Before you go
Safety Guide
These ground rules apply to every mission. Draft guidance is pending editorial and safety review; read each mission’s hazards and stop conditions before deciding to proceed.
Rule 1
Adults lead, kids learn
Ages 5+ with adult supervision required at every age, including Trail Leaders. Check each mission’s minimum recommended age, readiness requirements, hazards, and stop conditions; not every activity suits every child.
Rule 2
Firecraft stays unlit
Every fire activity uses pictures or miniature unlit models. Keep matches, lighters, accelerants, and heat sources out of the activity area.
Rule 3
Dedicated supervision near water
Children wear a properly fitted life jacket throughout shoreline activities, with a dedicated capable adult within arm’s reach. No wading, swimming, or boats. Leave for unsafe weather, banks, or water conditions.
Rule 4
Hookless practice, adult-only tackle
Casting practice uses a hookless training plug in a clear dry-land lane. During actual fishing, adults handle hooks, hooked casts, snags, fish, and release; children do not handle wildlife.
Rule 5
Respect wildlife
Watch animals from a distance. Never approach, touch, or feed wild animals.
Rule 6
Leave plants in place
Adults check local plant hazards before an outing. Do not forage, taste unknown plants, strip bark, or remove living habitat material.
Rule 7
Stay found
Agree on a meeting spot, carry a whistle, and teach kids to stop and stay put if separated.
Rule 8
Check before you go
Look up weather, land rules, and permits for wherever you're heading.
Rule 9
Leave no trace
Pack out what you bring, take apart temporary structures where required, and leave places better than you found them.
Wild Weekend provides general guidance only. You know your child and your environment best — use your judgment.