What would you do if you are out hiking and get lost? Or how can you keep from getting lost on a camping trip, or even a trip to a mall?

These questions were part of the program “Don’t Get Lost in the Woods: How to get found if you do,” hosted by the Jim Thorpe Lions Club at the Mauch Chunk Rod and Gun Club, Jim Thorpe. The program is offered courtesy of the Penn Forest Township Fire Co. No. 1, and was led by Larry and Susan Bulanda.

“It explains what to do to avoid getting lost, and steps you can take to make yourself more easily found,” Larry said. “It’s geared toward children; but it can be helpful for adults, too.”

During the program, Larry offered several suggestions and gave demonstrations on ways to plan ahead if you are going hiking or camping, to help make a search easier, just in case.

To help avoid getting lost, some suggestions are to let people know where you are going and for how long; to make sure you cellphone is fully charged; to take essential supplies, such as water, a poncho and other gear.

Penn Forest Township Fire Company has been doing varieties of this program for over 20 years.

The Bulandas have a lot of experience in search and rescue, especially with rescue dogs. They have had their own rescue dogs and help in training others. They brought their dog, Babs, to the program with them.

The Jim Thorpe Lions Club also hosted a KidSight event afterward. Bob and Rebecca Neumoyer, members of the West Penn Township Lions Club, brought a special camera with them that allows them to photograph a child’s eyes, and the camera can diagnose within seconds if there might be something with their eyes that should be investigated with an eye doctor.

“The information from the photo is printed and given to the family,” Bob Neumoyer explained. “Then, the family will follow up with a doctor with that information.”

The Jim Thorpe Lions Club has three members who are now certified to use that type of camera, with four more members doing the training now. The club plans on purchasing one of the cameras, and will work with area schools to do eye exams and identify children who may need further help with their eyes. The club received a donation from the Jim Thorpers Bike Team and will seek additional Lions Club grants to cover the cost.