The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

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I’ve experienced the same shelters and trail
towns.

In addition, there have been many opportunities to learn about plants, animals, and a variety of ecosystems. It is so much more fun to study those things in the out-of-doors, rather than getting it all out of books.

If you decide to give this a try, start slow and don’t overestimate the stamina of young children. Begin with day hikes, and then move up to “car camping”, where you can take a lot of luxuries, like a nice air bed for the tent. Keep everything as simple as possible. Don’t try for gourmet meals in the out-of-doors. Mom needs to enjoy her time, too!

When you’re ready, try stepping up to backpacking. However, with young children, I highly recommend you have two adults. One can carry most of the necessary items in a backpack, and the other can remain unencumbered in case a small child needs to be carried. Anyone older than about four could carry a small backpack that holds his own water and snacks.

Take some time to gather gear, and learn as much as you can from more experienced backpackers. Weight of gear matters a lot when you are out in the back country. Generally, the lighter the gear, the more expensive it is, so it is always a tradeoff. Be sure to be prepared for any emergencies. Depending on how far off the beaten track you are going, you may need a GPS or emergency beacon. I never go anywhere without a dependable headlamp or flashlight, sufficient water, and a water filter in case I run out. I also highly recommend hiking poles for everyone, even the smallest children.

Encourage the children to make memories by using sketchbooks, cameras, or writing in journals at the end of the day. If they become interested, many of the long-distance hikers write blogs or on-line journals that the kids can follow when they are back at home.

Above all, don’t let the perceived hassles stop you from going out in the woods and enjoying the company of your kids. The benefits far outweigh the difficulties, and you will all be developing a fantastic hobby to take with you into your older years.

Mary Hood, Ph . D ., and her husband, Roy, homeschooled their five children since the early 1980s. All have successfully made the transition to adulthood. Mary has a Ph.D. in education and is the director of ARCHERS for the Lord, Inc. (The Association of Relaxed Christian Home Educators). She is the author of The Relaxed Home School, The Joyful Home Schooler, and other books, and is available for speaking engagements. Contact her via her website, www .archersforthelord .org .