Survival in the Norwegian woods with kids #3

IT dosent require much planning to build a small shelter for kids, which follows the same principals AS bigger shelters. So in that sense, it’s just play for them, but still teaches them a thing or two about bushcraft and keeps them from indoor activities to outdoor activities.

It takes a few hours to make a good shelter for the kids, but it is very fun, doesn’t cost anything, and the kids will have a small shelter for themselves that will last one season. We did not use any rope, nails or any other tool of notching up the shelter.

it’s important that the frame is strong enough to support some weight but The construction is simple. At the top we used A small lodge which rested on branches on two trees that stood in close proximity to each other. Then a couple of small lodges on each side wall, supported by a vertical lodge.

Twigs should be notched so that They point downwards, leading the rain down and away, just like on the trees.

Branches of pine needles are a good option for dressing the roof/walls in summer time. In winter we use this, and would put snow on top of the dried out branches. I start dressing the walls near the ground and going upwards. That way, the twigs are easier to notch and do not fall out in strong winds. That way it also gives better overview of holes and irregularities. The method you use is like laying the roofstones on regular houses, stone overlapping the stone below.
To strengthen the branches to the frame you use elastic roots/twigs where necessary.