Studies show that families that spend time together in pleasurable activities are stronger.Children closely involved with their parents have much lower rates of teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide and many other unwanted behaviors.Spending sparse amounts of "quality" time with our children is not the answer.We cannot predict when a teaching or bonding event will occur.Spending quantity time increases the likelihood that parents will have a positive impact on our children.There are many pleasurable activities that increase family bonding, backpacking is one.
Promote Teamwork
Learning a new skill as a family promotes teamwork.The work of putting together a plan as to what articles to take on the hike, where to go, who will be in charge of driving, cooking, camping site selection, etc. allows each member of the family to have an important part in planning a memorable event.No longer is the head of the family simply issuing orders to be followed by the children.When each member of the family is given a specific responsibility and the whole team is involved in even a small way, a team concept is formed.Accomplishing a goal as a family increases the bonding experience.
Build Confidence
As new skills are tried and perfected, confidence builds.This is one reason why children are so attached to their video games---they feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence with each new level completed.Unfortunately, completing the next level of a video game does nothing to add to family unity.In fact, obsession with a video game can isolate a child eventually leading to loneliness and decreased social skills.
Since completing the "next level" adds to confidence, use that to the family's advantage.Begin with a simple day hike.Allow your child to choose between two hiking sites that you have chosen.Have them check the weather conditions for the anticipated date.Have him order a map from the local forest service or national park service.
Since even a day hike requires preparation and careful planning, sit down as a family and allow each member to choose which part of the trip he would most like to plan.Perhaps the computer guru would like to find the appropriate map or check the weather conditions.Maybe the "neat freak" in your home would like to organize and distribute the gear.The young cook in your house may want to plan the meals with a parent's help.And, as a rule, the youngest independent walker gets to lead the way on the trail.This ensures that those short legs don't have to run to keep up.
The person that obtained the map gets to make sure that the correct path is followed.The young cook gets to assign cooking duties and oversee the preparation of meals.The better the kids get at organizing the hike, the more of a vacation it becomes for the parents.Soon, all you have to do is walk along with your chest poked out at how confident your little ones are becoming.
Teach Basic Survival Skills
As you get the basics in place, you can add to the fun by teaching basic survival skills.Try a hike with a trail that splits or joins to another trail.Learn how to read a compass and teach your little adventurers to follow the route using the compass.Leave the matches at home (or hidden in a secret pocket) and learn how to use an alternative fire starter.Research water purification techniques and learn how to safely refill your water bottles at a watering hole on your hike.Kids naturally like to use knives.Teach them how to use them safely.Allow them to whittle some kindling for a fire.
Benefits
Nearly every hike will have difficulties or seemingly unwanted events.There may even be a few tears about sore feet or cold fingers.Be patient and encouraging.Let me assure you...it is the unexpected events that will make the best memories.The things that you and your family will remember the most are the "less than perfect" hikes.Your children will remind you of the time that you got caught in an unexpected rain storm and walked, soaking wet, back to the trailhead or discovered that decayed cabin or cave where you took refuge.They will forever tease you for forgetting the matches and regale what a good planner they were in bringing an alternative fire starter.They will tease you about how you got them lost and how, together, you figured out how to get back on track.
Take the time to learn backpacking with your family.The benefits will go far beyond the simple acquisition of knowledge.The teamwork, confidence and family bonding will pay rich rewards in family unity.The memories will last a lifetime.
Learn more about Ultralight Backpacking by visiting http://www.ultimate-ultralight-backpacking.com
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