Time in Nature is the real “Smart Drug” Children Need

The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: Time in Nature is the real “Smart Drug” Children Need: The following is a guest blog by Dr. Mark Ellison:

Many children and their parents are looking for ways to increase academic performance to prepare for college admission and a future career. This pursuit often ends in seeking “smart drugs” such as Ritalin or Adderall to improve concentration. Even adults without symptoms of ADHD are now taking these drugs to work longer hours.

The current trend is to medicate children, not considering that changing the environment where they spend their time could have more positive health consequences. Children are often in places full of artificial stimulants including video games, television, music, smart phones and other devices that grab attention. Replacing this with time in nature can have positive health outcomes.

The Natural Learning Initiative led by Dr. Robin Moore, a professor in the landscape architecture program at North Carolina State University, is helping to educate about the positive health benefits of children spending time in nature. The purpose of this initiative is to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of children, through environmental design, action research, education, and dissemination of information. One of the intriguing developments of this movement is the creation of natural play areas that encourage the use of creativity and imagination, as well as longer and richer play experiences in a natural setting. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve in Charlotte, NC recently added one of these play zones.

Research is now revealing that time in nature reduces symptoms of ADHD in children. The Landscape and Human Health Laboratory (LHHL) at the University of Illinois is a multidisciplinary research laboratory dedicated to studying the connection between greenery and human health. Recent research at LHHL has found that nature has a calming and restorative effect on children and adolescents with ADHD, reducing symptoms and having a positive effect in cases where other treatments offer only limited help. The lab continues to research in this area and is currently examining the effects of schoolyard nature on children’s learning and academic achievement as reflected in standardized test scores.

Innovative programs are needed to get children and families in nature. An example of this is the Kids in Parks Program developed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which is helping to get families out on nature trails. The mission of this program is to promote children’s health and the health of parks by engaging families in outdoor adventures that increase physical activity and foster a meaningful connection to the natural and cultural world.

Another program, sponsored by The Children and Nature Network, is the “Lets G.O.!” (Get outside) initiative in April 2013 designed to get people out into nature.

All of this aligns with the Child’s Right to Nature and a Healthy Environment Initiative which states that every child has a right to connect to nature in a meaningful way; that every child has the right to be prepared and equipped to help address environmental challenges; and a right to a clean and healthy environment.

We have a responsibility to preserve natural areas so that the next generation can experience the beauty and health benefits that are associated with it. This is especially important for children who grow up in inner city environments, with no access to nature. How can you help to get children out in nature more?


Dr. Mark Ellison is an educator, researcher and author on using the restorative power of nature for optimal health and effectiveness. While earning a doctorate in adult education and human resource development from North Carolina State University, Dr. Ellison's dissertation explored the restorative benefits of hiking in wilderness solitude and the relationship to job satisfaction. He's recently started a second research study focused on hiking and the relationship to psychological well-being and reduced stress. He is also the founder of HikingResearch.com.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Clingman's Dome In The GSMNP

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and in Tennessee.  From the top of the observation tower pictures above, one can, at times, see for over 100 miles in every direction. Unfortunately, these times are rare, and it is more common to be able to see for around 20 miles, which still provides outstanding views.

Clingmans Dome is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top.

 On clear days views expand over a 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles.
Clouds, precipitation, and cold temperatures are common at Clingmans Dome. Temperatures at the dome can be 10 -20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. In fact, the cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome's summit make the spruce-fir forest that grows there a coniferous rainforest. Proper preparation is essential for a good visit. Dress in layers and be sure to bring a jacket, even in summer.


Although Clingmans Dome is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and whenever weather conditions require.
It's seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5 mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep, and leads to an observation tower on top.

Besides the trail to the summit, there are several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road and parking area. The Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine. The Forney Ridge Trail leads to Andrews Bald, a high-elevation grassy bald.

One can actually choose from several different hikes to reach the observation tower. The most common route begins in the parking area 0.5 miles from the tower.
A paved trail leads from this area up a steep ascent. Along the trail, one will find a number of benches to rest. At each 0.1 mile there will also be a bench with a number indicating how many tenths of a mile you have walked.


Take your time on this popular trail as there are a number of potentially great views looking off into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Also be aware, however, that this is a very popular trail.

Hikes That Kids May Enjoy In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

1.   Abrams Falls

Trail Features:   Waterfalls
 
Trail Location:       Cades Cove 
Roundtrip Length:      5.0 Miles 
Total Elevation Gain:   340 Feet 
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:  136 Feet 
Highest Elevation:      1710 Feet 
Trail Difficulty Rating:  5.68 (moderate) 
Parking Lot Latitude    35.59077 
Parking Lot Longitude  - 83.85293

The 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls is relatively short and is considered to be moderate in difficulty, thus helping to make it one of the more popular trails in the park and attracting nearly 1000 visitors per day during peak season.  
Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the cliff more than makes up for its lack of height. In fact, Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park. Although the long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque and inviting, swimming here is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and an undertow when close to the falls.
Kids love going swimming after hiking up to the falls durning the summer months.
The waterfall and the creek are named after Cherokee Chief Abram (or Abraham) whose village once stood several miles downstream.

2. Laurel Falls


Trail Features:  Waterfalls
 
Trail Location:     Little River Road 
Roundtrip Length:          2.3 Miles 
Total Elevation Gain:    314 Feet 
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:   273 Feet 
Highest Elevation:         2677 Feet 
Trail Difficulty Rating:  2.93 (easy) 
Parking Lot Latitude     35.67208 
Parking Lot Longitude  - 83.58068


Roundtrip, the trail to Laurel Falls and back to the parking lot is 2.3 miles. You'll climb about 314 feet in elevation before arriving at the 80-foot waterfall. The hike is well worth it though - Laurel Falls is very photogenic!
The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream (Laurel Branch) at the base of the upper falls. The falls receives its name from the mountain laurel that blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.
If your goal is to go home with some excellent photos of the falls you may want to plan your hike for early in the morning or late in the day. The shade provided by the surrounding mountains will produce a much better picture.

The Laurel Falls Trail was built in 1932 to provide fire crews with access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a forest fire. By the early 1960s, however, Laurel Falls had become a popular hiking destination for visitors, and erosion was taking a toll on the trail. As part of the 1963 Accelerated Works Projects grant to the Department of Interior, the trail to Laurel Falls was paved in order to halt the problems with erosion.


3. Grotto Falls


Trail Features:    Waterfalls, Old growth forest
 
Trail Location:    Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 
Roundtrip Length:           2.6 Miles 
Total Elevation Gain:       585 Feet 
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:      450 Feet 
Highest Elevation:           3777 Feet 
Trail Difficulty Rating:    3.77 (easy) 
Parking Lot Latitude       35.68037 
Parking Lot Longitude   -83.46243


For the most part the trail is a gentle climb to Grotto Falls along a wide, well-worn path. As you proceed to the waterfalls you'll cross over four small streams without the benefit of a bridge.
At 1.2 miles hikers will reach a nice tumbling cascade. Just beyond this point, looking upstream, Grotto Falls comes into view for the first time.
The most distinctive feature about Grotto Falls is that it's the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that a person can actually walk behind. The 25-foot high waterfall offers a cool, shady, and moist retreat for hikers in the summer. This same environment also provides an ideal habitat for salamanders as well.

As you walk behind the falls you can hear and feel the thunderous power of the water plunging into the pool in front of you. Watch your step here - especially in the winter - the area around the falls is always wet and slick.


4.  Hen Wallow Falls


Trail Features:         Waterfalls     
Trail Location:          Cosby     
Roundtrip Length:           4.4 miles     
Total Elevation Gain:      900 feet     
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:     409 feet     
Highest Elevation:          2923 feet     
Trail Difficulty Rating:  6.20 (moderate)     
Parking Lot Latitude:      35.75719     
Parking Lot Longitude:   - 83.2087


Almost from the start, the path leading to Hen Wallow Falls begins to make a steady climb up the northern flank of Snake Den Mountain. While ascending Gabes Mountain Trail, which was once known as the Messer Trail, the roots and rocks on the pathway will testify how rough this trail is in some places. Although rugged, the trail passes through a beautiful lush-green forest of rhododendron and ferns, with hemlocks and yellow poplars that provide a nice overhead canopy.
After a short distance Rock Creek will appear on your right, and nearly 0.4 mile from the trailhead you'll pass a side trail that leads to the Cosby Campground. Shortly thereafter, the trail crosses over Rock Creek.
At roughly 0.7 mile you'll pass a social trail leading off to your right. Continue going straight here.
Roughly 1 mile from the trailhead you'll reach Messer Gap. There's another faint side trail on your right here that supposedly leads to an old grave site. To continue onto the falls hikers should go straight here. Just past this junction look towards your left and you'll see the remnants of an old rock wall from a former homestead.
At 2.1 miles you'll reach the short (and somewhat steep) side trail that leads down to the base of 90-foot Hen Wallow Falls. Although Hen Wallow Creek is only two feet wide at the top of the falls, it fans out to almost 20 feet at the base. We were fortunate to have visited the falls after quite a bit of rain. During the drier seasons throughout the year, water flowing over the cliff side can be a little low.



5. Clingman's Dome


Trail Features:    Scenic Views, Old growth forest , Highest point on Appalachian Trail &  In Tennessee

Trail Location:      Clingman's Dome Road
Roundtrip Length:          1.0 Miles 
Total Elevation Gain:      585 Feet 
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:     585 Feet 
Highest Elevation:          6643 Feet 
Trail Difficulty Rating:   3.37 (easy) 
Parking Lot Latitude      35.562872
Parking Lot Longitude   -83.498496



Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and in Tennessee.  From the top of the observation tower pictures above, one can, at times, see for over 100 miles in every direction. Unfortunately, these times are rare, and it is more common to be able to see for around 20 miles, which still provides outstanding views.
On my most recent trip to Clingmans Dome, however, the I was not even fortunate enough to see 20 miles. On rainy and cloudy days, the hike to Clingmans Dome is shrouded in fog, and limits views to only a few hundred feet.
One can actually choose from several different hikes to reach the observation tower. The most common route begins in the parking area 0.5 miles from the tower.
A paved trail leads from this area up a steep ascent. Along the trail, one will find a number of benches to rest. At each 0.1 mile there will also be a bench with a number indicating how many tenths of a mile you have walked.

Take your time on this popular trail as there are a number of potentially great views looking off into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Also be aware, however, that this is a very popular trail.

The forest surrounding Clingmans Dome received enough participation each year (mainly from near constant cloud coverage), that is considered a coniferous rain forest. As you walk up this trail, a community of spruce-firs lies along each sides of the trail.  These beautiful trees, however, are no longer a thriving community. Clingmans Dome received the highest levels of acid rain of any national park. Due to the constant precipitation left by the clouds and rain, the spruce firs are dying, and one will quickly notice the number of empty trunks and dead limbs in the area.

Once you reach the top of the trail, you will find a large circular stone area sitting below the 54 foot concrete observation tower. This tower is very accessible, and an easy climb to the top, as it is a long slow loop to the top with no stairs.

The top of the tower offers a 360 degree view  of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Temperatures on top of Clingmans Dome can be suprising, even on a warm spring day. Be prepared for moisture and temperatures that can be 20 to 30 degrees lower than the temperatures in the towns surrounding the mountain.

Nearby  Trails
Approach Trail from Newfound Gap – 7 miles
Appalachian Trail – 2181 miles
Mountain to Sea Trail – approximately 1000 miles (Clingmans Dome is the trail head of this trail)

Junior Ranger Program In The GSMNP

Bring the whole family for a hands-on exploration of the diversity of life within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Together, you will discover the wonders of the Smokies and learn of ideas to preserve natural and cultural treasures in your own backyard.

During spring, summer, and fall, ranger-led programs suitable for children are offered. These programs offer children an opportunity to explore and learn about the park. Read through the schedule of ranger-led programs to find programs especially for children.
Kids—if you're between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Learn how!

Kids—if you're between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for $2.50 at any park visitor center or at the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground. Complete the activities in the booklet then stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger and receive your Junior Ranger badge.
You can become a Junior Ranger at any time of year, but during spring, summer, and fall, ranger-led Junior Ranger programs are offered especially for children. Read through the schedule of ranger-led programs to find these special Junior Ranger programs.

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Junior Ranger: Blacksmithing
Want to see what Junior Ranger programs are all about? Watch a video of the Junior Ranger Blacksmith program at the Mountain Farm Museum.

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Online Opportunities to explore your National Parks.
Can't visit the park in person? Explore the Great Smoky Mountains and other national parks through the following online games and activities:

Take an electronic field-trip to the park!
Search for life in the Great Smoky Mountains with downloadable acitivities, videos, and interactive games.

Become A WebRanger!
The National Park Service's online Junior Ranger program is for kids of all ages. With more than 50 online games, you can have fun learning about your national parks, monuments, and historic sites.

                  Information provided by : National Park Service

Kids Group Safety

Every year millions of children across the United States visit the outdoors with youth groups. It might be the Boy or Girl Scouts, a church, the YMCA, Adventure Quest, Civil Air Patrol, Boys and Girls Club, a school or college, or any other number of groups across America. Sadly every year thousands of children are injured and dozens are killed. Some of the injuries and deaths are tragic accidents, a bee sting that turns into anaphylactic shock, a boulder shifting unexpectedly pinning a teen, or an unexpected lightning strike. However many of these injuries and deaths could be avoided.
Because children's bodies are still developing, and healthy children lack a lot of body fat, they are far more susceptible to several different outdoor related injuries than their adult leaders. Hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, heat related injuries, and altitude sickness are all points of risk.
Hypothermia is caused when the body can no longer maintain a normal temperature. Just a 1.6 degree change in temperature can have adverse effects, and a 3.6 degree change in temperature to 95 degrees can be immobilizing. Preventing hypothermia is a parental responsibility. If your child is going on an outdoor adventure, be sure they are adequately clothed and they are wearing layers. Hypothermia can happen even on a summer day, and wind and moisture can increase the effect. One of the best ways to help maintain body heat is to wear a hat, and be sure your child understands to wear it. Identifying hypothermia and taking proper action as early as possible is the responsibility of the group leaders. People who suffer from hypothermia typically deny they have a problem, and can even be combative. Hypothermia is not a sign of physical weakness; it is a serious medical emergency that needs to be treated.

Frostbite is caused when the fluid inside the cells of body tissue freeze. As the fluid freezes it expands, rupturing the cells. Frostbite typically starts on the extremities, the nose, earlobes, toes, fingers, cheeks, and moves toward the core of the body. Frostbite typically has a cascading effect. As a part of the body becomes chilled blood flow is restricted in an attempt to save heat and prevent hypothermia, which lowers the temperature further increasing the problem. Frostbite prevention is also the parent's responsibility. Once again making sure your child has the proper clothing is key. Exposed flesh equals frostbite on a cold windy day, so gloves, a hat, and in more extreme environments scarves, ski masks, and even ski goggles to protect the eyes may be needed. Children should be briefed on the symptoms of frostbite, and group leaders should also know how to identify and treat it.
Dehydration is probably the most senseless of injuries that can happen to a child. Proper hydration out in the field is the responsibility of the leaders. When your child goes out for an adventure make sure they will have an adequate water supply. Buying a couple bottles of Avian at the convenience store may save you some time, but it is doing your child a great disservice. Take the time and spend a few dollars on some proper water bottles. One quart water bottles can be found at stores like Wal Mart or Target for as little as two dollars. If your child is hiking or backpacking, seriously consider investing $15 to $25 in a two-liter hydration system. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water per day, or one quart of water for every two hours, more if you are in extreme hot, cold, dry, or at high altitude. If it is a struggle to get your child to drink water, invest in some powered sports drink mix. Soft drinks, especially caffeinated ones should be avoided.
Heat related injuries are the opposite of hypothermia. Instead of the body not being able to stay warm, the body can no longer stay cool and overheats. Heat exhaustion is a serious problem, and heat stroke is a very serious medical emergency that can cripple or even kill in minutes. Just like hypothermia denial is one of the symptoms so it is up to the leaders to watch for these medical emergencies. Many children who die from heat related injuries were simply pushed too hard, the early symptoms of nausea, dizziness and feeling weak can be ignored as an excuse to want to stop and take a rest. Just like hypothermia, heat related injuries are not a sign of weakness; they are serious, life threatening emergencies.
Altitude sickness also affects children more than adults. Sudden changes in altitude over a very short period of time can bring on life threatening emergencies. Fortunately the most serious condition, HACE or High Altitude Cerebral Edema doesn't typically occur below 18,000 feet, but can. Children need to be watched for AMS, Acute Mountain Sickness, and in elevations over 12,000 feet, HAPE, or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. It is up to the leaders to watch for these conditions. Once you get over 7,000 feet, elevation change should be limited to 1,000 feet per day, with jaunts of 2,000 to 3,000 feet in change acceptable as long as you return to your starting altitude. Bigger changes than this can bring on illness.

Kids Hiking And In The Outdoors

Any parent who has traveled any distance with their children has gone through the special joy that only traveling with your family can bring.  Although there are the negatives of getting to your destination, "are we there yet," or, "I have to go to the bathroom," and then there is always, "you child has been kicking my seat since take-off, can you please make them stop!"
But arriving at your outdoor destination opens up a world of new wonderment to a child.  With some careful planning, patience, and understanding, a trip to the outdoors can be made a wonderful experience filled with life long memories, versus a death march that will scar a child for life into never visiting the outdoors again.

How Far In One Day ?
In planning an outdoor adventure, this is usually the first question a parent asks to themselves.  How far can my child go in one day?  This article can not provide you a mystical number, but some common sense can.  The average adult in average health can travel on foot from eight to twelve miles on any given day.  Terrain, weather, load, and motivation are all factors that can effect how much ground can be covered.
When traversing ground of foot with children, you should not expect them to move more than five miles in a day.  You should equip your child with good footwear, proper wool socks with Wick Dry or Cool Max weaved in or liner socks.  Cotton socks retain moisture which make for uncomfortable feet and blisters, as does cheap, "department store," footwear.  The best rule of thumb is the, "whine factor."  If your child is complaining a lot and looks distressed, they probably are.  Another good gauge is your own body.  Are you feel tired or sore?  If you are, your children probably started fading a long time ago and may just be suffering in silence.
You can increase the distance a child can cover by preparing an interesting route with frequent stops.  Hiking through five miles of woods might be a good time for quiet reflection as an adult, but to a ten-year-old mind it is hell on earth.  Stopping at formations, waterfalls, rivers, little known historic sites, ghost towns, etc. all break up the trip, and make it more exciting for the grownups.  Another good approach is to setup camp early and do some short distance solo hiking to clear your personal mind and move at a pace your more comfortable with.

How Much Can They Carry ?
Unlike distance, this is an easier question to answer.  For every five pounds of person, it is acceptable to expect them to be able to carry one pound of gear comfortably.  Some factors like the quality of their boots and pack, and physical condition weigh (no pun intended) into this equation.

For every five pounds of body weight, the average child can carry five pounds.  In the below example your child could carry 16 lbs.
80 lbs. / 5 = 16 lbs. gear
If a child is overweight you need to factor for this.  For every five pounds overweight, you need to subtract one pound.  So if your child had an ideal weight of 80 lbs., but weighed 100 lbs. you would use the example below:
(ideal weight / 5) - (actual weight - ideal weight /5)
(80 lbs. / 5) - (100 - 80 / 5) = 12 lbs. gear

 There are two examples to the left that outline this formula.  If your child is overweight (this is a major problem in the United States) you need to factor this equation for the excess body weight the child has to carry in addition to the gear.  In the example to the left, a child that should weight 80 lbs., but weighs 100 lbs., can only carry 12 lbs. of gear comfortably.  Now this may seem like ample weight on paper, until you realize that one gallon of water weighs close to nine pounds (including the container to hold it).  The bottom line is that especially in younger children, you should not have major expectations on them carrying a lot of gear.  If you can get them to carry the twelve basic essentials for hiking, you probably should not expect them to carry more.

  
The quality of the pack is also important.  If your child is under five feet tall, you will probably have a very hard time finding a pack that fits them properly.  If you plan to get a day hiking type pack, you should try to get one with a sternum strap.  The sternum strap on higher quality packs helps keep the shoulder straps on the shoulders, and with young children who have not gone through puberty, this is a major issue as their shoulders have not gotten broad and the packs tend to slip on the shoulders causing a lot of stress.  A good day hiking pack that does not have a frame, will cost between $45 and $150 depending on the features you select.

2 Miles Away What Now ?
This is the worst dilemma a parent can face.  When a child has, "had it," there is no logic or reasoning with them.  An exhausted eight year-old does not care about spending the night in the woods, all they care about is stopping.  The first thing you can do is take their pack.  You can carry your pack plus your child's, readjusting the straps so your pack is on your back, and you child's is on your chest.  In the absolute worst case scenario, you may have to carry your child for a while.  Distance heat and boredom can take their toll on young travelers.  The most important thing, don't let it get to this point - which due to variables like the weather and injury, can make things very difficult.

How Can you Compromise ?
There are a number of things you can do to make the overall experience better for your children.  Set rewards for reaching your daily goal, or do fun activity during your trip.  If your visiting Yellowstone National Park, endure the crowds at Old Faithful to give your children a thrill.  Then go on that backcountry hike in geyser country.  When the child can stand closer in solitude to see a geyser go off, they appreciate the hike even more.  Acknowledge your child's accomplishments at the end of the day.  Show them on a map how far you have gone.  They will have an incredible appreciation for the time and distance they covered.

Tried All Of This And Still Not Working ?
The sad fact may be if you have tried everything is your children just may not like being in the wilderness.  Approximately 40 million people today participate in camping, which is one of the top ten exercise mediums in the country.  That leaves a lot of the population that doesn't.  If your children are miserable on your outdoor adventures, you might want to seriously think about leaving them with a relative when you go on your trips.  The worst thing you can do is force them to participate, because you can scar their attitudes on the outdoors forever at an earlier age.

Junior Ranger Program In Your National Park
The United States National Park System has a program for children ages four to fourteen they call the Junior Ranger Program.  Almost every National Park, and some National Monuments participate.  Visit any ranger station and ask to sign up your child(ren).  Your child(ren) will be given specific activities to perform through the day on their own geared towards their specific age group.  Most programs require sitting through at least one ranger led program, which at most parks are of excellent quality.  Believe it or not, picking up trash, which is typically one of the requirements, is one of the most popular activities for children who will eagerly compete over who can find the most trash, and they provide a valuable service at the same time.  The Junior Ranger Program is free and includes a certificate of completion, although some parks do require a minimal fee of one too two dollars to get a patch when the program is completed.
   
Remember It's A Different Era
Children can have a wonderful time in the outdoors filled with cherished memories of wonderful sights and time with their family.  A little careful planning, proper selection of equipment, and realistic expectations all make for an easier time in the outdoors.  Realize you will have to travel at a slower pace and will not cover as much distance with a child as you would with a group of adults.  Make sure your child has quality, comfortable, and well fitting footwear.  Try to do fun things on your outdoor adventures and plan things around your children.  Don't get frustrated with their shortcomings in the field, and let them know when they are doing a good job.  By following these simple steps and ideas, your children will have a wonderful time in the great outdoors.But you also need to remember that kids these days are kids of technology.It will take alot to keep them interested in the outdoors but something that they will never forget........ I never did !