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Review by Margaret Feinberg
It is never too early to begin experiencing the great outdoors, but many parents hesitate to take their children on hiking, backpacking and camping trips because they lack the know-how to lead their families on successful outdoor adventures. How far can a three-year-old hike? How should you dress an infant for the outdoors? What can you do for a bedwetter who sleeps in your tent? These questions and others can quickly discourage the most avid of outdoorsy parents from taking their children into the wilderness.
Fortunately, Alice Cary (a freelance writer who is a reviewer for BookPage) tackles these and other issues in "Parents' Guide to Hiking and Camping: A Trailside Guide." Examining the various facets of an outdoor adventure including "Family Adventure Gear," "Family-Friendly Food" and "Campsite Fundamentals," Cary does more than just help parents survive the outdoors -- she teaches them how to enjoy it with their children.
"Kids outgrow almost everything left and right -- clothes, toys, hobbies, food, even friends. Outdoor adventures are one thing families can share for the rest of their lives, whether it's tomorrow or 30 years from now, when kids are carrying their children on their backs," writes Cary.
The book is divided into 13 chapters and assists parents in planning each aspect of a camping or hiking adventure. The author provides specific guidelines for choosing hiking and camping equipment -- she even offers suggestions for name brands and provides a list of suppliers at the end of the book.
Beyond the fundamentals, Cary offers bright and fresh ways to encourage children to fall in love with the outdoors. Chapter five, "Nature Discovery," is one of the most insightful sections, because it offers creative and effective methods to introduce your child to nature.
Special sections such as "Ages and Stages" offer brief descriptions of abilities and interests you can expect from children of different ages.
"Recommendations" suggests specific gear, games and activities that help parents sort through the myriad available products and guard against boredom. "Parent-to-Parent" surveys parents across the country who share their experiences of what does and doesn't work.
The book is laced with bright, beautiful photographs and is geared to making the outdoor family adventure one to remember. Designed for parents whose children are between the infancy and early teens, "Parents' Guide to Hiking & Camping: A Trailside Guide" ensures that a family's first outdoor adventure won't be their last.
Margaret Feinberg is a freelance writer, hiker, backpacker, ski instructor and children's outdoor camp counselor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
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