I dunno, Glenn, your approach to survival skills is just way too sensible, and correct. I hang out a lot on a a survial forum (Equipped to Survive)and someone proposed a situation where there was no running water, electricity, natural gas, blocked roads, etc. and my reply was - "It sounds like a typical wilderness trip. I would just backpack in my own backyard."

Backpacking does incorporate a lot of essential "survival" tools. I would emphasize fire making as a really critical skill, especially in adverse conditions. Short of being out of water in a desert, fire is the solutions to most survival situations, which often involve stormy, cold weather. If you have nothing but a fire, you will probably pull through.

I would think it really critical to involve him in the selections of destinations. Have fun!