Bug out bags for children...

1. Laminated card with emergency contact info (child's full name, DOB, family member's names, tel #, e-mail, home address, next of kin contact numbers, reliable neighbor/friend phone number, etc.). Even for older kids or teens who can remember much of that info, but especially for younger ones who can't.

2. Whistle. $.99 each; https://countycomm.com/products/itw-...nt=27819307846

3. Plastic sports water bottle; 1/2 to 1 quart. Just a generic inexpensive one with a screw top. A little bit more "bump/leak" resistant than a standard soda or disposable water bottle

4. Mini-tote umbrella (for rain or hot sun)

5. Seasonal hat/gloves/jacket or sweater

6. Heavy duty contractor trash bag (for emergency shelter; show them how to use as an improvised rain suit or as a bag to crawl into); alternatively a cheap vinyl pocket poncho

7. Bag of generic store bought trail mix (with whatever ingredients they seem to prefer). Swap it out once a year. Walmart sells several flavors of such mix in larger sizes. Add a pack of gum to that.

8. Pocket sized travel-container of baby wipes (for emergency toilet calls or just general cleaning up before applying those band aids)

9. BIC mini-lighter and legally small pocketknife (3" blade) for those old enough to responsibly use them

10. For the oldest (or any younger ones who can read)... Your Family Plan for what you expect them to do in most likely cases (if they become lost, separated, missing sibling, etc.); just something printed on one laminated card. When to stay in place, when to go for help from an adult, how to call 911, where to gather and wait for Mom or Dad to pick them up during an emergency, etc.

11. For self-marking and general psychological boost... perhaps one of these:
https://countycomm.com/collections/v...al-glow-marker

$10 each, but it gives each child a way to mark themselves (or their survival bag) in the dark. Plus they're fun, require no batteries, and give a child something in addition to the flashlight.

12. Their own emergency money. Enough for a fast food meal, cold drink, or bus/taxi/subway fare. Stuff it into a small plastic airline travel bottle/tube.

13. A mini-sharpie so that they can write a weatherproof note to anyone looking for them... on a rock, a wall, a sidewalk, etc.

14. A generic nylon stuff sack or laundry mesh bag (with a locking clip) for external carry of Sheepie

15. An inexpensive compass for those old enough to understand use. Gives them a sense of direction to home or major landmarks. Small folding road map if age appropriate.

16. Something else to consider is what's called a "Sitzpad" in alpine climbing/ski touring circles. A small piece of closed cell foam that you can pull out to kneel or sit your butt on when the ground is wet, cold, snowy, or uncomfortably hard. Otherwise known as a stadium seat cushion. For kids, you don't need much size-wise. They can be trimmed down to whatever size is appropriate for a little one. It gives them a place to rest when they get tired and keeps butts from getting chilled or damp. Generic gardener kneeling pads make great ones... and they fit into small bags/packs; here's a set of 4 for $12:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kneeling-...rden/123129758

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Bug out bags for children...