Backpacking with Children
Backpacking with children can be a challenge, but
it is a good way for kids to learn about the outdoors and develop
independence and responsibility. It is also just a great way to have
fun. That is, as long as you plan well. Here are four tips to help
you out.
1. Generate Interest
Forcing uninterested children to go backpacking is
probably a bad idea. They are likely to resist, cause problems, and
ruin the trip for all. So try to generate some interest first. A
couple good outdoor movies can help. Try to find movies with
characters who are the same age or a little older than your
children. After watching them, suggest the idea of backpacking and
gage the response.
If you aren't sure that your children are old
enough for backpacking, try a camp-out in the back yard first. Let
them help set up the tent. See how well they make it through the
night, and try your best to make the experience fun for them.
2. Have The Children Plan With You
The more the kids are involved in the whole
process, the better. Let them help in choosing the trails you will
hike, but narrow the options ahead of time to those most
appropriate. Allow them to suggest what foods to bring, again
narrowing their options to meals that make sense for a backpacking
trip. Show them how to use a map, and how to judge daily hiking
distances. Then let them help in the packing.
3. Give Them Responsibilities
If they are old enough, have the children set up
the tent or make the fire. If they are younger, you might have them
collect sticks to burn, or prepare their sleeping pad and bag for
the night. Give them things that they can handle, and let them know
they are doing a good job (if they are).
When backpacking with children, it's okay to let
them get a little ahead of you if there are no dangerous animals in
the area. Let them be out of sight just a bit, as long as you can
hear them or quickly catch up. And tell the older children that they
are responsible for keeping an eye on the younger ones.
4. Bring Fun Items
Most adults love the opportunity to get away from
all the things of home, and can sit talking for hours while watching
the sun set. Backpacking with children, though, might require some
more entertainment. Bringing a movie player is probably a bad idea,
since the idea is to have a new and different experience. On the
other hand, there are things that are fun and perfectly appropriate
to backpacking. (Related Article:
Games for Backpackers)
For example, a pair of binoculars can keep young
ones entertained for long stretches. One pair is enough, so they can
learn to share. If they are old enough, a pocket knife and a quick
lesson on how to make a walking stick might be a good idea. For
evenings in camp a deck of cards is small enough to bring, and you
can teach them a new game each night.
Finally, make sure that when backpacking with
children you teach them the rules of the woods. Show them where and
how to go to the bathroom, what is allowed and what isn't. Teach
them to respect the wilderness, and treat it right.
See what others are saying about trips with children
Copyright Steve Gillman. Get the ebook Ultralight
Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips), as well as gear
recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, at: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Gillman
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