Encourage the Young

We have all seen them on the trail, Children that is.

There are babies being carried by Dad, in elaborate ‘Child carry’ backpacks by companies like Osprey, toddlers running about, elementary aged boys and girls, tweens and teenagers.

But, what about a child that is new to outside adventures, or the one that will ‘Go’ but really isn’t enthusiastic about it.

Nobody wants to have the kid kicking the sand and complaining all day.

So how do we Encourage the young?

You can start by using a large calendar that can be written on and is visible to your young person. Write your outings on the calendar, with a brief description, at least two weeks in advance. Make a Big deal about your excursion as you are writing it down, show some excitement and enthusiasm.(don’t have a large calendar-use a sheet of paper and put it right in the middle of the refrigerator door)

Use the internet to find and print photos and maps of your destination. Spread this new information across the dining room table and build some exciting momentum with your child about this upcoming journey.

Give your child purpose for the outing by assigning them a job/ title. Give them a copy of the trail map and tell them they are the ‘Assistant Navigator’ on the trip. Then explain what a navigator does. Show them a compass, and how to orient a map, keep it simple and be enthusiastic. Maybe your child is an organizer, tell them they are the trip ‘Supply Sergeant’ and let them be responsible for loading healthy snacks and water in everyone’s Daypacks. Use your imagination and make the build-up to that date on the calendar fun and exciting.

If you do these things, and STAY POSITIVE on the trail, you will build the confidence and enthusiasm of your young Adventurer.