Page 20 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Spring Giver 2026

MIRAMICHI GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE

Empowering Kids with AdventureSmart

By Paulette Arsenault

Miramichi Ground Search and Rescue presentations, storytelling, and hands on activities.
(MGSAR) offers several community outreach Many sessions include colouring pages, role playing,
programs, and one of the most impactful is and take home materials to reinforce what kids learn.
AdventureSmart for Kids. This initiative gives The goal is to make safety instinctive—something
children fun, practical safety skills they can use during children can remember and use without fear or panic.
outdoor adventures. Its signature presentation—Hug a AdventureSmart also introduces children to the
Tree and Survive—teaches kids what to do if they ever Three Ts of outdoor safety: Trip Planning, Training,
become lost in the woods and how to help searchers find and Taking the Essentials. Kids explore these ideas in
them quickly. simple, hands on ways—letting someone know where
New Brunswick’s vast wilderness is full of places they’re going, practicing skills like using a whistle, and
to explore, and AdventureSmart helps ensure children packing a small backpack with a few important items
enjoy those spaces safely. As a national safety program, they can manage themselves.
it blends education with adventure, building confidence,
awareness, and smart decision making in young
explorers. Whether they’re hiking, biking, camping, or
simply playing in the backyard woods, AdventureSmart
helps kids stay safe and prepared.
Hug a Tree and
Survive is one of the most
popular AdventureSmart
programs for children.
Originally developed by the
Royal Canadian Mounted
Police, it’s designed for ages
5 to 12 and teaches essential
survival skills in a simple,
memorable way. The core The AdventureSmart
message is straightforward: program teaches kids to
stay safe outdoors.
If you get lost, stay put and
hug a tree. A tree offers Parents and educators appreciate AdventureSmart
shelter, comfort, and a fixed location that makes it easier because it’s proactive, positive, and practical. Instead of
for search teams to find a missing child. focusing on danger, it empowers kids to take charge of
The program also teaches children to: their own safety. MGSAR’s trained instructors bring real
• Avoid getting lost: Stay with their group, pay world experience to every presentation, strengthening
attention to surroundings, and always tell an adult where community trust and understanding.
they’re going. Across Miramichi and throughout Canada,
• Know what to do if they become lost: Hug a AdventureSmart is helping raise a generation of
tree, use a whistle to make noise, stay visible with a confident, capable outdoor explorers. Through school
bright garbage bag, and conserve energy. visits, community events, and summer programs, the
• Carry basic essentials: A small kit with a message remains the same: Get informed. Go
whistle, flashlight, snack, and identification can make a outdoors. Be AdventureSmart.
big difference. To enquire about scheduling a presentation, please
These lessons are delivered through interactive contact MGSAR at info@mgsar.ca.

20 www.GiverMiramichi.com Spring 2026