Section 5 EO M190.05 – IDENTIFY TYPES OF SHELTERS
Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-801/PG-001, Proficiency Level One Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.
Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.
Select two sites, as described in the activity section of teaching point one.
Survey the survival site to see if there are fallen trees or caves present to use as visual aids during the lesson.
Create an a-frame shelter and a lean-to shelter for demonstration purposes during the class.
If the materials are available, erect an arctic bell tent, modular tent section and/or civilian-pattern tent for demonstration purposes during the class.
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An interactive lecture was chosen for this lesson to orient the cadets to types of shelters.
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By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have identified types of shelters.
In a survival situation, it is important to be able to construct an effective shelter. A shelter protects a person from weather, animals and insects. Shelters also provide warmth, shade, comfort and is an important component of the survival pattern.
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Teaching point 1
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Explain the importance of site selection.
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Time: 10 min
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Method: Interactive Lecture
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Before presenting the information provided below, ask the cadets what they feel is important when selecting a site for a shelter. Do not confirm or correct their responses at this time. It is simply a lead off question to get them thinking. |
Site selection should begin before dark if possible. The shelter should be built near a source of water, building materials (trees, boughs) and fuel. Specific land considerations include:
the area must be large enough for the type of shelter planned,
the area should not be at the bottom of a hill because of possible water runoff,
the area should be relatively flat, but slightly sloped to allow drainage, and
dry river gullies should be avoided, because of possible water collection in the gully.
Water plays an important role in site selection. Specific water considerations include avoid building too close to:
water, to avoid insects, and
the drinking water source, to prevent contamination.
Animals and insects can also cause problems at the site. Specific animal and insect considerations are:
avoid setting up a shelter where there are animal trails or standing water,
fast flowing streams will have fewer insects than still water, and
avoid areas infested with ants or bees.
Other considerations to keep in mind when selecting a site include:
there should be an open area nearby to construct signals,
the entrance of the shelter should face the sun to add warmth and increase morale,
avoid collecting thick wood for creating fires because it is harder to dry,
try to find a natural windbreak or a place that is away from strong wind currents,
avoid swampy terrain, and
if a fire is to be built, it should be located at the opening of the shelter, and it should be done at a distance.
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ACTIVITY
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Time: 5 min
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The objective of this activity is to have the cadets identify a good site for shelter construction.
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Show the cadets the two sites; one a good site and the other a poor site.
Ask the cadets to choose the best site and indicate why they made that choice.
Ask them to identify faults in the poor site for shelter construction.
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Why should the site not be located at the bottom of a hill?
Why should the site not be built too close to the drinking water source?
Why should there be an open area near the shelter when selecting the site?
To avoid possible water runoff.
To avoid contamination of the drinking water source.
To maintain an area for construct signals.
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Teaching point 2
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Describe natural shelters.
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Time: 5 min
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Method: Interactive Lecture
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The instructor should find examples of each type of natural shelter on the training site. If possible, deliver this teaching point proximal to the shelters. The instructor should have pictures of the shelters to show the class, in case one or both of the natural shelters cannot be found in the area. |
Natural shelters are effective to use in situations where there are limited resources. Different types of natural shelters can be used for short term and / or long term shelters.
Caves may serve as long-term shelters and do not take energy to build. They are also good waterproof shelters. The entrance should be sealed off with items such as rocks, logs, or wattle (boughs and broken branches). When building a fire, ensure to place it at the back of the cave so smoke goes out the opening. If the fire is placed by the opening, the smoke blows back into the cave.
A fallen tree can make a great temporary shelter. When using a fallen tree as a shelter, ensure that the tree is stable and will not fall further. Also, be aware of other falling trees in the area. Coniferous trees with pine branches are the best because of the dense branch structure. The branches can be woven for protection.
Name two types of natural shelters.
When lighting a fire inside a cave, what should be kept in mind?
Cave and fallen trees.
The fire should be lit towards the back of the cave so the smoke goes out the opening.
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Teaching point 3
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Describe improvised shelters.
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Time: 5 min
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Method: Interactive Lecture
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Prior to instructing the lesson, the instructor must ensure there is an a-frame shelter and a lean to shelter on site to use as visual aids to the class. Directions as to how to properly set up the shelters listed below are provided in Attachment A. |
Improvised shelters are used in situations where immediate protection from the elements is required. They are shelters that can be constructed quickly from various materials. The a-frame and lean-to are two types of improvised shelters that are very effective in protecting against the elements. A type of a-frame shelter is the hootchie-style shelter.
An a-frame shelter is a simple shelter that can be constructed with a groundsheet or waterproof poncho. The groundsheet or poncho can be tied to two wood stakes by twine or roots found on the site. The construction of this shelter will be further detailed in an upcoming lesson.
A lean-to shelter is constructed by using a horizontal crosspiece between two trees, with a panel of boughs or saplings used as a roof.
When are improvised shelters important to use?
What materials are needed to construct an A-frame shelter?
What are the main components of a lean-to shelter?
When permanent shelters are not available. In situations where immediate protection from the elements are required.
A ground sheet/waterproof poncho and twine/roots.
A lean-to shelter is composed of a horizontal cross-piece between two trees, with a panel of boughs or saplings used as a roof.
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Teaching point 4
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Describe tentage.
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Time: 5 min
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Method: Interactive Lecture
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Tentage is a permanent type of shelter that is useful for coping with the elements.
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The instructor is encouraged to emphasize certain types of tentage below, based on what types of tents are available to the squadron during this exercise. When setting up the types of tentage mentioned below to use as training aids, the instructor is encouraged to refer to Attachment A for proper directions. |
An arctic tent is a tent that can provide adequate shelter for up to ten people. It is composed of a center pole, which goes through the top of the tent. The tent is then pegged down on all corners and tightened to provide optimal space inside.
Modular tentage is often used as a sleeping or classroom setting for a large number of people. It is also effective in providing shade during hot days. It is erected in sections by using a combination of metal frames and canvas covering.
Civilian-pattern tents are a third type of tentage that can be used for sleeping quarters. Civilian-pattern tents vary in shape and size and are constructed to accommodate anywhere between 1 and 10 people.
For how many people can an arctic shelter provide shelter?
What are the uses of modular tents?
It is composed of a center pole, which is erected through a hole in the top of the tent. The tent is then pegged down on all corners and tightened to provide optimal space inside.
Modular tentage can be used as sleeping quarters, a classroom setting, and can also provide shade during hot days.
All cadets will be required to assist in the construction of various shelters during the aircrew survival exercise. This lesson leads to the construction of an A-frame style shelter and no formal end of lesson confirmation activity is required. The instructor should pose questions to the group to confirm the information presented in this EO was understood.
What are the various types of factors that need to be remembered when selecting a site?
When are natural shelters effective to use?
What are two types of improvised shelters?
What are three types of tentage?
Land considerations, water considerations, animal and insect considerations and other considerations.
In a situation where limited resources are available.
A-frame shelter and lean-to shelter.
Arctic tents, modular tents, and civilian-pattern tents.
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Constructing shelter is a key component of a successful survival pattern. In such a situation, protection against the elements and against wildlife or insects is extremely important. Knowing how to properly select a site, and furthermore how to construct a shelter effectively will significantly assist someone in such a scenario.
All shelters listed should be setup prior to the lesson being taught.
The directives outlined in CATO 11-08 Environmental Protection and Stewardship are to be adhered to during this training.
A3-009 A-CR-CCP-107/PT-002. Director Cadets 3 (1979). Royal Canadian Army Cadet CTP winter adventure training manual. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
A3-012 B-GG-302-002/FP-001 DAD. (1982). Basic cold weather training. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
C3-002 ISBN 0-00-653140-7 Wiseman, J. (1999). The SAS survival handbook. Hammersmith, London: HarperCollins Publishers.
C3-003 ISBN 1-896713-00-9 Tawrell, P. (1996). Camping and wilderness survival: The ultimate outdoors book. Green Valley, ON: Author.
C3-004 ISBN 1-85227-866-8 Davies, B. (1999). SAS encyclopedia of survival. London, England: Virgin Publications.
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