Family Time Outdoors 

Spending time outdoors with the kids is a great way to enhance family time together. In today's electronic age children and adults are spending more time becoming computer literate, and less time becoming aware of the diverse splendor that nature provides. Kids are less active, and the quality of family time is being electronically interrupted. We seem to have shifted from the simple pleasures that nature and the outdoors can provide us to getting everything we need at the touch of a button, or click of a mouse.

It is time to walk away from the computer and get out on a family excursion. Hiking and camping trips are a great way to get back in touch with nature (and your children). Just think of the undivided attention you will receive by not having to compete with electronic devices, and for the most part children love the outdoors. Hiking or camping presents a great opportunity for teaching your children to love and respect nature. Being outdoors can also spark the imagination of children. My oldest son has little imagination when it comes to playing outside; without his computer or books to ignite his imagination, he becomes lost in having to resort to his own creative resources. However, when we are camping he hasn't much choice in the matter. Oh, sure he may complain for a while about how bored he is, but in no time at all he will be engaged in a scavenger hunt looking for cool rocks, or he will point out "creepy" bugs for his younger brother to catch. In a matter of a day the electronic withdrawals dissipate.

If you are camping, more times than not there will be some great hiking trials nearby for the family to explore. Hiking is a great outdoor activity. You get to breathe fresh air, get some exercise, and depending on the trail you take, can end up at a summit that has majestic views that you and the children will love. Hiking is a wonderful family activity, but proper planning before the hike will ensure a fun and successful hike for children of all ages: 

* Start out with short hikes. Even though you may be an expert hiker, and can easily hike eight miles of rugged terrain, your children need time to build up to longer hikes. This hike should be fun for every body. Five miles should be the maximum for any child. 

* Make sure you have proper footwear. Sandals or flip-flops are not appropriate. Hiking shoes or a good sturdy sneaker is good. Also, nylon liner socks and a heavier sock will prevent blisters.

* Allot plenty of time for your hike. Children love to touch and explore things along the way, but teach them to admire what they see, not destroy it. Try and plan your hike near waterfalls, streams, or anything that may be of interest to the children. You will need to stop along the way for rest periods, so bringing snacks and water is a good idea. Remember to teach your children not to litter. Pack out what you pack in. * Always teach your children good outdoor ethics, and to always respect nature and people. No yelling or writing on rocks or trees. Do not go off the trail to take short cuts. Do not break tree branches or throw rocks that could possibly hit another person or animal you can't see. Respecting the environment is a good lesson to teach. 

* Don't forget to bring a first aid kit. Unexpected accidents happen often, so you should always be prepared. 

* Bringing an infant or small child is easier than ever these days. The assorted baby backpacks that are on the market today are very comfortable. They are wonderful! 

* Make the hike enjoyable! Engage your child's mind and body. Play games such as I spy, or try to identify different plants and flowers. Bring a field guide along and talk about the wonders of nature with your children. Take pictures for your children's scrapbook, but most of all have fun!

Just remember to enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors, and try to spend some quality time with your children. Teach them outdoor skills like tying down a tent, or starting a campfire (depending upon the age of the child) and the importance of properly extinguishing the fire when you leave. Stress the importance of leaving the campsite in a natural state. If nature doesn't produce it then pick it up and dispose of it properly. We have a system when leaving our campsite; everybody walks slowly around the site picking up anything that doesn't belong in nature. My oldest son asked us while fleecing the campsite, "why do we have to pick it up if we didn't put it here?" We told him that if everybody thought the way that he did there would be garbage left everywhere for somebody else to clean up. Keeping the outdoors clean is everybody's responsibility. So while you are getting away from the fast paced life of computers, remember that a child's roots always grow stronger when firmly rooted in the natural environment. "Nature's future depends upon our children, so teach them well"



Fun Websites for family camping and hiking:

The Sierra Club - Offers some 30 family trips from Maine to Hawaii, some designed for grandparents and toddlers. (Call the Sierra Club's Outings Department at 415-977-5522 or www.sierraclub.org/outings/national.) 

Family travel articles 

 http://www.familytravelnetwork.com/articles/kdz_126_kid_camping.asp 

Family camping

http://www.monteran.com/outdoors/famcamp.html
 

Letter from Nature Knowledge Author

If you have a question, or would like for me to discuss anything nature specific, or if you would like for me to discuss ways you can help teach your children environmental ethics, you can e-mail me at Judi@childcaremagazine.zzn.com and type "NATURE REQUEST" in the subject area.