The Internet is full of different styles and ways to knot the paracord, but the cobra weave is one of the simplest and most popular methods. {insert images of paracord bracelet}
You never know when you may need to build a shelter, string a clothesline, stage an emergency rescue or simply find a way to pass the time. The final day of Survivor Camp focuses on ways to alleviate boredom. Castaways weave a paracord bracelet to take home, invent games for battling boredom and revisit the Order of Cards Challenge from the first day of camp. No real prep for today. …show more content…
At the end of camp, collect supplies in Survival Kits to use again at the next Survivor Camp.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instructors
Survivor Mail (whole group):
Welcome campers back and read today’s Survivor Mail:
{Survivor Mail formatting}
It has been 11 days since you first arrived at Survivor Camp, and you’ve survived a lot. When you were thirsty, you collected and purified water. When you hungry, you found edible plants to eat. You learned how to navigate using a compass and by pacing. You built shelters that shielded you from the weather, providing comfort and a sense of protection. You’ve signaled for help, so now there is only one thing to do, and that is to wait. Being a Survivor isn’t just about equipment and skills, it's about attitude. Boredom and loneliness are two of the biggest enemies in any survival situation. If either of these creeps in, your attitude can quickly plummet. Luckily, you are surrounded by the members of your tribe, so the likelihood of being lonely greatly diminishes. You may miss your family, your friends or your dog, but at least you have other people around to keep you company. But boredom is a different story. Why is boredom considered such an enemy? Think about what can happen when you get bored in school or at home. Time moves incredibly slowly, your attitude sours, you might start causing trouble just to keep things interesting or make poor decisions because of your mental state. Waiting, no matter for how long, always feels like an eternity. To best way to alleviate boredom is to stay busy. Today, your final challenge is to combat boredom while you wait to be rescued! Cobra Weave Survival Bracelets (independent) For this activity, everyone needs a 10 ft length of paracord and two plastic buckles that snap together. Hand out a page pocket holding the Cobra Weave Survival Bracelet Directions to each tribe. Work through the directions together or have each tribe work together collaboratively. The Cobra Weave is just one of many patterns that can be used. This one was chosen become it is rather simple. Although a perfect Cobra Weave is aesthetically pleasing, it is okay if the weave is not perfect. There may be extra paracord hanging off of the bracelet — this can be cut with scissors. If students want to take apart their paracord bracelet after class and try a different type of weave, do not cut the paracord. Once students are satisfied with their bracelet, the end can be cut and melted with a lighter, just not during class. Students can have an adult at home help with this. When everyone's wearing their bracelets proudly, brainstorm all the ways paracord could come in handy in a survival scenario. Can the class come up with at least ten different ways paracord can be used? (Paracord can be used as a shoelace, a can koozie, to build a raft, construct a shelter, hang a bear bag, lash a backcountry splint, attach items to a pack or