KID'S SURVIVAL TRAINING - STOP: Teaching kids to STOP 
can save their lives if they're ever lost in the wilderness 
 ... learn more on Passport to Texas.
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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

David Owens is quick to tell you that the most important 
program offered at Lake Mineral Wells SP is wilderness 
survival skills training for children. Owens, an interpreter 
and assistant superintendent, says at the heart of the 
program is summed up in a set of rules that use the 
acronym S-T-O-P.

The S stands for stay put. We want them to stay right where 
they are. The farther they walk away, the more area people have 
to cover to find them. And the more area there is to cover, then 
the harder it is to find them, and the longer they'll be out there. 
So we say S stay put. T - think. Get your mind under control. 
We talk about using our logical mind instead of your panicked 
mind that tells you to do things. We tell them what they need to 
do - to think about the people that are out looking for them. 
And to think about staying right there. Then the O stands for 
observe. Let's find a place where you can look around you, 
where you can find something that you can get close to and 
stay close to, that's going to be a safe place that's going to help 
you out instead of hurt you. Look for the dangerous areas 
where you are, and stay away from those. Then P is plan. You 
take everything that you brought with you, whether you brought 
all the right stuff or not, and put it out in front of you, and plan 
and see how that equipment will help you to either be found, or 
stay safe, or stay comfortable. :58

Tomorrow - what everyone adult and child should have 
with them in the wilderness.

That's our show for today ... for Texas Parks and 
Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.