Posted by admin | Posted in Backpacker | Posted on 21-12-2009
We parents always want the best for our children. And when we go for a hike, and they have grown up enough to accompany us, we try to reduce their burden by taking on additional burden for them. That’s not the right way.
The right way is teach them the rudiments of going on a hike. Teach them to pack their own clothing, tell them what kind of environment they can expect, and how to pack for it.
Buy them a backpack that is meant for the kids. There are many of them around. Get them a backpack that would carry a fairly decent amount of clothing, including separate pockets for dirty clothese and shoes. Backpacks now come with side pockets for bottles of water; some even have long pipes so that the children do not stop for that drink of water. While looking for the right backpack for your kid, look for backpacs that have so many pockets in the front and the back.
These can be useful in storing small items that children, say for instance, chocolates, or even toffees. Back pockets can be useful for carrying small lines of ropes, and also a pouch for holding a flash light, and another can carry a spare set of batteries.
The kid’s backpack needs to be of light material. It should have a harness both at the top and also near the waist. If the strap is just right for the child, buy one size bigger. It will come in handy next year as well.
Buy one with handles as well. It is easy for you to take it off your kid, and easier to put it back on.
The golden rule here is sure, help the child. But the kid’s have to learn to be independent, and packing thier own bags gives them a lot of pride, and a sense of accomplishment.
Finally, there are some things YOU need to take in your backpack. That’s carrying a first aid kit, which contains ointment for bruises, ant or other bites, and above all, if you child has some condition, then you must carry enough medication, in the event something untowards happens.
While on the trail, teach your kid what to avoid, how to overcome a gushing stream, use of proper footing, and watching out for ants on trees, and how to drink water from where, generally make it an educative experience for your child. Watch out for that sudden mis-step, and when fording streams, a protective ball of rope around your child’s waist would ensure that they don’t get a dunk in the stream unintendedly!
Best of Luck!
Abhishek is an avid Camping enthusiast and he has got some great Camping Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 84 Pages Ebook, “How To Have An Unforgettable Camping Vacation!” from his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com/768/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

