Takin a kid hikin' next week

“Since his parent doesn't do the outdoor thing, I'm takin a kid hikin next week. If it works out, I may borrow him for backpacking this summer too. I've been teaching him bout the ten essentials and he's excited lol It wont be a long hike but its a cool one thats local around here about 5 miles which should be good for his first hike.”

“Good for you.”

“ohoh, looks like we will have to start a backpacking version of the "hot for teacher" thread"”

“Bring him to the RRG Mother's Day weekend if you can”

“I took my nephews hiking when they were young a few times thinking they might like it, but it never caught on with them. They liked playing golf and basketball.”

“How old is he?

What are the ten essentials according to SC?”

“Just make sure he doesn't leave a trail of bread crumbs or he'll find his way home.”

“Stomper, he's 11. Old enough to carry his own ten essentials :)

You know---

rain gear
compass/map/whistle
sun protection/ bug protection
snacks and water
extra clothes(like socks)
flashlight
first aid kit
fire starter
matches
pocket knife
last edited: 4/28/08 6:33:06 AM”

“at least give the kid a space blanket”

“now that youre 30, that biological clock is tickin, eh?”

“I ain't 30!!!”

“I take my eight year old hiking all the time, but we started out small and are slowly making our way up. I don't think he's even made it to three miles yet. In time :)”

“Its not about distance. Its about the journey.”

“That's true :) We have fun and that's what counts.”

“Yep. When my son was little he never wanted to go on a hike because it was long and boring but he was always willing to go on a "nature walk" even when it was the same distance, lol.”

“Hiking with an 11 year old: invite some of his buds, have some fun things to do like catch fish, play cards. Keep his pack weight below 25% of his body weight. Have a good enough sleeping bag that he doesn't get cold at night.”

“So true Nonconformist....I've taken my kids on Nature trails when they were 4 and 5 years old as long as 3 miles with barely a complaint...but their first was less than that and ya think I killed them”