Are We There Yet?AMC Outdoors, April 2007
Maybe you look back fondly on family camping trips from your childhood. Perhaps your plugged-in progeny are showing signs of nature deficit disorder. Whatever your inspiration, outdoor pursuits with young ones in tow can be daunting. The rewards, however, are plentiful. Studies show that children who spend time outdoors are more connected with nature, more self-confident, and more independent. (They’re also less afraid of getting wet and dirty.) We asked a few expert youth instructors to share some of their best tips for making your child’s first hiking, paddling, and backpacking outings educational, safe, and fun. Strength in Numbers: Group Hikes The group offers easy- to moderately-paced dayhikes and cross-country ski, backpacking, and hut-to-hut trips. One recent Sunday, 45 members set out for Welton Falls in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region—moms with infants all the way up to strapping 19-year-olds. Even with a crowd this big, it somehow works, says Passios, now an AMC trip leader. “The slower kids speed up to stay with the faster kids, while the faster kids tend to hold the reins in.” But back to those parental benefits: Other moms and dads have already made the common mistakes and take new members under their wings. It’s easy to see what doesn’t work and immediately rectify it. The kids learn hands-on trail safety, responsibility, and etiquette from each other. And the trails are time-tested and suit all the participants. “One family may love to go out on the trail with their own kids, but it really doesn’t work for everyone,” Passios says.
Creature Comforts: Backpacking As you plan, try to think like a kid. The goal of a distant vista is not nearly as compelling as a dead cricket there on the trail. “And if children want their Game Boy or teddy bear, let them bring it,” he says. “The trick is to amaze them enough to keep them interested so they don’t need it.” Having a repertoire of knots, songs, and fire-making tricks up your sleeve will go a long way toward this. Another plus is that kids are guaranteed to be tuckered out by bedtime and generally content to snuggle safely between their parents in a warm tent. Bray says all the repetitive rituals—finding water, making dinner, and identifying stars—can also be very grounding for a child. Just remember to be realistic and conservative when setting goals: you may be carrying your children or hiking very slowly if they’re walking. Plan much shorter outings than you’re used to and prepare a Plan B (or C) if bad weather, foul moods, or tired little legs prevail. But take heart: at the age of five, kids can start carrying a small pack with snacks and a rain jacket or fleece. By about seven or eight, they may be ready for a small frame pack and more items.
Photo: Jerry and Marcy Monkman |
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Keep family adventures fun with realistic goals—and a few tricks up your sleeve.