Young Paracording Entrepreneurs

Young Paracording Entrepreneurs

Tomorrow's Business Leaders are Crafting Paracord Today

Theo Waitkus, Paracord Planet fan

The value of a dollar is vastly inflated in the eyes of a child. As a kid, I used to do anything for a few bucks. I remember the dog days of summer, when my neighbors and I would set up a streetside lemonade stand, beckoning walkers-by to make a purchase. It took us about 6 hours to accrue a whopping $5 in total profit, and only 30 seconds to blow that entire amount on candy at the local gas station. We didn’t care. We were young, ambitious, and hungry for any little portion of wealth we could find. The same entrepreneurial passion is alive and well in the hearts of youth ten years later. I grant paracord some of the credit for this. Paracord crafting has not only become a way to spend one’s afternoon, but also has become a viable business venture for children of all ages.  Listed below are the most valuable lessons a child can learn about running a business from selling paracord bracelets to friends and family.

Lesson #1: How to be creative

Image from Rothco

The first thing a paracord crafter must establish is their competitive advantage. What can you make that nobody else can?! You have to keep a watchful eye on your competition and make it your sole objective to create more original products. This requires creativity. A child’s imagination is his/her most coveted asset. The uninhibited mind of a child is able to develop an unfathomable range of ideas. This means an unlimited amount of paracord designs. Creative weave and knot patterns will be the stepping stone that children use to further their business. When they enter the corporate business world, it’ll be the same. A creative product is as necessary in the industrial market as it is in the market for paracord bracelets. Young entrepreneurs will learn how to continually expand their creative minds through selling paracord designs.

Lesson #2: Understanding supply and demand

Image from Lead Energy

My first economics course in high school was nearly the death of me. I also never crafted nor sold paracord bracelets while growing up. Coincidence? Maybe. Seriously though, kids can learn a major lesson in basic economics through their bracelet business. How many bracelets do I have to craft this week? How much raw paracord and how many paracord buckles will I have to buy to satisfy these orders? Not only will a child learn the relationship between supply and demand, but also will learn how to increase demand through marketing. Whether they choose the word-of-mouth route, wherein Billy tells Jessica that Little Joey down the block can make an awesome bracelet, or they go to social media to post listings for their products, children have the opportunity to make their brand known. Learning how to price their products is another lesson for these young saleschildren. Selling paracord bracelets is the ultimate Economics 101 lesson for a kid.

Lesson #3: Distributing your product

Image from Mambo Sprouts

After a product is created and a customer is interested in purchasing said product, your saleschild is going to need to get the product to their customer. This is where their lesson on distribution will come in. Whether the distribution involves packing bracelets in one’s backpack and delivering them at school or sending them in the mail, kids will learn a valuable lesson here. Not only does the product have to stay safe and in-tact, but it also must be delivered at a reasonable time. The same concerns emerge in the corporate world. Quality and timeliness are the keys here. Our young entrepreneurs will learn the benefits of having a proper distribution system during their bracelet-selling endeavor.

Lesson #4: Managing customer relations

Image from Cindy Tansin

The final, and arguably most valuable, lesson a child will learn from crafting and selling paracord products is customer relations. In an ideal world, every customer we ever encounter will be exuberant and joyous with their love for our product. Unfortunately, universal satisfaction is a mythical goal. A child may encounter a few customers who are less-than-happy with their order. They will learn the ramifications that come along with an unhappy customer, and will learn how to improve the quality of their product to avoid encountering this unpleasant event again. Children will learn how to respond to adversity and persevere, which is very possibly the most important lesson for any businessperson to learn. Our young entrepreneurs’ early lessons in regards to customer relationship management will really set them ahead in the business environment of their future.

Making paracord bracelets most likely will not make your child rich. However, it will make them rich with knowledge of important business concepts. I firmly believe that the best entrepreneurs and business executives of our future are busy crafting and selling paracord bracelets today. So, encourage your child, younger sibling, or neighbor to get into paracord crafting; it just could be what leads them to success in their future.

Image from Grand River Toys

Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circle, check out our Pinterest, and add us on Snapchat at “ParacordPlanet.” We are frequently running contests and giveaways on all of these social media mediums, and would love to connect with our fans here!

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz, P2 Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

For more of Jack's work, view his full blog.

Bracelets for Men

Bracelets for Men

Four paracord bracelets designed for guys

I’ll always remember the time I was emasculated by a 4-year-old. I’m entrusting you readers with a hallmark moment in terms of my awkwardness, so feel honored. It was last summer, and I had just finished playing some beach volleyball at the local lake. On my drive home, I became flooded with an overwhelming urge for ice cream (these things happen, just go with it). I swerved into a Cub Foods parking lot, quickly found the freezer aisle in the store, and grabbed a carton of Haagen-Dasz. It was late in the afternoon, and naturally the lines for the cash registers were jam-packed. Behind me in line were a young mother and her son (my future nemesis). The boy piped up “Hey mom, why is that guy wearing a bracelet?! Is he a girl?!” I blushed, looked down at my yellow Livestrong bracelet, and nervously shuffled my way into a different checkout lane. Bill Cosby wasn’t lying; kids do say the darndest things.  I realized however that this little boy’s opinion reflected a greater societal belief. The rigidity of gender roles in modern society limits jewelry to the confines of a female-only accessory. I’m here to change that. Listed below are some of the roughest and toughest paracord bracelets that will change the preconceived notion that bracelets are for girls only.

#1: The Fire-Starter Bracelet

Man’s obsession with fire is virtually universal. From the early days of cavemen creating sparks with stone to the more modern applications in campfires and fireworks, I think every male is at least partially pyromaniac. With a flint-rod buckle, your paracord bracelet can be transformed into a fire-starter, too! Using the seven interior strands in your paracord as kindling, you can easily set your kindling aflame with the buckle. This bracelet is applicable in a multitude of survival situations, but also in simpler situations such as creating a smaller bonfire. Check out this video to see how the fire starter paracord bracelet works.

#2: The Fishing Bracelet

Image from Paracordable

My frequent readers are already well aware of my fascination with paracord’s fishing applications, but I can’t help it! A paracord bracelet that can be used to reel in some dinner out on the lake is just incredible to me. By removing the interior strands of your paracord and filling the outer shell with fishing line instead, you are well on your way to a successful pontoon ride. Take the picture above as an example of how you can better use your paracord bracelet as a makeshift tacklebox. Check out this video to see how the fishing paracord bracelet works.

#3: The USB Bracelet

Image from Finders Keepers Creations

Now this one is unique. As an office worker, I’m accustomed to the frustrations of a missing USB flash drive. I’ve seen a lot of ways in which a flash drive can be better accounted for, including attaching it to a keychain or the handle of your watter bottle. However, this is new. A USB that acts as the buckle on your paracord bracelet is as awesome as it is creative. While you’re at the office, you never have to worry about misplacing your flash drive or being unable to access your files. Check out this tutorial to see how you can make your own USB paracord bracelet.

#4: The Monkey Fist Bracelet

  

Image from Paracord Forum

I’ve always been intrigued by the monkey fist. When I first started working here at Paracord Planet, my desk buddy was playing around with one. I asked him what he was holding, and then he started whipping it around in the air. Accidentally (or so he claims), he lost hold of it and it missed my head by only a matter of inches. I literally dodged a bullet. Whether you are using the monkey fist for self-defense or demolition, it surely does the trick. Attaching a monkey fist to your paracord bracelet makes for a pretty awesome piece of jewelry. Check out this tutorial to see how to create your own monkey fist paracord bracelet.

The next time I’m approached by a 4-year-old sexist in a checkout line, I will proudly boast my paracord bracelet. The paracord bracelet is truly a unisex accessory, and designed for people of any age, as well. The applications of paracord bracelets and capacity for creative crafting are infinite. What ideas do you have to enhance your bracelet? Let me know in the comment section below!

Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circles, check out our Pinterest, and add us on Snapchat at “ParacordPlanet.” We frequently run contests and giveaways on all of these social media venues, and would love to get to know our fans even better!!

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz, P2 Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To read more of Jack’s work, view his full blog.

Stars, Stripes, and Paracord

Stars, Stripes, and Paracord

The history and expansion of paracord in the USA

U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A. Go anywhere in America, start that chant, and I can almost guarantee the room will erupt into a thunderous roar of national pride. OK, don’t try that in a movie theater or at a silent auction, but you catch my drift. Say what you will about Americans and the shortcomings of the United States, but one thing we have in surplus is pride in our country. The Home of the Brave and Land of the Free also deserve a lot of credit for the discovery and expansion of paracord. As the 4^th of July approaches, I want to dedicate this blog post to the unique relationship between my beloved country and paracord. 

The History

Image from WW2 in Color

To trace the lineage of paracord, we have to journey to the battlefields in World War II. The United States Military introduced a new form of cord—“paracord,” as it would be later known—to be used as the suspension lines for their parachuting expeditions. Once paratroopers were in the field, they began to develop new uses for this paracord. The slender, strength-resistant rope fulfilled many functions including attaching equipment to harnesses, tying rucksacks to vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees and vehicles, and being used as a pace counter to estimate ground coverage. Outside of the initial uses discovered by the military, paracord’s versatility continued to expand domestically. In 1997, during one of the early shuttle missions (STS-82), NASA astronauts accessed the highly useful cord to repair damaged insulation on the Hubble Space Telescope. It could be said that over the seventy years since its inception, paracord has subtly shaped American history.

USA-Themed Paracord Projects

The popularity of the red, white, and blue combination amongst bracelets is indicative of how prideful paracord crafters from the States truly are. We love our country, so why shouldn't our crafts indicate that?! Displayed below are some of my personal favorite USA-themed paracord products. How sweet are these?!

Image from Etsy

Image from Survival Straps

Image from The Hansens

Image from Unique Rope Craft

The "Made in the U.S.A." Promise

To be honest, before interning with Paracord Planet, I didn't realize the intangible added-value of a domestically-made product. Paracord Planet is a true American company. We hire employees right here in Fargo, choose domestic suppliers to responsibly source from, and pride ourselves in helping the U.S. economy continue to climb upwards. Not only that, but parachute cord was originally created by Americans. We can manufacture the best paracord, because we invented it. Every package you receive from Paracord Planet displays the "Made in the U.S.A." emblem to serve as a reminder to our customers that they are helping their country with every purchase they make. Stars, stripes, and paracord: that's my America.

Have an awesome Independence Day!! Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circle, and check out our Pinterest. Also, add us on Snapchat at "ParacordPlanet." We are giving out free paracord ALL THE TIME on all five social media venues!! Don't miss your opportunity to win all you can!

Written by: Jack Yakowicz, Paracord Planet Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

For more of Jack's work, view his full blog.

You Ain't Messing With My Click: The 5 Coolest Paracord Buckles

You Ain't Messing With My Click

The 5 Coolest Paracord Buckles

Nobody has respect for a cashier. Stick with me; I have a point to make. I spent three years working as a cashier at my hometown Target store. My days were replete with half-hearted conversations, redundant coupon scanning, and the occasional “hey, that’s not that price!!” I was rarely thanked, and seldom bestowed sympathy for my mundane job. However, without me, a transaction could not be completed, a customer could not exit our store, and our company would receive no profit. Likewise, a paracord bracelet is incomplete without a buckle (OK, there’s a few exceptions, but let me make my point). We often overlook the importance of the buckle that will ultimately complete our project. I mean, we don’t call it a “paracord BUCKLE bracelet.” This post is dedicated to the underappreciated paracord hardware out there. The five buckle options discussed below not only clinch and clasp our paracord jewelry, but also illustrate the covert coolness that can be the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary bracelet.

#5: The Aluminum Buckle

I admit to some nepotism, here, as my paracord bracelet—which was finished with an aluminum buckle—is my baby. The aluminum buckle has two main attributes that give it a leg up on its plastic predecessor: first, it’s flashy. The shiny metal exterior helps add a more aesthetically pleasing look to one’s bracelet, and contrasts perfectly with the cordage weaved around it. Second, the aluminum buckle is heavy duty. The durability of your buckle should not be understated. It’s important to have a buckle that can withstand the natural wear-and-tear that will occur during its tenure around your wrist. An aluminum buckle is able to offer longevity. Paracord Planet’s aluminum buckles can be purchased here. 

#4: The Whistle Buckle

Since this blog post has already discussed my troubled past with jobs, it’s time for me to bring up another stint from my past; I used to referee in-house basketball games. Having a hard time retaining my attention during those games, I was often yelled at by parents and coaches. Get your head in the game, Ref!! Blow your whistle. I now hate whistles. However, I will swallow my pride and admit to the benefits of a whistle buckle. While you are out in nature with your paracord bracelet, having a whistle can be a great asset. The whistle buckle can both curb the chances that you or that someone in your group will get lost during a hike through the woods. Paracord Planet’s whistle buckles can be purchased here.

#3: The Reflective Dog Collar Buckle

Do-it-yourselfers have found a real niche in the market for paracord puppy accessories. Harnesses, leashes, and toys are amongst the numerous items that are weaved with paracord. No item is more popular, however, than the paracord dog collar. For those of you who create these awesome collars, I would highly suggest the use of a reflective buckle to conclude your collar crafting. Using this reflective buckle is a precautionary initiative more than anything else, protecting your dog by making him/her more visible on a late-night walk. Make cars aware of your pup’s presence when crossing the street by equipping the doggy collar with this awesome buckle. Paracord Planet’s reflective buckles can be purchased here. 

#2: The Fire-Starter Buckle

When my co-worker first told me that his buckle could start a fire, I thought he was joking. Sure man, I thought, and my buckle can predict the weather. After trying out the flint-rod buckle for myself, I’m a believer. The applications of this flint-rod buckle are infinite! Whether you’re trapped in the middle of the wilderness, or aiming to impress a crush at a summer bonfire, let your buckle help you out. The seven interior strands inside paracord’s outer shell can seamlessly transform into kindling, and your buckle can be used to set that kindling aflame. Before you know it, you will have erected a fire from near nothing, and be able to stay warm in a testing climate. Watch this video to see how it works, and check out Paracord Planet’s flint rod, fire-starter buckles here.

#1: The Secret Handcuff Key Buckle

There’s nothing scarier than a prankster friend who owns a pair of handcuffs. We’ve all had that friend who takes a neighborhood game of “Cops and Robbers” a little bit too far, right? I wish I had a secret handcuff key buckle back then. Whether you’re in a bind like I was, illegally detained, or simply wishing to have a back-up key in the event that your original one goes missing, I would highly suggest purchasing this buckle. The Secret Handcuff Key Buckle takes the cake when it comes to cool paracord bracelet buckles. Watch this video to see how it works, and check out Paracord Planet’s secret handcuff key buckle here. 

Special shoutout to Joe Medina for the photography and editing.

Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circles, check out our Pinterest, and add us on Snapchat at "ParacordPlanet." We love hearing from our fans and giving them the opportunity to win FREE merchandise from contests on all of our social media venues! Comment in the section below with any future topics you'd like to see us discuss in our next blog...

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz, P2 Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To read more of Jack's work, view his full blog.

5 Paracord Projects for the Couch Potato

5 Paracord Projects for the Couch Potato

Consolidating your electronic addiction & paracord passion

My reliance on my iPhone is almost embarrassing. This past winter, my mom treated our family to a vacation to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Most people would have been satisfied with the tranquility provided by the beach waves, but the entire week we were down there I was like an addict experiencing withdrawals. No wi-fi?! No 4G connection?! What was I to do with myself?! Like I said, it’s embarrassing. However, I am not alone in my addiction to technology. The rapidity of life in the technological era leaves us feeling excluded if we can’t see the most recent Facebook posts, or receive texts from friends and family. Here at Paracord Planet, however, we have a company-wide devotion to the great outdoors. Our products are ready to be utilized in an assortment of outdoor adventure and survival situations. To instill in our readers a love for paracord, however, we realize that we have to also succumb to the fact that we’re competing with technology. So, why not consolidate technology and survival gear by introducing you to a few ways you can improve your technological devices with paracord?! Listed below are five great paracord projects for the couch potato to undertake that involve enhancing and protecting their electronics.

#1: Phone Charger Protection Wrap

Image from Life Hacker

“Stay, stay, please, stay,” Jack whispers to his phone. He watches as the lightning-shaped icon blinks on and off. The end of his charger is so badly frayed that it’s a guessing game every morning as to whether or not he will wake up with any battery remaining. We’ve all been there, right?! Nothing is more agitating than an inoperable phone charger, and a $30-$40 replacement fee leaves us feeling hopelessly defeated. Lucky for you, there’s a more cost-efficient route to pursue. Wrapping the end of your phone charger with protective paracord is a surefire way to alleviate any emotional irritation caused by a faulty or frayed charger. Here’s a tutorial on how to create your own phone charger protection wrap. 

#2: Paracord Headphone Sleeves

Image from Instructables

Music brings me sanity. I always have my headphones on me—when I’m at work, when I’m at the gym, and even when I’m trying to fall asleep. The upsetting reality behind this headphone dependency is that I can spend upwards of fifteen minutes in every day untangling the cords I balled up in my pocket. Whether you’re an avid music listener, or occasional earphone wearer, the overwhelming disdain for tangled cords is universal. By encasing your headphones in a paracord sleeve, your day has one less hassle to deal with. Here’s a tutorial on how to create your own paracord headphone sleeves.

#3: Paracord Flash Drives

Image from Load Out

Paracord puts the “flash” in flash drive. Sorry, that was a corny introduction. It’s true, though! Paracord, as bracelet and necklace wearers everywhere have learned, is the recent buzz in do-it-yourself fashion. Why not add some paracord to the outside of your flash drive?! Covering your flash drive in a paracord weave is sure to make your USB harder to misplace, as it adds a more visible shell as well as a nifty hook that can attach to a keychain or lanyard. With just a few feet of spare-a-cord, you can weave your own flash drive wrap. Here’s a tutorial on how to create your own paracord flash drive.

#4: Paracord Phone Stand

Image from Instructables

Here’s a fun one for the smart phone crowd. With the aid of some metal wire (found in a coat hanger, for example), the outside casing of your paracord can be used to make an ever functional phone stand. The paracord shell around the metal wire helps keep this stand phone-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. Keeping your phone in a stand is a great idea for you to consider at the office, as calls can be seen and responded to with greater ease, and spills and messes are diverted from the direction of your device. Here’s a tutorial on how to create your own paracord phone stand.

#5: Paracord Extension Cord Lock

Image from Instructables

We all remember different things about the day we moved into our college dorm room. Most people remember the long goodbye with their parents, while others remember the battle over who gets bottom bunk. I, however, remember thinking 'shoot, there’s only 2 plug-ins in this entire room.' Extension cords became a necessity for me, which created a set of subsequent issues as these cords would frequently fall out of the plug. I wish I had known then what I know now. Paracord can solve your extension cord headache by acting as a makeshift cord lock. Here’s a tutorial on how to create your own paracord extension cord lock.

Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circle, and check out our Pinterest. We also can be found on Snapchat at "ParacordPlanet." On all of our social media locations, we are frequently posting about contests and giveaways, which are major opportunities for you to win FREE paracord!! 

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz, P2 Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

For more of Jack's work, view his full blog.

Much Ado With Near Nothing

Much Ado With Near Nothing

Three awesome projects for your paracord scraps

Image from Instructables

Aside from monsters under the bed, the most frightening idea for me as a child was to be forced to eat my entire broccoli. I hated broccoli.  I knew that, my mom knew that, and so did Liza, our trusty old dog who sat under my chair at the dinner table to receive my unwanted food remains. Still, every night there would be a portion of broccoli on the edge of my plate. “Jackson,” she would plead with me, “there are thousands of hungry children out there that would kill for this broccoli right now.” I always imagined that there were thousands of hungry children that would rather have a burger. Regardless, I caught a lot of grief as a child for not finishing my plate. We all have wasteful tendencies, whether it be the wasting of our money, our talent, or our broccoli. My New Year’s Resolution this year was to stop being so wasteful in all aspects of my life; Now, it’s my turn to instill in my readers a sense of frugality when it comes to their crafting. With 100 feet or more of paracord in one’s arsenal, crafters often have the tendency to reach the end of their hank or spool and simply dispense any remaining scraps. Well, in the famous words of a red octagonal sign: “STOP.” The ends of paracord hanks should be utilized, as there are many craft creations that only require inches of cord. Listed below are three awesome projects for you to undertake with your excess paracord scraps.

#1: The Paracord Ring

Image from Etsy

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, that’s only because the girl hasn’t met paracord yet. Unlike diamonds, you don’t have to put a mortgage on your house to afford a little cord. When you are making a bracelet, whether it is monochromatic or multi-colored, why not save a few scraps to make a matching ring? A paracord finger ring only requires six to eight inches of cord and is remarkably easy to weave. To make your own paracord ring, check this out.

#2: The Paracord Fishing Lure

Image from Paracord Forum

From my previous blog, “Gone Fishing,” you might recall this unique use of paracord scrap for the fisher. Constructing a fishing lure out of the end of a paracord hank or spool is a great idea because of the simplicity. Fray the end of a hank, pull out and spread apart the seven strands composing the inside of the paracord, and run a hook through the makeshift lure. Stow away some extra paracord scraps into your tackle box, and you’ll have a long day ahead of you on the lake! To make your own paracord fishing lure, check this out.

#3: Paracord Lash-Points

Image from Bushcraft USA Forum

There’s a certain beauty that resides in subtlety. A lash-point on the side of a backpack or bag is rarely noticed but highly efficient. With only two to four inches of paracord, you can construct your own lash-point by singeing the ends of the scrap, and stitching the scrap to your bag, making sure to leave gaps. The gaps in this handmade lash-point can be used to hold a carabiner, or simply to have extra paracord on you while you are outdoors. If nothing else, some colorful paracord can add a little pizzazz to your bag. To make your own paracord lash-point, check this out.

The most wonderful part of paracord is that it is so functional that the possibilities are limitless. That feature is not compromised even if you’re only working with a few inches of paracord. I challenge you readers to cultivate your own idea to make use out of paracord scraps. Shakespeare was on to something: there truly is much ado with near nothing. To participate in contests and giveaways to win free paracord, make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circle, and check out our Pinterest. We also are now on Snapchat under the username “ParacordPlanet,” and would love to interact with our fans!!

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz, Paracord Planet Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

For more of ParacordPlanet, view our full blog.

Camp Paracord

Camp Paracord

What paracord bracelets can teach kids about survival

It’s a Sunday afternoon in early July. I’m in the backseat of a 2002 Dodge Durango as my mom and dad discuss mundane matters in the front seat. I feel an ironic blend of everything—nervous, excited, anxious, ecstatic, fatigued, awakened. We’re driving east on 94 from the southern Twin Cities towards Amery, Wisconsin, home of “Camp Wapo.” This is summer for me. Eleven years removed from my first stay at Camp Wapo, the memories are engrained in my brain indefinitely. Wapo is where I discovered my independence. Everybody has their own camp story. Summer camps began emerging in the late 1880s in North America as a means for children to become more acquainted with nature. Growing exponentially in popularity, the summer camp tradition is as strong as ever today, and programs continue to expand and adapt based on modern trends. When I was attending summer camp, for example, we didn’t have the luxury of paracord during our bracelet making sessions. We were left with measly yarn to braid. Don’t get me wrong, I still tried to woo the ladies with those prehistoric bracelets, but I regret not being able to craft with paracord. The superior look, on top of the infinite survival applications, makes paracord crafting a necessity for children attending summer camp. Listed below are a handful of situations in which a paracord bracelet can teach summer camp attendants about survival in the great outdoors.

Building a Campfire

Image from Kickstarter

I would equate the moment a child learns that his/her bracelet can create a fire to the moment a caveman discovered fire in the first place. Wide-eyed with possible salivation, children will be fascinated to learn that the rope around their wrists has the power to ignite an orange glow. The seven strands inside the paracord shell are perfect for kindling, and the flint rod buckle, as shown here, can create a spark to ignite that kindling. The fire that will ensue will teach children about building a campfire, but more importantly, about surviving in nature in the future.

Rigging a Makeshift Fishing Pole

Image from High Country Bowhunter

If you went to summer camp away from a lake or ocean, did you really go to summer camp at all? Summer camp for a handful of children is the first time they ever learn how to fish. Whether an amateur or self-described pro, making a fishing rod out of a paracord bracelet is presumably a new craft for all levels of fisher[child]. In an actual survival situation, it’s rare that you will have the luxury of a rod and tacklebox to help you gather fish to eat. However, if you have a bracelet you are able to construct lining as well as make bait out of paracord. With paracord, a branch or woodblock, and a hook, you have all you need to catch some dinner. Summer campers will love this fishing lesson! 

Being used for First Aid

Image from Team OTG Survival

The first real injury that I witnessed was at camp. A group of us guys from the same cabin were playing some soccer in our free time one afternoon. Ben, a member of this cabin gang, went to retrieve the ball and ended up tripping on a stick, nearly impaling his chest. The stick was sharp enough to cut him up pretty good, and we rushed him over to the counselor to tend to his injuries. If we had had a paracord bracelet, we would have been able to treat the injury a little better right then and there. The first aid uses include, but are not limited to, building a splint, sewing a wound, making a tourniquet, and constructing a stretcher. Camp-goers should learn just how useful their paracord bracelets can be in the wilderness when a first aid kid is not available. 

Summer camp is not only a time for fun and entertainment, but it's also an opportunity to capitalize on children's fascination. Allow paracord to make your camp experience a fun and informative one! Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circle, and check us out on Pinterest! ALSO, we are now on Snapchat, under the username "ParacordPlanet." For opportunities to win free paracord products, make sure to check out all of our social media outlets!!

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz, Paracord Planet Intern

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

For more of Jack's work, view his full blog.