Hug A Tree
The Hug-A-Tree and Survive program was created to teach young children (5-12) how to prevent getting lost, what to do if they do get lost, how to stay warm and dry, and how to help searchers find them. The program started in San Diego, California after the tragic death of a nine-year-old boy who was lost in the woods.
This program teaches children and their families many ways to aid us when you get lost.
Hug a tree
Hug a tree to help ease anxiety and fear when you become lost. Hugging a stationary object, sometimes even talking to it, can help ease the fear of being alone and prevent panic. This also helps you stay in one place so you can be rescued faster, and prevents injuries due to fall or other accident.
Always have a whistle and trash bag
It also teaches you to carry a whistele and a trash bag. If you put a hole in the trash bag for your head, it can be used to keep you dry and warm. A whistle can be heard from far distances, and if you are lost and continue to blow it, it will aid rescuers in finding you.
Your parents won’t be angry
This program will teach that your parents won’t be mad at you. Children often avoid searchers because they are embarrassed or afraid of punishment. We are there to help, and your parents will be so happy to see you safe and sound.
Make yourself big
From a helicopter, airplane, or drone in some areas, people are hard to see when they are standing up, when they are in the trees, or wearing dark clothing. Find your tree to hug in a small clearing if you can. Wear bright colors (red and orange are more easily spotted) when you go to the woods or desert. Lie down when a helicopter, plane, or drone flies over you. This may be us trying to find you, and we want to be able to find you quickly. If it is cold and you are rested, make a large “X” or “SOS” using twigs, branches, or rocks, or by dragging your foot in the dirt
Animals are afraid of humans
If you hear something, yell at it. If it’s an animal it will run away to protect itself, and if it’s a searcher, you will be found
You have hundreds of friends looking for you
Many children who are lost don’t realize that if they will just sit down and stay put, one of the many searchers will find them. The searchers will be yelling your name, but they are not angry. They are just worried about you and want to find you as fast as possible. Don’t be afraid to yell back and let them know where you are.
How can I schedule a presentation for my organization?
If you would like to schedule a Hug-a-Tree and Survive Program presentation, free of charge, for your organization, please contact us through the contact form on the website, or email us at ironsheriffsar@gmail.com.
For more information, please reference this PDF, or contact us.