In Los Angeles, a class on camping has also prepared participants to survive weather disasters, which are becoming more common as the climate warms.
Tim Jones, an outdoor educator, says many of the skills used while camping can help people stay safe during emergencies.
Jones: “During a disaster, you may find yourself in a situation that emulates being in a campout — there’s no electricity, there’s no lighting.”
Jones teamed up with the nonprofit Climate Resolve and Listos California to teach two camping 101 and emergency preparedness classes at a park.
The classes were free and taught in both English and Spanish to around 100 participants in total.
Attendees learned camping and survival skills like how to pitch a tent, cook meals at a campsite, and filter water.
Jones: “Roughing it doesn’t have to be rough. … We’re preparing them to go into the outdoors looking like they got their act together.”
They also learned how to pack an emergency go bag and make an evacuation plan.
Those tips and others covered in the class can be found in a workbook (Spanish) that the organizers have shared freely online. They hope the information empowers people to enjoy the outdoors for fun — and prepares them to stay safe during disasters.
Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media
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