Where the Wild Kids Are: Ages 9 to 12
AMC Outdoors, June 1999
As children get older and reach the preteen years, many of them start pulling away from family activities. Luckily, most parents find that outside excursions seem to be the exception to this. "Outdoor activities keep families together," says Roger Scholl, a father and member of the New Hampshire Chapter.
"I don't remember having to push anyone," says Scholl. "If anything, we probably didn't do as much as the kids wanted to at times." Whether your kids want to take a class in rock climbing, kayaking, or winter survival, encourage their interest. The ability of your child may surprise you — when they get back, they may be able to teach you a thing or two.
"We had always camped with the kids — it was an affordable vacation for my husband and me — so my very urban kids were comfortable outside," says Kate Whitney-Bukofzer, a mother of two in New York City and former New York-North Jersey Chapter chair. "When the kids were in elementary school, it was time to get them up in the mountains. The mandatory first mountain must be Mount Willard in Crawford Notch. Its short steep climb offers a spectacular view and instant gratification. We were blessed that my mom, a remarkable woman, was one of the most experienced hikers in the AMC. We hiked with her at every vacation, usually taking a week each summer to go off and play in the mountains with her."
As your child grows up and becomes more comfortable with his skills, grant him greater independence. What about letting him pick the trail and plot your course? "As children get older they become much more goal oriented," says Ritger. "And if they get to pick the goal, they'll be even more driven to reach it.
"Another thing that can be fun is to go on a trip with another family," she adds. Everyone usually motivates each other, and the kids have someone their own age to talk to. Of course, it can sometimes backfire, if both parents and kids aren't careful not to get on each other's nerves."
At about age 12 most kids will be able to carry adult packs with a load of about 10 to 15 percent of their body weight. This is a good time to talk to your child about the different kinds and quality of gear available. She'll be prepared in a few years when she's ready to venture out on her own.
For preteens, overnight trips to the campgrounds or lodges are a great outdoor outlet. You're likely to run into other families with kids, so there's a good chance everyone will have the opportunity to make a friend. Lonesome Lake Hut — a favorite among many families — offers activities for children in the summer. These provide kids with some space and time away from their parents. (Even the most well adjusted child needs it occasionally, not to mention you!)
Your preteen may not want to have anything to do with school, but in the great outdoors, don't be afraid to sneak in some learning. Bring along a journal and encourage the whole family to use it. Not only will it help your children remember all they did on the trip, it will also help them develop their burgeoning writing skills. For your artistically inclined family members, bring along a sketch pad to capture the images you encounter.
At a time when kids are starting to understand the world around them and how they fit into it, bringing them outdoors teaches them the need to take care of it. A fun way to get kids concerned about conservation is to get involved in trail work or a clean-up, as Roger Scholl did. "My wife and I and three of the kids have participated in some of the clean-ups in our chapter. Working with a few other organizations, we removed about three tons of trash over the last three trips from the top of Mount Washington. The kids really enjoyed the experience. We took them out on the roof of the state-park summit building in a 70-mph wind, watched the Perseid meteor shower, discovered old animal bones, and even found money," says Scholl. "It's a really fun and different experience."
Wild Kids Intro, Ages 0 to 2 | Ages 3 to 5 | Ages 6 to 8 | Ages 9 to 12 | Ages 13 and Up
