Description

Hi. I’m Steph. I was very fortunate to be very connected to hiking and camping and outdoors through my childhood and youth and I have my own little kiddo now and I’ve been on a mission since he was born to figure out how to share this with him at whatever his capacity is at each age. We managed to maintain a minimum of 10% of his nights on earth in a tent (when he was under a month old) up to I think 40% by the time was about 15 months old. I really like being outside.

 

I have starry eyes about a kid-focused summer hiker series this year. My vision is a bit muddy and unformed but the spark is there. Allow me to spam some disorganized, bullet form thoughts in here:

 

-Kids are people.

-Groups of kids of disparate age can, as a collective, really increase the feeling of independence and autonomy (from adult instruction). Magical things happen when kids are allowed to be themselves.

-I really mean all ages. If you have an interested teenager – please include them. It was being part of a group of families that hiked together that led to my first backpacking trips (some of which were parent-free!). 

-Kids have an innate desire to be helpful…parents have an unfortunate habit of getting in the way of that (I don’t exclude myself here).

-I want to create an environment where kids can really thrive. Hiking gets kids away from the biggest risk factor (vehicles/roads), and into a place that is inherently interesting (nature). 

-I am a totally amateur parent. I know literally nothing about childhood development except what my own kid has taught me as he grows (and I am always behind). If your kid is older than my kid…then your kid knows way more about what they are capable of than I do.

-I would love for every kid that is interested to develop the confidence and skills to get inspired by an outing, plan that outing, and make that outing happen safely. I would love to see kids being in charge of hikes as the summer progresses (if they want to). It is also totally ok (in my mind) if a kid wants to come along as a passenger and use nature as a way to ‘turn off’ their brain. Not everything has to be about achievement and growth. 

-This is not childcare – every kid needs to be accompanied by a responsible adult. (in case that was not clear).

-People without kids are also welcome to join…just know what you are signing up for. 

 

Ok, so, like, what is the plan then?

Hikes of various lengths and difficulties over the course of the summer. Destinations that include lakes, lookouts, summits…whatever is interesting and reasonable. Ideally kids that are interested will do some research and know the route (do kids using mapping apps these days?? I did this all with paper maps as a kid). I hope that a kid can be out front of the group on every hike. Can we get to crown mountain as a crew this year? Third peak? Maybe. You tell me.

 

So what about this first one?

Well…I don’t know any of you and none of you know me. Let’s all get together on something simple and interesting enough for kids of all ages? Perhaps we can get a list of ‘interesting beach stuff’ together and do a little collective scavenger hunt on the beach, or print off some maps and do a bit of compass stuff if kids want to.

 

I think future hikes I would plan to start in the morning…but…this is the time window I have for this weekend so I am being creative.

 

Is she really dumb enough to plan something for families/kids right at dinner time?

Yes. Yes she is. I get it – certain times of day are busy and chaotic. Sometimes an imperfect picnic dinner on the beach is better than a perfectly executed evening routine. Summer schedule, right?? ha!

 

THIS HIKE:

Cates Park Loop

1.5km, flat

Coastal

 

Trip Plan

Park/Meet at the east of the lower parking lot (near Cates Park Paddling Center)

-Hike East along the shoreline trail

-Stay right to stay on the beach all the way to the old ruins of a lumber mill

-There is also a playground at the far end of the loop

-Choose a suitable location (beach or playground) to do a picnic-like dinner/snack break – location selection will be based on it being somewhere that the kids can all wander and explore freely without needing parents shadowing them for safety. 

-Return via upper trail – accessed via Sea Shell Lane if it feels important to make it a loop…reutrn via the shoreline trail we came in on if that seems more fun. 

 

Recommended Gear:

-Aside from the basic footwear/water/snacks/clothing….I recommend a change of clothes for kids because kids like to get wet and dirty and it is more fun to get wet and dirty and then change than to be told to not get wet and dirty.

Suggested Items

-Blanket or towel to sit on if you don’t like a dusty butt.

-Binoculars/kidnoculars (lots to see over the ocean)

-Compass (if your kid wants to play around and learn about a compass)

 

Questions to answer on signup:

-Who are the interested members of your family (adults/kids) and what age are the kids

-If you are interested in this KIND of thing this summer, but can’t make THIS ONE, please ‘sign up’ but indicate that you can’t do this one and I will leave you on the waitlist. This will help me know if I should keep this going.

-Throw out an idea for something people could bring to keep a slow/short beach hike interesting for all.

 

MISC Details:

-Self organized carpool totally an option

-Transit accessible