When to do when lost overnight with no food

If lost and forced to stay overnight in the wilds, you may have to forage
for food. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

You're lost and know you’ll need to stay the night in the wilds. Unfortunately, there’s only half of a snack bar and some trail mix crumbs for food. What should you do?

First, reassure your children that all will be all right. Rescue teams or fellow hikers likely will be along soon to help you.

Next, take action. Forage for local berries before darkness sets in so you can see what you’re picking. Some plants are poisonous, so familiarizing yourself with them before heading into the wilds is useful. Among common plants you should avoid are white berries and some varieties of fiddlehead. Stay away from mushrooms unless you are certain they are safe.

Related articles:
g If lost, reassure kids by getting them involved in signaling for help
g Staying the night outdoors because you're lost? Set your priorities
g What to do when lost with children on a hike

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Don't let hiking kids eat mushrooms on trail

Amanita bisporigera,
a poisonous mushroom.
Photo courtesy Wikipedia.

Never eat or even touch a mushroom unless you are absolutely sure that it is safe.

Children have a way of getting their fingers into their mouths, and if it is a poisonous shroom, that’s bad news.

Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a ring around the stem, and red on the cap, as they often are poisonous. 

If handling a mushroom with which you're unfamiliar, wear gloves. You don't want to make the mistake of getting the mushroom on your fingers, which then can be transferred to kids' skin, simply by holding their hand.

The symptoms and treatment are the same as for eating poisonous berries.

Read more about day hiking with children in the guidebook Hikes with Tykes.