One item that we often mention should go into your emergency kit is some way to start a fire. Even if you're in the woods and kindling is plentiful (or worse, it's not and the old kindling around is wet), it always helps to have something that will give your fire a boost, whether you're out camping or you're in trouble and waiting for help. This simple trick involves a couple of cotton balls and some plastic drinking straws—in a few minutes, you'll have tiny fire starting kits that fit into any emergency kit.

Making them is easy—just cut a segment of drinking straw, pull off a little cotton from a cotton ball or pad, and stuff it into the straw. Seal both ends with a little heat so your cotton won't get wet if your emergency kit does, and you're all finished. You do need to make sure to use the right kind of straw, or else the plastic may not melt and seal easily, or you can dip the ends in wax to get the same effect. When you need it, just break or cut the straw to get at the dry cotton inside and light it.

You could even go a step further and add a dab of vaseline or chap-stick to your cotton to make it easier to burn. If this isn't up your alley, maybe some char cloth is a better addition to your kit, but it's a high-maintenance option. Aside from a lighter or some matches, how do you make sure your emergency kit can always start a fire? Share your survival tips in the comments below.

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This is the first video I did of a camping trip we took to the campgrounds at Saddle Mountain in Northern Oregon.

Just a regular trip with the Family and the Ol' Dog, Mr. Leon. It doesn't take much to have a great time. The kids are easily entertained with making S'mores, poking the fire (make sure they observe basic safety) and exploring the wilderness. If you take the time to show them how fun it can be and teach them basic skills such as setting up tents and building fires it will be something that they take with them the rest of there life.

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