills and knowledge of many of these particular topics. The response was great, bringing new volunteers to the program, many of which were law enforcement and emergency responders. 

 
By the end of the 6 hours of education, the youth were able to spark a fire using flint and steel rods, build a shelter with minimal supplies, read a compass and topographical map, and identify trees and animal tracks that will assist them in various outdoor situations. They also learned the items that were important to have in emergency bags and how to minimize the amount of items in the bag by finding multi-use tools/devices. The officers and responders were able to give firsthand accounts of the importance of having such bags is important when outdoors, whether hiking, camping, etc., and in vehicles. Much discussion and demonstration was had on how to handle and treat different illness and injury that they could come across in situations related to the day camp. All participants said they learned valuable information that they will be able to utilize throughout life experiences.