Leave No Trace: Principles for caring for the outdoors: take out what you bring in
Rule of 3 in survival: About 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter in harsh weather, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food
If you get lost: S.T.O.P.: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
What to do when lost: Stay where you are, make yourself visible and wait for help
Whistle signal for help: Three blasts
Universal distress signal: Three of anything: three whistles, three fires, three flashes
Signal mirror: A mirror that flashes sunlight to get attention
Bright clothing: Helps rescuers spot you
Tell someone your plan: Always say where you're going and when you'll return
Buddy system: Never hike alone
Ten Essentials: Navigation, sun protection, insulation, light, first aid, fire, repair tools, food, water, shelter
Compass: A tool with a needle that points to magnetic north
Map: A drawing of the land showing trails and features
Topographic map: A map using contour lines to show hills and valleys
Contour lines close together mean: A steep slope
Blaze: A painted mark on a tree showing a trail
Trail marker (cairn): A pile of stones that marks the path
Stay on the trail: Protects you and the plants around it
Tent: A fabric shelter for sleeping outdoors
Rainfly: A waterproof cover over a tent
Tent stakes: Pegs that hold a tent to the ground
Footprint (groundsheet): A tarp under the tent to protect the floor
Sleeping bag: An insulated bag for sleeping outdoors
Sleeping pad: A cushion that insulates you from the cold ground
Backpack: A bag worn on the back to carry gear
Headlamp: A flashlight worn on the head
Pocketknife: A tool to use only with adult permission and care
Campsite choice: Flat, dry ground, away from dead trees and flood zones
Widowmaker: A dead branch that could fall
Campfire safety: Use a fire ring, keep water nearby and never leave it
Put the fire out: Drown, stir and feel it with the back of your hand until it's cold
Fire triangle: Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen
Tinder: Small dry material that catches fire easily, like dry grass
Kindling: Small sticks that burn after tinder
Fuel wood: Larger logs that keep a fire burning
Fire safety distance: Keep tents and gear far from the fire
Camp stove: A small portable stove for cooking
Water purification: Boil, filter or treat water before drinking
Boil water to purify: Rolling boil for at least 1 minute
Never drink from streams without treating: They can have germs, even when clear
Water per person per day: About 2 to 3 liters while hiking
Hypothermia: Dangerous drop in body temperature
Dress in layers: Base layer, insulating layer, waterproof layer
Cotton kills: Cotton stays wet and chills you in cold weather
Heat exhaustion: Overheating from too much heat; rest and drink
Sunburn prevention: Sunscreen, hat and long sleeves
Bear safety: Store food away from your tent; never feed wildlife
Bear canister: A hard container that bears cannot open
Food storage: Hang or lock up food and scented items away from where you sleep
Insect repellent: Spray that keeps bugs away
Tick check: Look for ticks on your body after hiking
Poison ivy rhyme: Leaves of three, let it be
Lightning in the outdoors: Move to a low area away from tall trees and water
Flash flood: Never camp in dry streambeds in storms
Shelter from rain in the woods: Use a tarp or hang a rain jacket, stay dry
Lean-to: A simple shelter with a slanted roof
Fire starter: Tools like waterproof matches, lighter or ferro rod
Ferro rod: A metal rod that throws sparks when scraped
Emergency blanket: A thin reflective sheet that traps body heat
Trail mix: A snack mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruit
Latrine rule (leave no trace): Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water
Pack it in, pack it out: Carry your trash home with you
North Star (Polaris): Shows north in the night sky, found with the Big Dipper
Sun direction: Rises in the east and sets in the west
Moss on trees: Not a reliable way to find north
Orienteering: A sport of navigating with map and compass
S.O.S.: A distress signal

Free flashcards from Peabody at peabody.kids/flashcards/camping-and-survival-basics