Children love to explore, to learn and to spend quality time with siblings and parents. Backpacking is an activity allowing children to explore the backcountry, see new and interesting things, learn about the environment and spend time as a family. Creating a fun and enjoyable experience at an early age often leads to a love of backpacking.
Before You Begin
Preparing children for the backpacking experience begins long before the trip is scheduled. You can prepare them by going on long walks that gradually turn into more difficult hikes. Insist that your children wear a backpack on the hikes. Start with light backpacks and work them up to carrying some weight so they can get used to it before backpacking. Get excited and your excitement will rub off onto your children. Let children help you plan the trip to foster excitement. If possible, find another family with children the same ages as yours and invite them to come. Children often hike better with friends than without.
On The Trail
As you set out on your adventure, plan on it taking longer than expected. Children need to take breaks more often and are usually more interested in the cool things they find along the way than the end destination. A fun experience determines the children's perspective for backpacking trips to come. Take time to answer their questions, look at bugs, pick up sticks and take breaks. Children's backpacks should be lightweight. Let them be self-sufficient by carrying their own water and snacks, rain gear and sleeping bag. The adults should carry the heavy load. Children tire quickly under a weighted pack. Make sure children are equipped with rescue whistles and review when to use them.
Considerations
Children enjoy learning. What better way to teach than with the hands-on learning they receive while backpacking. Prepare yourself with constellation, plant and animal track identification books. Take the opportunity along the trail to instill in them the Leave No Trace guidelines and an appreciation for the environment. Talk to rangers to discover any history of the trails to share along the way. Using a map and compass is another fun and educational activity that can take place on the trail. Helping children learn about their surroundings and how to read a map or GPS unit can be beneficial to them in the future.
Safety
Safety should be reviewed before you leave as well as during your trip. Children should be taught about dehydration, what to do in animal encounters and what to do if they get lost or hurt. Children should carry a whistle at all times in the event of danger or getting separated from the group. It is always a good idea to have an adult at the front of the group and one at the rear of the group. Be prepared for inclement weather with appropriate clothing and gear.
Benefits
The benefits of backpacking include a greater appreciation for the outdoors, health and fitness, experiencing the wonders of nature, learning about their surroundings, increase in confidence and self-sufficiency, time away from media and quality time spent with family creating life-long memories.
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