🏕️ Tactical Dad Guide: How to Build a Tarp Shelter (with Your Kid)

“Because a good shelter is the first step in learning self-reliance.”

🧰 Gear You’ll Need

✅ 10'x10' or 8'x10' tarp (ripstop nylon preferred)
✅ 25–50 ft of paracord
✅ 4–6 tent stakes (or carved sticks)
✅ Optional: groundsheet, carabiners, bungee cords

Tip: Carry all this in a small stuff sack labeled (Duct tape and Sharpie) “Shelter Kit”

📦 Step-by-Step: Build an A-Frame Shelter

This is the easiest and most versatile tarp shelter — quick to build, fun for kids to help with.

1️⃣ Choose Your Shelter Spot

✅ Flat, dry ground
✅ Good drainage
✅ Wind protection (but not under dead tree limbs!)

Tactical Dad Tip: Place the opening facing away from the wind or sideways to a fire.

2️⃣ Find or Set Up a Ridgeline

This is the “spine” of the shelter.

Option A:
Use two trees 8–12 ft apart → tie a ridgeline between them at chest height using paracord

Option B:
Use two hiking poles or branches → stake them upright and tie the ridgeline between

🔗 Knot to use: Bowline on one end, taut-line hitch on the other (adjustable)

3️⃣ Drape the Tarp Over the Ridgeline

  • Line up the tarp so it hangs evenly on both sides

  • Let it slope down like a triangle tent

  • Adjust so one side isn’t sagging too low

Kid Tip: Let your child “find the middle” of the tarp and help pull it over

4️⃣ Stake the Corners

  • Pull the 4 bottom corners of the tarp outward and stake them down

  • Keep some tension, but not too tight

  • If windy, stake extra guy lines halfway along the sides

Want extra strength? Use rocks to weigh down corners

5️⃣ Create a Ground Sheet (Optional)

  • Lay a second tarp, old blanket, or folded poncho under the shelter

  • Keeps sleeping area dry and more comfortable

6️⃣ Test It!

  • Crawl inside with your kid

  • Do a “rain test” with a bottle or hose

  • Adjust stakes or guy lines as needed

Let them feel proud — this is their shelter too.

🧒 What Your Kid Can Help With

✅ Unroll the tarp
✅ Pull corners tight
✅ Count and hand over stakes
✅ Learn knots with Dad (keep it simple!)
✅ Crawl inside and test it out

🧠 Teaching Moments

  • “Why do we need shelter?” → warmth, dry, wind protection

  • “What makes a good campsite?” → safe, flat, visible

  • “What can go wrong?” → heavy rain, wind, bad knots

Let them fail safely and problem-solve — this builds real confidence.

🔥 Bonus Challenge

Build the same shelter using only sticks and cordage.

  • Use Y-shaped sticks as ridge poles

  • Try natural cordage or jute rope

  • No tarp? Use a space blanket or pine boughs for cover