What is Prepping

If the power went out, your phone's battery failed, and no one was coming to help, what would you do? It sounds like the start of a bad movie, but it is not that far-fetched. For my family, being prepared is more important than being afraid.. And let’s be honest, it’s also about having fun while we figure it all out.

I started this blog because I believe prepping does not have to be boring or complicated. Teens—yes, I am talking to you— are capable of taking the lead. After all, my grandmother did during World War II, moving her younger siblings to safety with nothing but grit and courage. If she could do it, so can you.

What is Prepping?

Planning ahead, gathering resources, and building the skills you need to face emergencies is Prepping. By being prepared, you can increase your chances of surviving anything small inconveniences like power shortages to major disasters like WWIII , Now, most Americans and many Europeans — have taken at least one-step toward being ready for a natural disaster or emergency. But there are those of us who take it a bit further. We are the ones people call “preppers.”

So, what does prepping actually mean? Dictionaries say it’s “the act of making preparations.” That is true, of course, but it is also a little...meh. In my opinion prepping goes deeper. It is about gathering materials, creating plans, and developing self-sufficiency for anything life might throw your way—whether it is a storm or something out of a dystopian movie.

The Levels of Prepping

Prepping isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s like a spectrum, with a little something for everyone:

• Minimalist Preppers: They focus on skills over stuff, relying on knowledge and community rather than stockpiles.

• Doomsday Preppers: These folks are ready for the end of the world—apocalypse-style. Think bunkers, canned food, and plenty of ammo.

• Political Preppers: Whether they lean left or right, they wear their ideologies on their sleeves, letting their worldview shape their prepping approach.

The point is, prepping can be whatever you make it. It’s not about fitting into a stereotype—it’s about finding what works for you. Whether you’re learning to tie knots or stocking up on snacks for your bug-out bag, it’s all part of the same game: being ready.

Why is Prepping Popular Now? 

Look, prepping isn’t new. But lately, it is having definetely a moment. Maybe it is because of the pandemic, the rise in natural disasters, political instability, or just the influence of Holywood. Whatever the reason, more people are waking up to the idea that being prepared isn’t just for doomsday. 

Disasters don’t check your age before they hit. Whether it’s a power outage, a flood, or a war, teens are perfectly capable of stepping up. In fact, history proves it. Teens have been heroes before—so why not now?

Why Prepping Matters for Teens and Families

This blog is here to make sure you’re ready, confident, and hopefully a little excited to learn life-saving skills. Prepping isn’t just about survival; it’s about building independence, resilience, and teamwork with your family. Trust me, packing a bug-out bag is way cooler than doom-scrolling TikTok.

What you'll Find Here

So, what’s the Teen Survivor Project all about?  Here is what you can expect:

• Survival Skills for Teens: Learn how to start a fire, pack a bag, or even navigate without Google Maps.

• Family Preparedness: Tips to get everyone on the same page—yes, even your little sibling.

• Gear Reviews: Honest takes on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth the money.

• DIY Projects: Fun, hands-on prepping ideas you can try at home (like making a paracord bracelet).

• Emergency Scenarios: What to do if the worst happens, from school lockdowns to natural disasters.

Basically, if it’s prepping-related and cool, we’re covering it.

How to Get Started Today

Let’s not waste any time. Want to start prepping? Here’s your first challenge:

1. Grab a backpack—any backpack (Put your favorite sticker on - make it cool)

2. Add these five essentials:

• A water bottle or hydration pack.

• A flashlight (bonus points if it’s hand-crank).

• Non-perishable snacks (think granola bars).

• Basic first aid kit.

• A multi-tool (if you don’t have one, a sturdy pair of scissors works for now).

Congrats! You just started your first bug-out bag. See? Prepping is not complicated.

Prepping isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re here to learn something new, lead your family, or just do something cool with your siblings and parents, welcome to the Teen Survivor Project