How to Practice Bushcraft Safely with Kids

Bushcraft is all about thriving in nature by learning to understand it and developing basic wilderness skills, and it can be a deeply rewarding way to connect kids with the outdoors. Teaching bushcraft to children provides them with valuable skills, a sense of independence, and a profound respect for the natural world. However, this requires a strong focus on safety and a careful selection of age-appropriate activities. Here’s a guide to practicing bushcraft safely with kids, along with a list of fun and suitable activities that make learning these skills both safe and enjoyable.

Before diving into activities, it’s helpful to recognize why bushcraft is beneficial for children:

Confidence Building: Bushcraft skills allow children to take ownership of basic survival techniques, instilling confidence.

Environmental Awareness: Kids learn to respect nature and understand the importance of conservation and responsible resource use.

Problem-Solving Skills: Bushcraft encourages kids to think creatively and find solutions in unfamiliar situations.
Physical and Mental Resilience: Spending time in nature strengthens physical health and teaches patience, persistence, and adaptability.

Given these benefits, let’s look at some safety considerations and activities that can help you introduce bushcraft to kids effectively.

Safety Guidelines for Bushcraft with Kids

Practicing bushcraft with kids requires extra precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some critical guidelines:

Supervision: Always supervise children, especially when working with tools, fire, or in areas with natural hazards like bodies of water or rocky terrain. Make sure each adult is able to watch over a certain amount of children and no one is left unsupervised.

(Supervision at all times from a responsible adult who knows what they are doing is key to a safe and fun experience)

Establish Clear Boundaries: Define safe areas where kids can explore and set boundaries for dangerous zones. Teach them a signal to use if they need help or if they stray too far. The area they are allowed to go to should be checked beforehand to make sure there are no poisonous plants or things that could cause harm.

Teach Tool Safety Early: If introducing tools like knives, axes, or saws, start with basic safety rules. Use blunt or beginner tools initially, and supervise their use closely.

First Aid Preparedness: Have a first aid kit on hand and teach kids basic first aid skills. Make sure they know how to handle minor injuries and when to seek adult help.

Respect for Wildlife: Teach kids to respect animals and plants. Explain that some plants may be toxic, and certain animals can be dangerous if approached.

Stay Hydrated and Protected: Make sure kids are drinking enough water, applying sunscreen, and wearing appropriate clothing. Dress them in layers so they can adjust to temperature changes.

Age-Appropriate Bushcraft Activities

Introducing kids to bushcraft should start with simple, age-appropriate activities. Here are some engaging bushcraft exercises that teach foundational skills and build confidence in a safe, enjoyable way.

For Younger Kids (Ages 4–7): Nature Exploration and Basic Skills

Leaf and Bark Rubbing

Skill Learned: Environmental awareness and appreciation for nature.

Activity: Provide kids with paper and crayons. Have them place paper over different types of leaves, bark, or rocks and rub it with crayons to reveal patterns.

Safety Tip: Ensure they stick to safe, identifiable plants. Avoid areas with toxic plants like poison ivy or nettles.

Bug and Plant Identification

Skill Learned: Observation and respect for wildlife.

Activity: Go on a “mini-safari” where kids find bugs, plants, or small animals. Use a kid-friendly field guide to help identify and talk about them.

Safety Tip: Teach them not to touch animals or unknown plants. Some bugs and plants can be harmful if handled.

(This is Malcolm the bombardier beetle, and he can give off a nasty toxic spray as a defense mechanism. Very rare in the UK but you should always know which insects are going to be in the area)

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Skill Learned: Observation and environmental awareness.

Activity: Create a simple scavenger hunt where kids look for specific types of leaves, rocks, feathers, or flowers.

Safety Tip: Supervise them closely to ensure they don’t stray too far and are not handling anything unsafe.

Building Mini Shelters

Skill Learned: Shelter-building basics.

Activity: Let kids collect sticks, leaves, and stones to build small shelters for toys or stuffed animals.

Safety Tip: Avoid heavy logs or rocks and make sure kids don’t venture into dense or unstable areas.

For Older Kids (Ages 8–12): Basic Tool Skills and Advanced Activities

Introduction to Safe Knife Use

Skill Learned: Basic carving and knife safety.

Activity: Teach kids the “triangle of safety” (keeping cutting motions away from themselves). Start with soft wood and let them carve simple items like tent pegs or make feather sticks.

Safety Tip: Always supervise, provide a kid-safe knife, and ensure they wear protective gloves.

(Be careful with the bladed tools you give to kids, and don’t choose anything too heavy or dangerous)

Basic Fire Starting

Skill Learned: Fire safety and basic ignition techniques.

Activity: Teach kids to make a small fire using a fire starter and tinder. Explain how to safely tend to the fire and how to extinguish it.

Safety Tip: Only teach fire starting in a controlled area with water and sand nearby. Supervise kids closely and make sure they understand the importance of fire safety.

Natural Cordage Making

Skill Learned: Patience and craftsmanship.

Activity: Show kids how to twist fibers from plants, bark, or long grass into simple cords. Once they’re ready, they can use this cordage for shelter-building or tying together sticks.

Safety Tip: Ensure they understand which plants are safe to handle and check for any skin sensitivities before handling plant fibers.

Tracking Animal Prints

Skill Learned: Observation and identification skills.

Activity: Look for tracks around water sources or on soft ground. Teach kids how to identify basic animal prints and learn about the animals’ habits.

Safety Tip: Make sure they understand how to observe wildlife from a safe distance. Emphasize the need to respect the habitat and avoid disturbing animals.

Building a Simple Shelter

Skill Learned: Problem-solving and shelter-building.

Activity: Show kids how to build a basic lean-to shelter with sticks and branches. This hands-on exercise teaches them to select the right materials and secure their structure.

Safety Tip: Only build in safe areas, and make sure kids avoid using heavy branches. Ensure that the structure is stable to prevent any collapses.

For Teens (Ages 13+): Advanced Skills and Real-Life Simulations

Map and Compass Navigation

Skill Learned: Orientation and navigation.

Activity: Teach teens the basics of using a map and compass. Once they’re comfortable, challenge them to navigate to a nearby landmark.

Safety Tip: Start with short, straightforward exercises and monitor their progress. Make sure they have a backup method to call for help if needed.

Wild Edibles Identification

Skill Learned: Foraging and environmental knowledge.

Activity: Teach teens to identify a few simple, safe-to-eat plants like clovers, wild mint, or dandelions. Foraging teaches them the importance of knowledge and caution.

Safety Tip: Only practice this skill under close supervision, and ensure they don’t eat anything without adult confirmation.

(Be very careful when gathering wild food, especially if mushrooms are involved)

Building a Functional Survival Shelter

Skill Learned: Shelter-building and teamwork.

Activity: Teach them to build a shelter that can withstand light rain or wind using available natural materials.

Safety Tip: Make sure they work in pairs or groups to ensure stability and avoid areas with falling hazards.

Cooking Over an Open Fire

Skill Learned: Basic cooking and fire safety.

Activity: Teach them how to cook something simple over an open flame, like roasting marshmallows or making campfire bread.

Safety Tip: Supervise closely, ensure they understand fire safety, and have water nearby for emergencies.

Basic First Aid Skills

Skill Learned: Emergency preparedness.

Activity: Teach teens basic first aid techniques like cleaning a wound, making a splint, and dressing cuts or scrapes.

Safety Tip: Use realistic, supervised scenarios to practice these skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Making Bushcraft Fun for Kids

Keeping kids engaged is the key to a positive bushcraft experience. Here are some ways to make it fun:

Storytelling: Tell stories about survival, bushcraft, or historical explorers to inspire their imagination.

Create Challenges: Set small tasks, like making the longest cordage or identifying a specific plant or animal track.

Reward Progress: Celebrate small achievements with fun rewards, like badges, a special treat, or extra time for their favorite activity.

Involve Friends or Siblings: Bushcraft can be more fun with a friend, allowing kids to learn teamwork and share in the experience.

Teaching Kids to Respect Nature

Respect for the environment is a core value of bushcraft. Teach kids Leave No Trace principles to ensure they know to clean up, minimize their impact, and show reverence for nature. Emphasize the importance of not picking or disturbing plants and wildlife unnecessarily.