Philadelphia REI Outdoor School

Family Hiking (Outing)

Want to experience nature and see the sights with your children? Maybe you’re new parents wondering how to safely introduce the little ones to a day out on the trail? Learn how to pick appropriate locations, how to "sell"? the activity, and how to keep the kids enthusiastic, interested and happy on the hike. A kid-specific version of Leave-No-Trace principles will also be taught to emphasize good habits in the outdoors. Join our instructors for a fun, engaging day out on family- friendly terrain. Tips for including children on other activities such as boating, biking and even climbing will be discussed.

Cost includes parent and one child. Each additional person is $5.

* Advance registration is required. Call or visit any Philadelphia area REI to sign up.

• Time:

  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Cost: Member: $35, Non-Member: $55

Where To Meet:

Venues to be announced. Trip operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. Trip leaders will make any weather-related decisions on the day of the trip.

Due to car seat considerations and our desire to have the children transported as safely as possible, we request that each family drive to the location. Directions will be provided.

• April 27th Conshohocken REI
• June 7th Marlton REI

WHAT TO BRING:

• Your daypack
• Bring your own LUNCH, snacks and WATER.
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen
• At least one eager child
• "Kid Carrier" backpack or other rugged child carrier if your child can not walk. Carrying them in your arms or on shoulders is unsafe for both you and them (and uncomfortable!).

How to Dress your Children:

Hiking may require some small changes to their usual wardrobe. And you must be prepared for anything!

• Dress them in layers so they can warm up or cool down easily.
• Avoid cotton socks, which may lead to uncomfortable feet and blisters. Get some wool outer socks and a wicking-liner. And bring extras; kids WILL get their feet wet!
• No open-toed shoes.
• Dress them in bright colors so they are easily seen.
• Consider convertible pants, which are synthetic (dry easily) and can be converted to shorts if the day warms up.
• In damp weather, consider fleece rather than cotton as an outer layer.
• Finally, consider taking them shopping for a special new item just for this trip. It can be as simple as a colorful bandana, or an inexpensive compass.

What to Feed Them on the Trip

• Carry lots of dried fruits, power bars (they don't have to know it's not a candy bar) and trail mix.
• If your grocery store carries dried fruits and nuts in bulk, let them create their own trail mix.

About Water

• Take time to teach your kids about the importance of drinking water on the trail. Vocabulary word: "Hydration".
• Let them carry some of their own, while you carry extra.
• In the summer months, freeze some water in a sports bottle, or drop in some Sports-Drink ice cubes.
• Kids love Hydration Packs. It makes drinking fun!

ESSENTIAL GEAR LIST:

• Water bottles or Camelbak-style drinking bladder—2 liters recommended!
• Lunch and snacks
• Quick-dry shirt and hiking pants
• Extra quick-dry layers for warmth and weather protection: fleece jacket, synthetic or wool sweater and windbreaker or breathable rain jacket. Be prepared for winter weather.
• Warm hat and/or gloves (if conditions are unfavorable)
• Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots, with moisture-wicking socks
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars (optional)

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

• Two trained REI Outdoor School instructors
• Group compasses
• Group medical supplies and map of the area