Take a Hike!
By Kathy Burns-Millyard
With a little planning and forethought, hiking with children
can be a fun and rewarding experience. Hiking is a wonderful
way to help them develop a love and respect for nature, stimulate
their imagination and encourage them to stay active.
Even Snoopy hikes!
A great way to introduce children to the idea of hiking is through
stories featuring their favorite animated characters. Several
great children's books about hiking are available: "Curious
George Goes Hiking," "Take a Hike Snoopy," "Berenstain
Bears Blaze a Trail" and "Sheep Take a Hike," just
to name a few. The stories give you an opportunity to talk
about expectations before leaving home and give you something
to refer to on the trail.
Where to go
Start small children on short trails over easy terrain. In terms
of ability, children can cover about one mile for every year
they are in age. They may not want to hike that far, but they
probably
have the ability to do so. Short attention spans are kept busy
on trails occupied with activities along the way (rocks to climb
on, water to splash in, etc.). Older children are often motivated
by the promise of something at the end a trail, like a scenic
vista or waterfall. Don't forget to plan for bathroom breaks
and rest stops along the way.
Clothing and footwear
Ideally, children (like adults) should be prepared for any weather
and dressed in layers. They should also have access to suitable
rain gear. Properly fitting hiking boots or tennis shoes are
a must to avoid sore and tired feet. Leave open-toed shoes
at home.
Water and snacks
Bring plenty of both. Fruit and salty snacks are best (although
sometimes candy works as a good motivator). Try to avoid bringing
snacks laden with sugar and caffeine. They cause spikes (then
crashes) in energy levels and tend to promote dehydration.
Matters of safety
Know the basics of administering first aid. Allergic reactions
to insects or plants can turn urgent quickly. Keep children
on the trail and within your site at all times. Steer them
clear of poisonous plants, steep ledges, overhangs and potentially
dangerous falls. A small, travel-sized first aid kit is great
for short hikes in the event of accidental scrapes or insect
bites.
Essential gear
Wet wipes are great for cleaning and double as toilet paper if
necessary (bring plastic bags to carry them home). Always carry
a compass and map, a flashlight, waterproof matches, bug dope,
sunscreen and a whistle.
Fun and learning
Hiking provides the perfect opportunity to instill in children
a love and respect for nature that will last a lifetime. Singing
camp songs (quietly) or designing a simple nature scavenger
hunt is a great way to engage their minds and teach them about
the environment. Give them disposable cameras and let them
take pictures for a scrapbook, or have them carry a nature
journal to write in or draw things they see.
Don't forget to educate them about trail etiquette and the importance
of leaving plants and animals undisturbed.
© Kathy Burns-Millyard
This
article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com,
a large and growing hiking web site featuring articles, tips,
advice and shopping for hiking and camping enthusiasts.
