Hiking With Children

Safety Precautions

• Before leaving, get foot imprint of each child. Have child wear hiking shoe and then step on a piece of foil set on something soft which will leave an impression. This aids if tracking should be necessary. Simply roll up foil in a tube and keep in your car.
• Give child a plastic whistle to carry (can blow if lost) and a plastic trash bag (bright colored one for easier discovery) to wear should it rain. Pre-cut face hole 1/3 of way from bottom of bag. Child wears bag over body as protection -- bottom of bag on top of head. Note: Trash bagis taught by Hug-A-Tree; a waterproof poncho can also be used.
• Teach child if lost to hug the nearest friendly tree in a grove, which is close to an open area, staying put there. Should rescue noises be heard, child lies in the open and blows whistle. The SOS sign can be made from rocks.
• Establish rules for keeping together, perhaps assign hiking buddies if group is large. Stop periodically to rest and for entire group to reconnect.

Packing For The Hike

• Choose loose-fitting, bright-colored clothes. Expensive hiking boots aren't necessary; however, a solidly built, comfortable leather sneaker with ankle support is recommended.
• Pack carefully. Each child should carry personal backpack with the following items: poncho or plastic trash bag, jacket, water (at least one quart per person for short hikes), extra socks, hat, sunglasses, flashlight and nutritious snack (children can help make up a trail mix or select favorite treats). Remind children not to sit on backpacks and mash contents!
• In addition, adult should pack (particularly for all-day hikes): first-aid kit, children's Tylenol, extra food, firestarter candle, matches, pocketknife, flashlight, map, compass, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, additional supplies/clothes needed, tiolet paper and plastic bag to carry it out and a compass. Consider taking an emergency space blanket, magnifying lens and paper/pencil to record sights.

While On The Hike

• Guard against possible problems such as hypothermia by keeping dry and warm (extra clothes useful for changeable, Colorado weather) and altitude sickness (symptoms are headache, nausea and staggering gait). Impress upon children the danger in drinking any mountain stream water, no matter how clear.
• Adjust goals to children's ages and abilities. A short walk is best for pre-schoolers; while older children may enjoy the challenge of longer hikes.
• Start early in the day and be patient. Praise your young hiker(s) efforts.
• Make the walk an adventure. Let children help decide hiking trail and destination goals. Lead the way in being excited about new discoveries around each bend. Invent games to play -- find things/animals that rhyme; make list before hand of objects/animals to spot -- winner gets a prize; examine plant foliage and unusual insects (use that handy magnifying glass). The upcoming season change can be an outdoor lesson in nature's constant transformation.
• Be environmentally aware. Pack out what you bring in. Keep to the established trails. And don't let little fingers pick those lovely wildflowers!

Tips gathered from parent/hiker Brian Hines; Dawn T-Baumgartner, parent and district executive for boy scouts; Leslie McFadden with the U.S. Forest Service and Cheryl Kennedy in charge of the Hug-A-Tree program, offered through the Larimer County Search and Rescue Team under direction of the Sheriff's Department. The book, "Best Hikes With Children in Colorado," by Maureen Keilty is also an excellent resource, detailing possible Colorado hiking trails.

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