9/1/10 - 10/1/10

Monday, September 27, 2010

Hiking the Appalachian Trail – Get Your Kids Started!

Welcome guest blogger Kara DiCamillo!

Kara DiCamillo is my sister and has been a writer for TreeHugger since 2005. She lives in the "City by the Sea", Newport, RI, and loves it because of all the outdoor activities available to enjoy. Beyond the moat that surrounds her island home, Kara has backpacked Mt. Washington in New Hampshire to many times to count and hopes her next adventure will be to ski the gnarly Tuckerman's Ravine. Kara is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and is a graduate of the Colorado Outward Bound School. In real life, she is a public relations director who'd just plain like to see the world a greener place. In her community, Kara is is a member of Newport's Energy and Environment Commission and is a volunteer for the Norman Bird Sanctuary. I thought you would enjoy reading about her experience hiking the famed Appalachian Trail with children because she has been doing it since she was a kid. Welcome Kara!

Since I was 10 years old my father and I have been hiking the Presidential Mountain Range in New Hampshire every summer. We’ve been through hail, hurricanes and cold temperatures, yet each year we do it again, always hoping we will have beautiful weather. More than 20 years later, I guess you could call it a tradition! And I’ll always share our days and nights spent under the stars as a memory with my dad.

We stay in what’s known as the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) High Huts, eight mountain huts that provide an amazing and unique backcountry experience for novice to experienced hikers and everyone in between. The hut system has been around for more than 100 years, and each is a day’s hike apart. The AMC Huts offer food, shelter and, of course, a spectacular location, either above treeline, near mountain lakes or by waterfalls. But what’s also of note is that the AMC Huts are a great destination for families. They offer a range of adventures and activities for kids of all ages, whether it's a child's first hike or a summer challenge for a teen.

AMC's Greenleaf Hut

The huts are the ultimate learning experience. With composting toilets, electricity that runs on wind, sun, and propane, food composting, and a pack-in-pack-out policy, there’s tons of things your young one can learn about nature. Each evening, the hut “Croo” (college-aged students that cook, clean and run the huts each year) does a nature program after dinner. The Croo encourages visitors to learn about the plant and animal life that surrounds the hut, and what we can all do to help conserve nature.

AMC believes that everyone should get out and enjoy our natural world, especially at a young age. Their Junior Naturalist Program teaches young hikers about their environment and how to conserve it. Each hut provides a Junior Naturalist Activity Book, which gets kids started with plenty of ideas and fun activities. Children between the ages of 5-12 are encouraged to complete the activities and are awarded a certificate and a patch to welcome them as a Junior Naturalist. From observing the clouds and weather, to learning the importance of leaves and understanding what to wear in the outdoors, your children will have plenty to do while parents relax and enjoy the view.

AMC's Junior Naturalist Activity Book

But perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned over the years is to appreciate nature. As I hike along the trails and look out over the peaks, I know it’s an experience I am lucky to have. I describe this to friends, but it’s hard to understand unless you've done it. I often wonder if my dad knows what a positive and powerful experience it’s been for me. But I’m sure when he glances over and sees me looking out at Mt. Washington or looking closely at a unique flower, he knows. And I’m sure he’s profoundly proud of me and pleased that he pushed me to do it so long ago.

There’s tons of information on AMC’s website in regards to family programs. With tips, trips ideas, and gear advice, they offer everything to get your youngster started in the outdoors with AMC. And if you need extra motivation, AMC is offering a special deal for fall foliage season - stay two nights and get the third free!

If you have ever hiked the trail or stayed in the huts, it would be great to hear from you. Which are your favorite hikes, huts? Do you have any tips for getting kids started? Please share your experiences!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights: Hunting for the Missing Element

There has been a lot of talk lately about children and their right to outdoor play. Tennessee, California, Maryland and other states, and many organizations, have created their own Outdoor Bill of Rights that state all children should have the opportunity to do various outdoor related activities such as swimming, watching wildlife, camping and fishing. Even in the blogosphere many parents have posted their own Outdoor Bill of Rights on their blogs. And although this blog is devoted to guiding parents on how to connect children to nature, I have never thought much about formalizing the need for outdoor play in such a way. But, if that is what others feel is necessary to assure kids spend time outdoors, then far be it form me to say otherwise.

However, I feel compelled to argue that there is one "right" that is missing from all the Outdoor Bill of Rights documents I have read. My question is: What happened to hunting? Included in any official Outdoor Bill of Rights should be the statement that children should have the opportunity to hunt. I am not talking about hunting for seashells, butterflies or sea glass (though those activities rank high on my list) but hunting wild animals with a bow and arrow or yes, even a gun, if they are of the age, accompanied by a parent or other acceptable mentor and have taken a hunter safety course if required to do so.

Oh, the horror! How can sending children out in the woods to kill animals be something all children should have the opportunity to do? There are a number of reasons why hunting should be part of the Outdoor Bill of Rights. First, it's part of our heritage. In the past humans hunted for food. Period. We needed to eat, so we hunted. Of course, now there is such a thing as factory farms and grocery stores, which have virtually eliminated our need to hunt. But with that, they also eliminated our basic human connection to nature. As a result, most children grow up thinking our food comes from the grocery store. They don't even realize animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, farm-raised buffalo, ducks, etc. etc. are killed everyday to supply us with the food we eat. They do not have a clear understanding of the circle of life and how living creatures survive.

Second, hunting teaches important life skills and lessons. These includes patience, respect for animals and nature, appreciation for life, responsibility, discipline, cause and effect, ethics and an understanding of the predator prey relationship. When someone hunts, they understand and become part of the circle of life. The only other way I can think of to learn and internalize all of this at one time is to live on a family farm.

Lastly, when humans hunt, they play a key role in managing the ecosystem. Because there are fewer natural predators such as bears, wolves, mountain lions, etc. (due to lack of suitable habitat because of loss of land from human development), populations of many animals could explode beyond manageable and healthy levels. Hunters help manage populations of deer, ducks, squirrels, quail, and many other species, which keeps nature in balance.

I am not suggesting that the only way a child can learn life's lessons is by hunting. Nor I am suggesting that every child should hunt. It's up to the parents to decide what is best for their children. What I am suggesting is that we keep an open mind, don’t forget about or ignore hunting and its rightful place in the Outdoor Bill of Rights, and that children should have the opportunity to hunt if it interests them. Even experts, such as Richard Louv in Last Child in the Woods, acknowledge the role hunting plays in connecting children to nature.

This Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day. In recognition of this occasion, I challenge you to teach your children about hunting. Explain to them how the predator prey relationship works and why it is important. Help them understand that food doesn't just come from a grocery store. Teach them that there are alternatives. Take it a step farther and take them to a National Hunting and Fishing Day event near you. If they express an interest in hunting, keep and open mind and allow them to take a hunter education course --- even consider taking it with them. They are offered in all 50 states by your state fish and wildlife agency. And most of all, try not to balk if your child wants to take it a step further and go on a hunt.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Can Backyard Camping Be Green? You Bet! Make It Healthy for Your Family and the Environment

This is fourth in a series of posts about Camping in the Backyard with Kids.

Whenever we go camping, I am always concerned about the amount of waste we create and whether all our camping equipment is healthy for us to use and safe for the environemt. In the past, I bought whatever I needed at the local big box store without much thought to whether the plastic contained BPA, whether the dinnerware was compostable or whether our bug spray was healthy for children's sensitive skin. But, then again, back in the day 1) I didn't have two children to worry about 2) no one thought about being "green" - that was a song about a Muppet named Kermit (though I followed the mantra pack in, pack out) 3) there weren't many green or eco-friendly products on the market and 4) I only had to worry about myself!

So, in my ever evolving quest to find products that make backyard camping fun, easy and healthy for my family and the environment, I have come across several that sure make me feel like one smart mommy! I hope my recommendations help you too. PS - Once you test them in the backyard, they can become a staple on your packing list for when you turn hard-core and venture beyond the yard to a state or national park!

Dinnerware:

Leafware 7" Hexgonal Plate (8 Piece set)

I recommend using products made by Leafware. It’s extremely lightweight – perfect for camping – yet can hold up to 10 lbs.! You don’t have to worry about waste because it is a truly sustainable (and beautiful). You can now ditch those plastic plates, trays, bowls and the flatware too! Leafware is made from two things: 1) fallen palm leaves and 2) water, so there are also no worries about chemicals. If you are like me and are concerned about waste when you use regular paper or plastic plates, your problem is solved now! All in all, Leafware is convenient, lightweight and I don’t get a guilty conscience about using it because it is Earth-friendly, renewable, sustainable and compostable. As an added benefit, it is heat and liquid safe for soups and stews.

Insect repellent:

All Terrain - Kids Herbal Armor Outdoor Spray, 4 fl oz spray

We use All Terrain insect repellent. I was always leery of using repellent with DEET on my young children, especially when they were babies. But we live in an area where deer ticks and Lyme disease are prevalent, so I have to take the proper precautions. I stumbled upon All-Terrain Herbal Armor all natural insect repellent in a natural food store four years ago. Now it’s the only brand we ever use. My kids don’t mind having it sprayed on them because it smells good, and I know they are safe from chemicals and bugs too! Plus, it’s extremely effective for several hours and doesn’t bother my son’s sensitive skin. See my recommendation as part of an entire article about green camping at Examiner.com.

Drinking Bottle:

There are a plethora of drinking bottles on the market, many of which are famous brand names. However, I discovered a little gem when I found water bottles made by Crocodile Creek. You can read my full review at here.

And that's a wrap on my series about backyard camping with children. If you want to catch up on what your missed, be sure to check out my posts on the essential gear checklist, backyard camping safety and easing kids fears of night time noises while camping.

This Saturday in National Hunting and Fishing Day, so I will be writing a special post to commemorate the day later this week.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Backyard Camping with Kids: Easing Fears of Night Noises

This is the third post in the series Backyard Camping with Children.

It is natural for a child to have questions and misunderstandings about the night. This creates fear that can be overwhelming to a child. But alas, help is here.

Night sounds can be especially scary for little ears. My daughter’s first experience hearing an owl while we were camping in the backyard affected her for a long time. I had previously taught her about owls and how they sound. We even read the book Owl Moon. But I never took the time to prepare her for what she would hear while camping in our backyard. When she first heard the “hoot” of a Barred Owl in our woods, she covered her ears, burst into tears, screamed at the top of her lungs, and ran into the house at top speed. Needless to say, our campout came to an abrupt end and I felt awful.

I was totally unprepared for that reaction and for the fall out. It took several months to convince her to try camping again, and to come to terms with owls and their "hoots." To help parents avoid this mishap, I developed the following tips for helping children overcome fears of the night while camping. Following these tips will go a long way in preparing your child for the first “hoot.”

Essential Guide for Easing Childrens' Fear of the Night While Camping

Discuss what they will hear (crickets, frogs, owls, coyotes, etc.), see (moths, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bats, etc.) or feel at night (insects, spider webs, etc.).
Explain why creatures are out and about at night (nocturnal vs. diurnal, finding food, mating, etc.)
Explain why they make sounds at night (calling to one another, guarding territory, etc.)
Read books about night creatures. Borrow books from the local library about camping in general, nocturnal creatures, or any animal in which they show a special interest.
While camping, focus less on the “dark” and more on how beautiful night time can be. Observe the stars and the moon. Talk about the “music” of the night.
Do not expect children to sleep outside all night. Take small steps by allowing them to sleep inside in their own beds when bedtime arrives. Another option is to allow them to fall asleep in the tent and then transfer them to their beds.
Practice for night time camping outside by camping inside first. Set up tents in the family room complete with sleeping bags, pillows, books and flashlights and encourage them to sleep there for the night.
Hearing night time sounds can be fun if you make it a game. Ask children to identify what sounds they hear.
Allow children to fall asleep with their flashlight.

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Essential Backyard Campout Safety Checklist

This is Part II of my series on camping in your own backyard.

My last post, Must-Haves to Make Overnight Camping in the Backyard Fun, provided three great checklists to help you have a fun and successful backyard campout with your family. Today's checklist is all about making your evening under the stars safe. Even in your own backyard, it's important to be aware and take the proper steps to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Essential Backyard Camping Safety Checklist

Use common sense while camping, especially if you have a campfire.
Have the proper equipment and tools (see my post Must-Haves for Backyard Camping for details).
Chose a safe campsite (a flat spot free of large obstacles like rocks and tree stumps)
Keep potentially dangerous items out of the reach of children (matches, knives, insect repellent)
Learn about and teach children about campfire safety if you plan to have one (a good resource is SmokeyBear.com)
Teach children to stay within eyesight or earshot.
Respect wildlife. Never approach or touch wild animals, use a camera instead.
Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step.
Pay attention to weather conditions.
Do not leave children alone at the campsite.
Have first aid essentials available in the house.
If you are sleeping outside for the night, put all food away in the house before going to sleep to avoid attracting animals to the camp site.
Remember to be prepared for the unexpected, do not take unnecessary chances.
Supervise your children at all times!

Many of these are intuitive, especially for moms, but it doesn't hurt to do a quick review once in a while. My goal in writing this was to provide an exhaustive list, but I am sure I have missed a few important points. If you would like to add your thoughts, please do so in the comments section.

Check back on Wednesday for the next post in my Backyard Camping with the Family series, when I provide pointers on how to help your children deal with things that go hoot, squawk, hiss, screech, etc., etc. in the night.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Must-Haves to Make Overnight Camping in the Backyard Fun

I Can Feel It in the Air
I don't know about you, but this time of year gets me thinking about s'mores and cozy sleeping bags. When the end-of-summer evenings begin to turn cool and there is a crisp feeling in the air, your backyard is the perfect place to camp and enjoy the weather. Why go to all the trouble of packing up and leaving home when you can have your own camping fun right in the backyard? No gas to buy, no park fees to pay, no hours to drive --- just grab your stuff and make your backyard camp site your family's new favorite place to be. To help you prepare for your evenings in the backyard, this is the first of a series of posts to help you get organized and stay safe with a very special post at the end about night critters

Can Camping in the Backyard Really be Fun?

Sure, it can! The nice thing about camping in the backyard is that you only need to worry about the essentials. It will take time to prepare everything, but having these items on-hand at the site will prevent you from having to trek back and forth dozens times between the campsite and the house. The key to a successful and fun backyard camping with kids is to make sure they are comfortable, safe and have things to do to keep them busy. To be sure everyone has an enjoyable experience I developed the following checklist:

Essential Family Backyard Camping Checklist:

For comfort

Tent (or blanket, tarp, bed sheet or sheet of plastic draped over a clothesline or tree branch, with corners held down by stakes or rocks)
Sleeping bag (or a sheet and blankets or comforter)
Sleeping pad (or air mattress, old comforter or blanket) to keep out the chill from the ground
Pillows
Camp chairs or something to sit upon
Table or blanket for eating and game playing outside
Clothing - several layers, which can be removed or added depending on the weather
Hats - use your judgment on the type based on the weather
Insect repellent
Flashlight (with extra batteries) for trips to the bathroom, easing night time fears and reading – one for each child to prevent arguments.

For meals

Full drinking bottles
Munchies and/or food you can cook if you have a campfire (i.e. marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars for s'mores)
Long, sturdy sticks for cooking over the camp fire (i.e. s’mores, hot dogs)
Cooking and eating utensils
Pocket knife
Napkins and paper or dish towels
Water (in a jug or cooler)
Plates and cups
Matches
Trash bag

For fun

Games, books, playing cards, crayons, paper
Identification guides (field guide to animals, insects, birds, trees, stars, etc.)
Items for nature exploration (magnifying glass, binoculars, journal, etc.)
Camera
Musical instruments and song books

If you know of something your family can't be without when camping in the yard, please add to my list via the comments below. We would all like to hear your great ideas!

Please check back on Monday for tips on how to stay safe when camping in the backyard.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

30-Day Outdoor Challenge Day 30: Congratulations, You Did It!

Has it really been 30 days since I launched the second annual 30-Day Outdoor Challenge? Yes, it has! Congratulations, you did it! If you joined me in the challenge to get your kids outside every day for 30 days, then I say "well done!" You have successfully connected your kids to nature. Give your self a round of applause.

Now I want to hear from you. How did it go? Was it tough to boot the kids out the door? Or was it easy once you got into the rhythm? Maybe you started off strong, then fizzled out over time. Did your child look forward to going outside the next next? Maybe you enjoyed it as much as he or she did. Please take a moment to add a comment. I welcome your feedback!

30-Day Outdoor Challenge Days 28 and 29: Quick Outdoor Activities for School Days

My Bean is officially a first-grader! As I waved goodbye to her at the bus stop today, I realized this marks a major milestone in a mom's life. The hardest part, as far as my naive mind is aware, is over once you have a child that reaches school-age. (I am sure many of you will not hesitate to remind me that the teen years are yet to arrive I beg you, please leave me to my naivete for now! ) It is sure is comforting to know I still have my Budder to hang out with!

For the past two days of the 30-Day Outdoor Challenge, we've sandwiched outdoor time between buying school supplies, haircuts, dentist and doctor visits, and all the frenzied preparation that goes along with preparing for school. All the demands of the school year have returned, with homework, after-school activities, less time off and, well, you know the drill. It makes the challenge of getting outside more difficult. However, with all those demands come stress, so it's even more important that kids (and you!) spend time in nature