A Trail To the Rock Named "Spot"

The reward for a parent..children with a super grin.

   If there is anything more fun than having children in camp, I certainly can't imagine it. We have been taking our children to camps, hunting,fishing,family camping, and packing in since they were tiny. They are a joy! Their curiosity and enthusiasm are contagious to others. With preparation and planning you can safely take your child(children) into the back country.
    Want your children with you, but don't know where to start? Start training them at HOME. Even a very young child likes to "carry" a backpack. We started ours with a little sack, containing a juice box and crackers. March them around the outside of the house, push through a bush or two..picnic lunch with Mom and Dad!  Super fun basic training. We wanted them to learn they never start down the trail without Mom, or Dad, or their backpack.
   Little older? They can carry a little more. John sat down with our kids, and helped them pack mini survival kits. Special time with Daddy, than they get to truck down a trail for a short jaunt. Don't overwork them. Keep the outing mileage based on age and ability.
   If they know their letters, they can read a compass! It's terribly exciting to have drills on what direction is (insert an item...such as the maple tree, barn, chicken...wait don't use that. The chicken will move). Praise and reward them for trying! Chocolate is your friend.
   Most children don't get the concept of map equals real life at this age, so we really didn't push that. We would take them on trails and than allow each one a time of leading trail on the way home. This is an awesome litmus test for you as a parent. Paying attention to routes is easier for some children than it is others. Encourage them! They love leading trail, and if a mistake is made, gently correct and get them back on track.
   If they point out something they think is neat...a tree, a huge boulder, a pretty flower... this is the time to talk landmarks! Tell them, "That is cool. Now, on the way back I want you to find (insert whatever item they saw). If you find it on the way out I have a treat for you in my pack." Each landmark spotted on the way out, is a treat. Couple times of this game, and you will need a bigger backpack to carry enough treats to match their found landmarks.
  Don't be in a hurry. Adults tend to be very goal orientated. We are on the trail to get to a specific spot. Children are there because you made them. No, they are there to have fun and explore. They don't respond well to being hurried along to get to a specific place. They enjoy the entire experience. So remember to slow down, and let them smell the pretty flowers and check out that cool rock. You know the rock. The little rock that looks exactly like the 14,000 other rocks they picked up. But this one has a name, Mom, Its called Spot.