Tips and Tricks Tuesday: Building a Family Preparedness Legacy

In a world where self-reliance often takes a backseat to convenience, today’s society rarely teaches the skills that kept our ancestors thriving—skills the Wyoming Patriots are reviving with passion. Hoarding essential supplies isn’t just practical; it’s a lifeline when emergencies strike, and we’re sharing 15 must-have items to stock, rotated regularly for freshness, while making it a fun family adventure. Imagine turning your basement into a preparedness playground—sorting canned goods with the kids, testing flashlights in a treasure hunt, or planting seeds together for a mini-garden. This hands-on approach not only builds your kit but instills self-reliance in the next generation, strengthening our community one family at a time.

Here are the Tips and Tricks for 15 essential items to hoard, with a family twist:

• Water Filters: Purify any water source—rotate filters every 6 months and let kids test the flow.

• Non-Perishable Food: Stock canned veggies and dried fruits—rotate every year with a taste-test game.

• First Aid Kits: Keep bandages and antiseptics—practice bandaging dolls with the little ones.

• Multi-Tools: Grab pliers and knives—teach kids safe handling through a repair challenge.

• Flashlights and Batteries: Illuminate the dark—organize a basement scavenger hunt to test them.

• Fire Starters: Ignite warmth—practice safe fire-building outdoors with adult supervision.

• Blankets and Sleeping Bags: Stay warm—rotate seasonally and build a cozy fort together.

• Portable Stoves: Cook off-grid—experiment with a mock meal as a family cooking lesson.

• Hygiene Products: Stock soap and toothpaste—make a hygiene kit with kids’ help.

• Seeds for Gardening: Grow food—plant a small plot and track growth as a family project.

• Manual Can Openers: Access supplies—race to open cans for a fun twist.

• Clothing and Footwear: Prep for weather—sort and try on gear for a fashion show.

• Communication Devices: Stay connected—test radios with a family message relay.

• Cash and Barter Items: Trade wisely—create a mock barter game with household items.

• Defense Tools: Ensure safety—discuss non-lethal options like pepper spray with older kids.

Rotate perishables like food and batteries annually, and use these activities to teach youth and friends the lost art of preparedness, preparing for our Joker Poker Shoot on September 20 and Skinning & Quartering in November. Join the Wyoming Patriots Check-In Group to connect with others, share your family prep ideas, and build a stronger community—visit www.wyomingpatriots.info to get involved. What fun prep activity will you try with your loved ones? A heartfelt thanks to HillTop Bank for supporting our mission to empower families.