Children especially need to understand the importance of staying put if they become lost or separated from their group.

Teach your kids the basic Hug-a-Tree principle, and keep it in mind for yourself, too: When you know you're lost, find the biggest, tallest tree around, one near a clearing if possible, and make that tree your friend. Stay by it come thick or thin, day or night. To keep warm, make a thick pile of dry leaves and twigs under the tree, and sit on it. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs into your socks.

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Being lost and alone is scary enough for a grown-up. It can be terrifying to a youngster. Hugging a tree and even talking to it (and to birds and other critters in and around it) can help calm a child. Make sure your kids know it's ok to do just that if they become frightened.

Tell them something else, too: If they do get lost, parents and other grown-ups won't be angry with them. Lost children sometimes hide from searchers because they're afraid they'll be punished. Let your children know that you'll just want to see them again and give them a big hug.

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