TPWD Kids: Survival Kit

Whistle - If you get lost or hurt, use your whistle. It's easier than yelling and people will hear you from a long way away. If you are hurt or tired or scared, just blow into your whistle! People looking for you can whistle to you, too. Remember, 3 blows means "I need help!" Do this over many times so people can find you.
Hat - A hat with a brim will keep the sun and rain off your face, your head warm when it gets cold, and bugs out of your hair!
Sunscreen - Don't get burned in our hot, Texas sun! It hurts, you lose important water in your body and can damage your skin when you are older.
Water - You can survive a pretty long time without food (three weeks), but you really NEED clean, safe water.
Snack - Hey, you're going to get hungry, and it's a great reward for a long hike.
Compass - Learn how to use one. It's fun!
Blaze Orange Bandana - It makes a great flag on the end of your stick if you have trouble. You can use it for all kinds of things, like first aid, or just make a really cool something to tie on to your pack, or use as a headband, or whatever!

An adult or an older child should carry these:

First Aid Kit - There are lots of good ones in the stores. Or follow their example and make your own. Put it in a plastic bag that zips shut.
Trowel (tiny shovel) and toilet paper - In case someone has to go to the bathroom, but there aren't any bathrooms. Do like cats do, dig a little hole, then cover it up when you're done. Make sure to be far away from streams or ponds so that if there's a big rain, nothing gets washed into the water and contaminates it.
Handwipes, washcloth or something to wipe hands.