Families in the Outdoors

By Blake Miller

      My wife and I began our outdoor journeys over thirty years ago while in college.  So, it was natural that my children began their trips in the field at a very early age.  Our family continues to backpack and camp all around Oregon.  Though our children are now in college, we still find our trips memorable; it’s still “cool” to spend time together. 

      Central Oregonians are fortunate to be close to some of the finest forests and trails in the nation.  Our woodlands offer spectacular recreation opportunities and vistas, all at amazingly affordable rates.  Children find the outdoors a place to learn, explore, and let their imagination run wild.

      Let me make some suggestions to help you prepare for your trip afield.

      Safety is the first thing to consider.  First, always let a responsible person know what your plans are.  Let them know who is going, where you are going, if there are any medical concerns and when you will return.  Should you not return on time it is this person that contacts 911.  Secondly, pack an emergency kit with you; always.   The “10 essentials” is your baseline to start with (see side bar.)  As a parent you want to ensure you have an emergency shelter (such as a heavy duty trash bag); there is no excuse not to have one.   A good book to review is “Build the Perfect Survival Kit” by John McCann.  Retailers REI and Cabela’s have fine check lists online too.

A fully charged cell phone compliments the “10 essentials” and can be a real life saver in a critical situation.  Text messages will often get through when voice communications won’t.

      A map and compass always goes with you on the trail.  A GPS is a great tool to take too.  Children are quick to learn how a GPS works.  Navigation can be great show and tell time.  June Fleming’s book “Staying Found” is a fine resource for an introduction to land navigation and has great ideas to orient your child in the campground or back country.  Demonstrating your ability to navigate builds your child’s confidence in you and truly breaks you out from your friends; most adults don’t have a clue.  Should an emergency arise, good locating information is invaluable to our Search and Rescue teams finding you.  Land navigation classes are available through COCC’s Community Learning Department (www. noncredit.cocc.edu, 541 383 7270) and Outdoor Quest (www.outdoorquest.biz, 541 280 0573.)

      Let’s leave the entertainment electronics in the car.   Electronics distract from what is around you and truly taking in what our forest has to offer. 

Each trip is a learning experience.  Have a simple goal and keep it achievable for the youngest in the group.  Ask who can spot an eagle first or what fish can we find in the stream?  Field guides are a big help here.

      We are the stewards of our woodlands and it’s up to us to develop the respect and share the responsibility.  Young people quickly recognize poor woodland behavior amongst others; you set the example.  Demonstrate your own respect by picking up litter and staying on the marked trail; “leave no trace” has become the rule in outdoor travel.

      Fun on the trail creates special memories for everyone in the family.  It’s inexpensive and easy.  With little effort it can be rewarding and safe.  You will interact with your child on a new level and bring invaluable memories home that will last forever.