Kidding Around

I was a fortunate child. My parents were pretty busy, and didn’t have much interest in the outdoors, but other adults in my life did. My maternal grandfather, uncles, and some of my parent’s friends were willing take me along on their outdoor adventures. 

I never really thought about why.  I was just glad to get out canoeing, hiking, fishing, skiing, hunting or whatever. Now, I know the truth: Almost any outdoor adventure is more fun with a kid along.

What you can do with kids along depends, of course, entirely on the kid, how many of them you invite along, and their level of interest and ability.

For most of the last 20 years, my own twin sons were my absolute favorite outdoor partners. When they were too small to walk, I’d put one of them in a child-carrier backpack and walk on the trail behind my house. It lead up a steep little hill to a rocky overlook with abundant blueberries in August and September. It was good exercise for me. Most of the time, whichever son I had along was quiet and cooperative. It gave their mother time with only one child -- which must have seemed like a mini-vacation to her.

When they weren’t much more than toddlers, the three of us boys started hiking together.

I’d carry one boy on my back, hold the hand of the other one as he climbed beside me. When that one got tired, we’d switch around. We did some pretty big mountains that way and everyone had a good time.

Shortly after that, they learned to fish, ski, ride bikes, row a racing shell, ride a boogie board. It wasn’t long before they were forging ahead when we went backpacking, waiting for me at the end of the bike trail, skiing far better than I ever will. 

Now my boys are off in college and busy with their own lives. Part of me sincerely hopes that I won’t see grandkids until sometime in the far future. I don’t have any nieces or nephews, so, essentially, my family is kid-less for the moment.

To fill the gap, I’ve had to resort to borrowing other people’s kids. It’s amazing how many youngsters are just aching to get out and do things that their parents don’t have the time or interest for.

Borrowing a kid is good for everyone. It often gives kids opportunities they might not have otherwise. That was certainly true in my case. And it gives the parents some time off.

With younger kids, just getting away from Mom and Dad might be an adventure. Teenagers, for whom parents are often the lowest form of life, get to see that all adults aren’t pure evil.

How about you? Do you know a child who might enjoy taking a hike or picking up a fishing rod? Bikes and kids are made for each other. Hiking boots come in all sizes...

You’ll probably start out thinking that you’re doing someone a favor by taking a kid outdoors with you. Maybe you are, but mostly you’ll have a chance to experience the familiar through new eyes and with new enthusiasm. And that’s where the fun begins anew.

Tips for kids and the great outdoors

1) Choose appropriate activities. Flatwater canoeing is great fun with little kids wearing personal flotation devices, but whitewater canoeing is not a good idea until the child is a strong swimmer. Ditto with hiking versus real backpacking, dirt road riding versus downhill mountain biking. You might be an expert fly angler, but starting kids out on the long rod is asking for trouble. Don’t build in too much challenge.

2) Set appropriate goals and let the child take the lead and set the pace. It may be very important for you to get to the top of the big mountain or to the end of the long bike trail, but it may not be that important for the child. If the child has never hiked or biked, choose a short trail with something fun (like a pond with tadpoles and turtles or a swimming beach) at the end.

3) Make sure the child is adequately dressed for the weather. Cold, wet, or overheated kids aren’t going to have any more fun than you would. Layers work as well on kids as they do on adults.

4) Always bring enough food and water. Kids of all ages run out of steam faster than adults do. When they get to be teenagers, make them carry their own food -- and some for you, too!

5) Adequate protection from sun and bugs is a must.

6) If the weather turns sour, retreat before it gets really bad.

7) Be flexible. If you and your kid companion aren’t having fun, find something else to, or try another day.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

If you don’t know a child who would like to experience the outdoors, consider hooking up with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers and Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. They carefully screen adults and kids, so you can be sure of getting a good match. Check it out this summer. There are kids waiting to go adventuring.