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Rob Bignell's Blog – January 2012 Archive (5)

Hiking game with children: Animal Clues

Generally, exploring and discovery is enough for kids, but sometimes even they can grow bored with that and become restless. Remember that they naturally have shorter attention spans than adults.

Fortunately, there are lots of tried and true activities you can do on the trail that’ll keep kids from getting bored. One is called Animal Clues.

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Added by Rob Bignell on January 27, 2012 at 11:26am — No Comments

Trail mix recipe for kids: Gorp balls

Have kids help you make homemade trail mix, also known among backpackers as gorp. Here’s how to make a variety of trail mix known as gorp balls (warning: peanuts or a peanut byproduct are ingredients in this recipe).

g Ingredients – 1/3 cup each raisins, apple chips, dried apricots, dates and coconut, 1/2 cup sesame seeds, 1/3 cup walnuts, 2 cups peanuts, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 cup peanut…

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Added by Rob Bignell on January 12, 2012 at 6:37pm — No Comments

Select right sunglasses for hiking kids

Sunglasses are an absolute must at high altitudes if walking through open areas exposed to the sun and during winter when children can suffer from snow blindness. Look for 100% UV-protective shades, which provide the best screen.

The variety of sunglasses available out there are enormous, but when children are involved, always opt for something sturdy. You can buy sunglasses with no hinges, which means toddlers have one less avenue for breaking them. You even can buy symmetrical…

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Added by Rob Bignell on January 11, 2012 at 2:09pm — No Comments

Leave behind an emergency information sheet when day hiking with kids

Leave an emergency information sheet for each person going on the hike. Information on it should include medical conditions, insurance numbers, allergies, blood type, and emergency contact information. If you or one of the children should be injured, this is information that emergency responders, rescuers and medical personnel can use.

You might also leave a hiker’s safety form on the dashboard of your vehicle. When rangers pass your vehicle and see it, they’ll be able to read it…

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Added by Rob Bignell on January 4, 2012 at 10:55am — No Comments

How to deal with sibling rivalries on the trail

Sibling rivalries generally arise out of competition and jealousy of one another, usually because one child is perceived as getting more attention or a favored status. In the wilds, there can’t be anything more than a friendly rivalry. Getting along helps make the experience more pleasant for all, and should an emergency arise, it may be vital for your survival.

While you may not be able to stop the bickering, you certainly can minimize it on the trail. You can begin by trying to…

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Added by Rob Bignell on January 3, 2012 at 12:12pm — No Comments