COURSES > HUG A TREE AND SURVIVE
Hug A Tree and Survive
What sets the Hug-a-Tree and Survive program apart from the rest of the AdventureSmart programs is that it is targeted to a younger audience – children aged kindergarten to grade six. Presenting to such a young and influential audience means Educators have to be careful and specific with their words and actions.
About the Course
Hug-A-Tree and Survive was originally developed in the United States following the search for Jimmy Beveridge in 1981, and was first adapted for Canadian use by the RCMP. It was updated by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) and the SAR Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) in 2015 with new videos and activities to support program delivery.
The presentation and course is now centered around a video that tells the story of a boy named John, who wanders away from his campsite and becomes lost in the woods.
Please note that as an Educator, you are not permitted to update, change or alter the Hug a Tree and Survive program by any means, due to program usage requirements.
Course Overview
The Hug-a-Tree and Survive program follows a very specific format, that must be followed by all educators. Take note of the specific questions to ask, and points to make. Throughout the course you will also find helpful tips and activities.
Introducing Yourself and The Program
Learn the proper formats, scripts, and procedures that must be followed when introducing both yourself, and the program.
Four Main Rules
Learn how to emphasize the four key rules to keeping children safe – “Tell an adult where you are going” “Hug a tree and stay put” “Keep warm and dry” and “Help searchers by answering their calls.”
Demonstration and Review
Learn different activities, tips, and questions to help reinforce your audience’s learning.
Concluding the Presentation
Review a variety of different questions and statements that will help you properly conclude your presentation, and help your audience summarize all that they have learned.
What’s Next?
Following the completion of the course material, you will be prompted to take a final exam in order to earn your course certificate. Take your time and study the material before attempting the exam – in order to pass you will need to obtain a minimum grade of 80%.
Course Certificate
Once you have passed the final exam, you will receive a course certificate and become a certified Hug-a-Tree and Survive Educator. From there you can head over to AdventureSmart.ca and begin the process of registering yourself as an Outdoor Educator!
Register as an Official Educator & Access Additional Resources
Visit AdventureSmart.ca to register yourself as an official Educator and gain access to additional presentation resources, schedule presentations, and submit post presentation reports.