Hug-A-Tree
Hug-A-Tree is a child lost-prevention program that teaches kids one simple, life-saving idea: if you get lost outdoors, stay put, stay warm, and help searchers find you. A calm, confident child is a child we can bring home faster.
Lost doesn't have to mean scared.
Most children who go missing on a hike, at a campground, or in their own backyard are found safe — and they're found faster when they know what to do. Hug-A-Tree gives kids a friendly, memorable plan so that a frightening moment becomes a manageable one.
The name says it all: when you realize you're lost, pick a tree (or a rock, or any nearby landmark) and stay with it. A child who stops moving stays close to where they were last seen, which is exactly where searchers begin looking. We deliver the program in a fun, reassuring way that builds confidence instead of fear — and gives parents and teachers a shared language to reinforce at home and in the classroom.
The core lessons
Stay put once you know you're lost
Hug a tree and stay with it. Wandering makes the search area bigger and harder. Staying in one spot keeps you close to where grown-ups will look first — and it's a comforting thing to do while you wait.
Stay warm and dry
Kids learn to keep a trash bag in their pocket as a simple rain poncho, to pile up leaves or sit on a backpack to stay off the cold ground, and to avoid getting wet so their body stays warm until help arrives.
Help searchers find you
Make yourself big and easy to spot — wear bright colors, find an open clearing nearby, and answer when you hear someone calling your name. It's always okay to shout back; the people looking are there to help.
Bring Hug-A-Tree to your classroom or group
Our volunteers offer free Hug-A-Tree presentations for schools, scout troops, and youth groups across Cochise County. It's hands-on, age-appropriate, and built to give kids confidence in the outdoors.