“To him, all good things – trout as well as eternal salvation – came by grace; and grace comes by art; and art does not come easy” Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It.

A fisherman’s journey

Learning to fly fish is a continuous process, but embarking on this new adventure for me was a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions. Despite past setbacks, fly fishing continues to open new doors in my life, allowing me to travel to different places, experience new things, and bond with friends and family. Fly fishing has taught me to overcome challenges and appreciate nature in a greater way.

How my fly fishing adventures began

It was the early summer of last year when I dragged my dad into our car and convinced him to drive from the suburbs of Maryland, through the mountains of Pennsylvania, to the cool waters of a small limestone stream. Our targets, which had been on my mind since we were introduced to the idea, were brown and rainbow trout.

Earlier that month, we bought two rods, two reels, lines, leaders, and an assortment of flies to help us catch these elusive species. With high expectations and our cameras ready, we arrived at the spot, stepped into our waders, tied a “buggy” fly onto our line, and entered the flowing water. My dad and I proceeded to catch absolutely nothing, tripping over rocks and falling into the water several times. With our hopes low and our feet soggy, we loaded everything into the car and drove home.

Back to the drawing board

Over the next few days, I did some research and discovered how truly difficult it is to catch a trout on a fly. I learned that a fisherman has to take into consideration the depth, speed, and temperature of the water, the type of insect that is hatching, along with the time and weather. I discovered the vast array of fly patterns and casting techniques used while fishing. I also discovered how much work was cut out for me if I was ever going to catch a trout on a fly.

After a week or so of continued learning and research, we mustered up the courage to return to the same stream, now a little more informed. It was a sunny bluebird day, and the drive through the green forests and mountains was breathtaking. We arrived at the spot and noticed an old orange pickup truck parked by the stream. During the earlier trip, we had seen no one fishing, so this came as a slight surprise to us. My dad parked the car, and we began what we thought was going to be another grueling day.

Learning from the locals

After about an hour or two on the water, we headed back to the car, without any luck, for some water and snacks. At the car, my dad and I were greeted by an older man sitting on one of the picnic benches scattered around the parking area. He was enjoying the beautiful day, peacefully sitting and appreciating the environment around him. We started talking and found out that he had a successful morning, catching several nice-sized trout.

Curious and desperate for success, I asked what he had used, and the man showed us a strange fly we had never seen before. He made it himself by simply taking a few of his dog’s shed hairs and tying them onto a small barbless hook. I told him that I had been frustrated by the whole fly-fishing experience from this morning and last week.

He explained to me that fly fishing was more than just catching fish. It was an experience, not just an action. He told me to slow down on the water and to appreciate my surroundings. My new friend gave us a few of his dog hair flies, then got in his truck and drove off. After that odd interaction and with the new flies in my arsenal, we ate some trail mix and got back in the stream.

Back in the water

After half an hour, I came across a new patch of water that curved gently with the help of high-cut banks. There were a few large boulders toward the start of the run before the water gradually got deeper until it leveled off under an overhanging branch. After studying the different types of water at home, I knew this area would be fishy.

I cast the dog hair fly just above the large boulders and watched as my indicator drifted down a rifle. As my indicator passed under the overhanging branch, it jumped down, and I immediately set the hook. My rod bent as I stumbled backward, surprised that something was on the other end of my line.

Landing the prize and finding the beauty

I reeled in and walked closer to the shore so I could have a safer place to net the fish. As it swam closer, I could see that he was a decent-sized rainbow trout. When the fish was within arm’s reach, I fumbled for my net and scooped him up. After all that excitement, I was ecstatic that I had just landed a trout.

I picked him up and watched as he glistened in the sunlight. The trout was slightly green and pink, with intricate black dots running from head to tail. I took the old man’s fly out of his mouth and wished that I could thank him for his help. I submerged the fish back into the water and watched as he swam off.

And at that moment, something dawned upon me as I thought back to what the old man had told me. All around me, there was beauty. I looked up and saw bright green leaves glistening in the sunlight. I looked down and saw the cool stream warping and bubbling its way around large boulders. I looked into the distance and saw great, mighty mountains overlooking the valley I stood in. I began to acknowledge and appreciate all of it.

What fly fishing has taught me

Over the next few months, as I progressed as a fly fisherman, I experienced all kinds of great opportunities that fly fishing gifted me. I experienced new and unique things outdoors in nature, like the sudden exhilarating feeling of a fish hitting your fly. I traveled to new places around the northeast, opening my eyes to the regional area. While fishing or looking in local fly shops, I met many mentors who helped me not only grow my fishing skills but also my character. I connected to my dad’s past in the Florida Keys last summer, fishing the same flats he fished as a kid.

Most importantly, fly fishing connected me to nature. There is no other feeling like standing on a cool limestone stream, surrounded by mountains and trees, while the sun rises. It’s the type of feeling that gets your hairs standing and sends chills through your chest. All technologies and modern-day stresses vanish as you bask in the awe-inspiring outdoors.

Fly fishing has allowed me to appreciate the environment and opened my eyes towards conservation. As I grow older, I want to take steps to protect the earth so my kids and grandkids can enjoy it. Learning to fly fish continues to provide new experiences and possibilities, allowing me to truly grow and discover myself.

What’s an outdoor activity that’s connected you to nature?

About the author

Jonathan is a 16-year-old outdoor adventurer and world traveler. He is an honors student and Varsity athlete at his beloved high school. Besides his love of fly fishing, he is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer, having experienced Tiger sharks and Sperm whales and lived to tell about it! He loves mountain biking and hiking in the wilderness with his friends. He loves to write about his adventures to share with others his love and passion for nature and for our world.

The post Hooked on Nature: A 16 Year Old’s Fly Fishing Journey appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Teens need play, too

It can be daunting to come up with a list of outdoor activities to get teens and tweens off screens, but I bet you have a bunch of these ready in your back pocket. You just need a refresher and some inspiration! Outdoor games and activities are a great opportunity for teens to take breaks from their screens, get social, exercise, and have fun. The best outdoor activities for teens are the ones that combine fun, friends, and fresh air! 

The best way to encourage teens and tweens to get outside for some fresh air and fun is to ensure there is a lot of peer community. Contrary to popular belief, older kids need and want to play. I believe it’s important to give teens and tweens an outdoor outlet to play and connect with each other. And yes, the competition might be leveled up as the kids get older, but that’s all part of the fun for them.

The benefits of outdoor play for kids (teens and tweens included) are boundless, ranging from physical health to mental well-being and personal development. As we delve into the thrilling outdoor pursuits listed below, we’ll also uncover the compelling reasons why fostering a love for the great outdoors can shape our teens and tweens into well-rounded, resilient individuals.

So, join us on this journey to reconnect with nature, as we discover the transformative power of unplugged adventures for our young ones. It’s time to swap pixels for sunlight and pave the way for unforgettable memories and lasting life lessons. You may want to bookmark this post so you can come back to it the next time your teen says he/she is bored or if you find them staring at the screen for too long.

Organized outdoor activities and games

Sometimes, organized outdoor activities give teens and tweens the structure to get started and provide teens and tweens with the essential structure they need to kickstart their outdoor adventures. These activities offer a framework that introduces them to the joys of being outside. This structure not only fosters discipline and teamwork but also encourages them to discover new interests and skills. What’s truly remarkable is how these organized activities can serve as a springboard for creativity. As long as you have an outdoor space for them to play, you may be pleasantly surprised how often they go outside. 

As they get used to turning toward outdoor fun, they will begin to create their own versions and rules and sometimes even their own games. These newfound freedoms allow them to experiment, collaborate with friends, and develop problem-solving skills—all while having a blast in the great outdoors. In this way, organized outdoor activities serve as the initial stepping stones that lead to a world of limitless possibilities for creative and unstructured outdoor play.

For now, here is a list of organized games and activities for your teen or tween started:

Disc golf / frisbee golf

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, combines the precision of golf with the excitement of throwing a frisbee. This fun activity encourages teens to explore natural settings like parks or wooded areas while honing their throwing skills. The benefits include enhanced hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular exercise, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. There are a host of established courses that many local parks and recreation facilities can offer. If you don’t have any courses near you, teens and tweens will often make their own course through the neighborhoods. Local parks are also a good space to set up a homemade course.

Putt putt golf

For very little cost, teens and tweens can meet up together to play a little putt-putt together. Putt-putt golf, a miniature version of traditional golf, is a classic outdoor game that provides an engaging outdoor experience with its colorful courses and quirky obstacles. Teens can challenge their friends or family while developing focus and patience. This fun activity not only encourages friendly competition but also improves concentration and spatial awareness. This is also a great outdoor activity while traveling!

Pickleball

This fast-paced sport, most well-known for a more mature crowd, has taken the teen world by storm. Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis and table tennis, is played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a wiffle ball. It’s perfect for teens looking for a fun and fast-paced outdoor activity that promotes agility, teamwork, and cardiovascular fitness. The relatively low learning curve allows beginners to quickly get into the game and enjoy the benefits of active play.

Parks and recreation facilities are quickly adapting their tennis courts, and pop-up pickleball clubs are all the rage. Rent paddles or buy your own.

Tennis

Tennis, a fast-paced racquet sport, encourages teens to engage in friendly matches or practice their skills on public courts. This activity enhances cardiovascular fitness, agility, and hand-eye coordination while fostering social interaction and sportsmanship. It’s a game that can be played casually or competitively, indoor or outdoor, any time of year, making it adaptable to different skill levels and interests.

Golf

Golf, with its serene greens and picturesque landscapes, invites teens to embrace a more tranquil outdoor experience. Whether they’re playing on a full-sized course or enjoying mini-golf, golf teaches patience, focus, and precision. Teens can challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. Golf encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving as they navigate the course. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also instill valuable life skills, making them ideal options to lure teens away from screens and into the great outdoors.

Both tennis and golf are sports that are great for a group as small as two. Actually, golf can be played solo and well into the late decades of your life, making it a great sport to start young. Teens will definitely get their steps in and make memories playing.

Kickball

Kickball, reminiscent of childhood playground games, is an excellent choice for teens (and kids of all ages). It’s a fun game that encourages them to run, kick, and strategize as a team. The benefits include increased physical fitness, improved coordination, and opportunities for social bonding. It’s a great game that can be played in parks, schoolyards, or any open space, making it accessible and convenient. Kickball is a classic game and great for involving teens and tweens because it just doesn’t get too serious, and everyone can have fun.

Big group games and activities

Teens and tweens can have so much fun by engaging in big group games and activities outdoors. These large-scale gatherings create an atmosphere of excitement, camaraderie, and friendly competition that’s hard to replicate indoors. I often think about the field day activities that little kids have so much fun with and what a good time those were. This is similar, but maybe just up a notch for the older kids. They have a little more freedom and a little more self control, but at the same time the wild draws them in more.

These types of activities can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. The sheer scale of these activities fosters a sense of community, encouraging teens to bond with their peers, make new friends, and build lasting memories together. The laughter, energy, and shared moments create a sense of togetherness that’s both invigorating and deeply satisfying.

Moreover, big group activities outdoors offer a unique chance for teens and tweens to develop essential life skills. They learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as they strategize with their peers to achieve common goals. These games also promote physical fitness, as running, jumping, and competing in large group settings provide an excellent workout.

Beyond the physical benefits, these fun outdoor activities teach crucial lessons about leadership, cooperation, and adaptability, which can prove invaluable as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. In essence, big group outdoor activities empower teens and tweens to have fun, forge strong connections, and grow into more resilient and socially adept individuals.

Glow stick tag

If your teens find themselves bored or restless after the sun goes down, this game of tag is a way for them to extend their outside time. Better to play with a glow stick than the glow of a screen! Glow Stick Tag is a variation of the classic game of tag, but played in the dark with glow sticks. Teens experience the thrill of pursuit and evasion while enhancing their agility and reflexes. This outdoor game for teens is perfect for summer evenings and encourages outdoor play well into the night.

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is another classic game involving strategy, teamwork, and a bit of stealth as teams work to capture the opposing team’s flag while defending their own. Played in wide open spaces, this game encourages teens to explore outdoor settings, develop communication skills, and engage in friendly competition. Benefits include improved physical fitness, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and the cultivation of a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. There are all kinds of versions the game that the group can adapt and make work for older kids, younger kids, and even adults (if they’ll let you play!). This is great for maximum physical activity with fun.

There’s also a glow-in-the-dark version of this game that can be played outdoors at night, making it extra fun and keeping teens outside into the evening hours. 

Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee combines the athleticism of soccer, football, and basketball with the joy of throwing a frisbee. Played on a field, this game promotes cardiovascular fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Teens improve their coordination, communication, and agility while relishing the exhilaration of a fast-paced outdoor sport. This one will require a big, open space, so consider a local school field or park with lots of room to run. My youngest loves to gather his buddies on a rainy day and play this at our local park for maximum laughs and a reason to get as dirty as possible. Bring towels and a change of clothes!

Outdoor scavenger hunt

Outdoor scavenger hunts (or treasure hunts) are fantastic for unleashing the inner child and explorer in teens. Armed with a list of items to find or clues to decipher, they venture into nature or urban environments, promoting an appreciation for the world around them. These hunts enhance observational skills, boost curiosity, and provide educational opportunities about the environment and local history.

Teen group activities are great, but if it’s a huge group, sometimes breaking into smaller groups helps the quieter ones. You can find online resources to make clues and/or ridiculous lists of treasures to find. A fun variation of this to make it a photo scavenger hunt or use the Goosechase app to create the scavenger hunt. Teens and tweens can use their phones, so it’s kind of a win-win for everyone.

Manhunt

Manhunt, a modern twist on hide-and-seek, is an exhilarating outdoor game where one person hides (or one team hides), and the other team members seek to find them. Teens experience the excitement of exploration and strategy as they work together to outwit their pursuers. It’s like hide & seek in reverse, and awesome for larger groups (and any age group). Manhunt fosters creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking, all while getting teens to move, run, and explore the great outdoors. End of the game is when all players have been found. It can be adapted for teens who are driving or can be done on a large property for high-level fun.

Water games and activities

Teens and tweens will take any chance to play around water. There is no better way to motivate my teenagers to get outside than to just add water! Because of the summer heat where we live, sometimes water activities are the only way to get my teens outside. Use whatever water you can get your hands on. Hoses, sprinklers, pools, natural waterways, whatever works! For instance, water balloons, add a refreshing twist to classic games like tag or dodgeball. The splashes and giggles that ensue create unforgettable moments, while also providing a much-needed respite from the heat during hot summer days (bonus points if you add ice cream to the mix after the game).

Activities like slip ‘n’ slides turn any ordinary backyard into a water park, allowing teens to slide and glide to their heart’s content. These games not only offer a great workout but also inspire creativity as teens invent new ways to make a splash and keep the fun flowing.

Pool basketball and pool (or beach) volleyball

Pool basketball and pool volleyball transform a typical backyard pool into a vibrant arena of aquatic competition. These games encourage teens to engage in friendly matches, improving their coordination and teamwork as they chase after the ball. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Both of these games are great for small groups, big groups, or even just one-on-one hours of fun in the sun…or rain, as my kids would have it! They’re a great way to get everybody involved. If you have too many to fit in the pool, do a rotation to make sure you’re being inclusive to all. We like this 4-way volleyball set that can also be adjusted down for badminton. 

Mass water balloon fight

Water balloon fights are a lighthearted way to bring large groups of teens together for a wet and wild adventure. These battles not only foster social interaction and laughter but also promote strategic thinking as participants aim to soak their opponents while staying dry themselves. The spontaneity of water balloon fights creates unforgettable memories and strengthens bonds among friends.

You can play something like this with any number of players. If you have a big group you can set this up as a dodgeball-type competition, or if you have a smaller group, then perhaps an egg toss-type event. Even a combo of Capture the flag with water balloons could work and be a fun way to mix it up. You could also do something similar with Nerf guns or water cannons. The idea is to get everyone outside and having fun.

Giant slip ‘n slide

Turn any grassy slope into a thrilling water park. Teens can slide and race, mastering the art of balance and speed. These slippery adventures provide a full-body workout while keeping everyone cool and entertained on hot summer days. For this to work well, it needs to be a rainy day, or you need access to running water. Either way, your teens and tweens will have some war wounds they can brag about. I’ve seen these set up to land in a lake or a pool. I highly suggest using something as a trial run to make sure no one gets seriously injured.

Tubing, water skiing & wakeboarding

Tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding introduce teens to the exhilaration of water sports. Whether gliding behind a boat on an inflatable tube, skiing across the surface, or riding the waves on a wakeboard, these activities promote physical fitness, balance, and coordination. Add a little speed on the water really gets the teens goin’ and keeps them outside for hours with some healthy risk-taking. They also foster a deep connection with natural bodies of water, encouraging teens to appreciate and protect these environments. 

Backyard games for teens and tweens (or at the beach)

Whether it’s a game of cornhole in the backyard or a round of spikeball on the beach, these fun activities create opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Backyard games offer a casual yet competitive setting where teens can bond with friends or family while honing their hand-eye coordination and aiming skills. What’s particularly wonderful about these outdoor games is their adaptability to different skill levels, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Backyard (or beach) games encourage teens and tweens to unplug and immerse themselves in the sensory delights of the outdoors, from the feeling of sand between their toes to the warmth of the sun on their skin. These activities not only provide a well-rounded workout but also offer countless opportunities for laughter, camaraderie, and spontaneous moments of creativity as teens build, chase, and compete in the beauty of the backyard or along the shoreline. 

Spikeball

The ultimate yard and beach game is set up for a 4 player game. Spikeball is a dynamic and fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball and four-square. Played on the grass or sand, it demands quick reflexes, teamwork, and strategic ball control. It’s an excellent way for teens to engage in an action-packed outdoor sport that keeps them on their toes. If you have multiple nets, you can set up a tournament or just keep it small with a few friends. I see teens carrying this game in their cars so they have it at all times when the opportunity arises.

Cornhole

Cornhole, the classic bean bag toss game, offers a perfect blend of leisure and competition. Teens can gather in teams, honing their tossing skills while enjoying spirited matches. Beyond the fun, cornhole fosters precision, focus, and friendly rivalry among players. This easygoing game is great for all ages and allows for a lot of peer interaction. For tweens, this can be a good activity to get the conversation rolling without too much awkwardness. 

Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a classic yard game great for family events! This game combines skill, precision, and friendly competition. Played with the simple goal of tossing a horseshoe to encircle a stake in the ground, it requires a keen eye, a steady hand, and strategic judgment. Horseshoes is not only a great way for teens to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine but also an opportunity to bond with friends and family in a relaxed and social setting. Whether played casually at a backyard barbecue or in a more competitive tournament format, horseshoes provide a perfect blend of leisure and challenge, making it a timeless favorite that connects generations and fosters good-natured rivalry.

Bocce ball

Bocce ball is a simple yet strategic game that encourages teens to engage in precise throws and tactical thinking. Played on a grassy surface, it promotes gentle physical activity and can be enjoyed in a relaxed or competitive setting.

Obstacle course

A great way to get teens and tweens involved is to have them develop an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are versatile and adaptable outdoor activities that allow teens to construct challenges from everyday objects or purchased equipment. Building and navigating these courses enhances problem-solving abilities, creativity, and physical fitness. There are so many different way to adapt this idea for kids of any age. Teens can design their own courses and compete for the fastest time, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Help them brainstorm creative ideas to use items you have around the house. Invite the neighborhood friends and find a way to make it a fun competition. 

Shoot hoops

Shooting hoops is a timeless activity that encourages teens to practice their basketball skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and engage in friendly competitions with friends. Whether they’re aiming for a casual game of H.O.R.S.E. or a more serious one-on-one showdown, shooting hoops is a fantastic way to stay active and develop athletic prowess.

Ladder golf

Ladder golf combines strategy and precision as teens aim to toss bolas onto a ladder-like structure. This game promotes balance, accuracy, and the joy of aiming for a challenging target. Ladder Golf is an ideal choice for socializing and refining coordination skills.

Slackline

Slacklining involves balancing on a narrow, flexible strap suspended between two anchor points. It challenges teens’ core strength, concentration, and balance. Slacklining offers not only a unique physical workout but also a sense of accomplishment as teens progress from wobbly steps to confident walks on the line.

Photo Credit: Jen Barnes

Other outdoor activities

There are other things to consider as a way to get your teens and tweens off screens and outside more. Plan a field trip day for big fun. Make a plan and invite friends. Or engage in some everyday outdoor fun like biking, fishing, or hiking.

Water park

Make reservations or buy tickets to a nearby water park. This is a great way to spend all day long outside in the hot summer temperatures. Most places allow you to pack your own picnic lunch and provide facilities to shower or change clothes. 

Theme park/amusement park

These may not seem like outdoor activities, but your teens and tweens will get in lots of steps on a day exploring. Even the waiting in lines keeps them outside and off screens for the day!

Zoos and aquariums

A trip to the zoo or aquarium can be both entertaining and educational. Teens can learn about various animal species, conservation efforts, and even participate in behind-the-scenes tours and interactive exhibits.

Historical sites and museums

Teens interested in history can enjoy visiting historical landmarks, battlefields, or museums dedicated to art, science, or culture. These trips provide valuable learning experiences while keeping them engaged offline.

Outdoor adventure parks

Adventure parks with activities like zip-lining, ropes courses, and rock climbing can satisfy the thrill-seeker in teens and tweens. These parks often offer age-appropriate challenges that promote physical fitness and confidence.

Botanical gardens

Strolling through beautiful gardens filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers can be a serene and visually stimulating experience. Some botanical gardens even host seasonal events and workshops.

Outdoor sports venues

Take teens to watch live sporting events like baseball, soccer, or football. Witnessing professional athletes in action can ignite their passion for sports and encourage physical activity.

Additional resources

• 30+ outdoor party games for kids
• Wilderness survival skills for teens
• Teen mental health & the outdoors

Which outdoor games and activities will you use to get your teens and tween off screens?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

The post Outdoor Games & Activities To Get Teens and Tweens Off Screens appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Discovering the joy of climbing structures

Have you ever wanted to encourage your child to take risks safely, to reach beyond their comfort zone and expand their skills, or to push past their fears to find a new level of confidence? Recently, my family stumbled across an outdoor activity that did all that—and all I had to do was stand and watch as my kids literally climbed to new heights. The Alpine Tower climbing activity allowed them to be challenged and to achieve something that looked completely impossible. It was all guided by the encouraging hands of an experienced employee and safety equipment. It was an experience none of us will forget.

Benefits of climbing structures for kids

Climbing structures provide a unique way for kids to be challenged, both mentally and physically. Each step calls for physical exertion and decision-making skills. Encouraging both gross motor skills development and strength, climbing also helps cognitive development. Climbing requires kids to assess risk, make split-second decisions, and use trial and error to develop strategies for success. Children can use their brains and their bodies in sync, at their own pace, in a safe environment. 

1. Taking healthy risks is good for kids

As a parent, it can be hard to embrace the concept of “risky play” and understand how climbing structures can facilitate it. However, rest assured that “risky play” is not about recklessness, but rather about calculated challenges that allow children to navigate and conquer obstacles in a controlled yet thrilling manner. As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to want to shield children from any potential harm, but there’s growing evidence suggesting that a degree of controlled risk can be incredibly beneficial for their development.

Taking healthy risks is an integral part of childhood development, paving the way for resilience, confidence, and crucial life skills. While the notion of allowing children to engage in risky activities might sound counterintuitive, it’s important to recognize that these calculated challenges play a pivotal role in honing their abilities to assess situations, make decisions, and manage uncertainty.

2. Climbing builds resilience and confidence

Climbing structures, with their varying heights, textures, and routes, offer a controlled environment where kids can step out of their comfort zones and experience a sense of adventure. Negotiating the ascent of a climbing wall or navigating the twists and turns of a rope ladder provides a controlled yet invigorating taste of uncertainty, allowing children to test their limits and build the confidence to confront future challenges head-on. In essence, these structures become a training ground for life’s uncertainties, fostering a mindset where calculated risk-taking is embraced rather than feared.

If your child hasn’t done a lot of climbing or is more reserved in his or her escapades, an Alpine Tower or other climbing experience is a great way for them to try something new safely. It may lead them to reach past their usual comfort zone with the security of a safety harness, all the while being encouraged and guided by a knowledgeable employee.

3. Climbing structures are fun for kids

If you, like me, have children who are climbers by nature, they’ve probably been terrifying you with their feats since toddlerhood. Many kids just love to climb! While not every kid wants to scale every tree they encounter, most of them love the challenge of climbing playground equipment, the couch, the stairs (upside down and backwards!), or a large rock.

Climbing towers and structures give kids an outlet for their climbing energy, in a safe environment that may feel riskier than it is. With a safety harness and a guide in charge, they are free to climb high, be challenged, and accomplish new and great feats. A climbing structure like an Alpine Tower is a great avenue for them to hone their skills safely, trying something new with the safety of a guide and a harness.

Our Alpine Tower experience was definitely not the first time our teenage son has climbed 50 feet in the air—but it was the first time he hasn’t scared me to death while doing it!

4. Climbing can help kids get over a fear of heights

But what if your child is scared of heights? Only you and your child can decide if this activity might be right for them. But the advantages of it are that it starts at the ground, with secure safety measures in place. A child can climb at the pace they need to, and can stop wherever they need to. There is a guide helping them and keeping them secure every step of the way. Even if they slip, they cannot fall. Those safety measures can help even a fearful child feel safe.

The cool thing about a tool like a climbing tower is that even if your child is scared of heights and they only make it ¼ of the way up, that’s still a victory! They achieved something they hadn’t done before. And it might give them the confidence to try again, or to branch out to something else they were frightened of before. Kids can learn the joy of trying something new, conquering a fear, and gaining a new skill through a climbing structure like an Alpine Tower.

Photo Credit: Sara @midwestnomadfamily

Climbing as a team-building experience for families

Many climbing towers are designed to work as team-building experiences. They are used as team activities at summer camps, colleges, and resorts across the United States. Depending on how they’re set up, climbing experiences can allow a team to work together to reach a common goal. 

This team-building experience can offer families a unique opportunity to forge deeper connections and strengthen their bonds. As each member tackles the ascent, the challenge transcends individual achievement and becomes a collaborative effort that demands communication, support, and shared strategies. The process of identifying the best routes, offering encouragement, and lending a helping hand instills a sense of unity and interdependence among family members.

In this setting, roles shift from parent-child dynamics to that of teammates, where mutual respect and active listening are paramount. The shared accomplishment of reaching the summit fosters a profound sense of achievement that is not only celebrated individually but also collectively. This shared memory becomes a cherished anchor in the family’s narrative, reminding them of their ability to overcome obstacles together and reinforcing the notion that as a united team, they can conquer any challenge life presents.

Photo Credit: Sara @midwestnomadfamily

Different kinds of climbing structures

Until fairly recently, I had never encountered the concept of climbing structures. I knew about rock climbing, of course. Some of our Creative Team members here at Run Wild My Child have shared all about rock climbing with kids and indoor rock climbing, also. But the rising trend of climbing structures is all new to me.

There are amazing parks and resorts across the country that have built challenging climbing structures for all ages, sizes, and skills. Some have entire Adventure Towers, with multi-level complexes of ropes courses and climbing challenges. The Alpine Tower is a more compact climbing structure, standing 50 feet high, with multiple courses contained in one structure.

Usually, climbing towers are larger structures that combine various climbing features, such as nets, walls, and ropes, creating a comprehensive climbing experience. They are versatile and engaging play structures designed to offer kids (and adults) a wide range of climbing experiences. These towers typically consist of multiple levels, platforms, and interconnected climbing elements that provide various routes for kids to explore and conquer. 

Our Alpine Tower experience

We came across an Alpine Tower at Seven Springs Resort in southern Pennsylvania. My husband’s company planned a trip there, and my kids were determined to conquer every single outdoor activity covered by our all-day activity pass. We moved through the kiddie rock wall easily, the trampoline bouncer quickly, and had a great time on the 1900-ft drop Alpine Slide. Our kids were in their element with all these fun activities. Some of them scared me more than the kids!

But, when we rode the shuttle out to the Alpine Tower, and I caught a glimpse of its towering 50-ft height, my stomach did a little flip. The tower loomed high in the air, with magnificent cross beams and ropes connecting the four poles.

Alpine towers are great for healthy risk-taking for teens

During the formative years of adolescence, the need for healthy risk-taking becomes increasingly vital. Teenagers and older kids are at a stage of development where they are eager to assert their independence, explore their capabilities, and discover their own boundaries. Engaging in calculated risks provides them with opportunities to test their limits, develop self-confidence, and learn to manage challenges effectively.

Alpine towers offer a secure and structured avenue for fulfilling this need. These towers are designed with safety measures in place, such as harnesses and trained facilitators, ensuring that the risk-taking experience is controlled and supervised. As teens navigate the complexities of an alpine tower’s climbing routes, they acquire critical skills in risk assessment, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills extend into other aspects of their lives, helping them make informed decisions and navigate uncertainties with poise. In this controlled environment, Alpine Towers offers a safe yet exhilarating arena for teenagers and older kids to embrace risk, fostering personal growth and a deeper sense of self-awareness.

Our 15-year-old son is a veteran tree climber, fearless and agile. He’s been terrifying me from the tops of trees since he was in early elementary school. So I wasn’t the least bit surprised that he quickly stepped up to try out the tower. This sort of challenge was right up his alley.

Excellent guides for climbing structures

The employee in charge of the tower was knowledgeable, safety-conscious, and very friendly. She had quickly fitted our son with a secure climbing harness and a helmet. He was also connected to her by a belaying rope at all times. Despite the great height of the tower, the safety measures made it feel reasonably safe, even for this mama standing on the ground!

She showed our son the various routes he could take to the top of the tower. He chose the most challenging route open that day. (There were other variations from the different sides, but with only one employee working the tower, she could only have one side open at a time.) He made the whole ascent look pretty easy, but I had guessed that he would. For a kid who will free-scale a 75-foot pine tree all the way to the top, this tower was just a fun challenge.

The employee guided his descent off the side of the tower, lowering him carefully to the ground with the belaying rope. Before each climb, she anchored herself to a heavy belay bench on the ground. There was no chance her own weight could get thrown off and put anyone in danger. Once again, we were impressed by the safety measures in place. Although the thought of just pushing off the platform and trusting that rope to bring me down safely would have terrified me, it didn’t seem to bother our kids at all.

Next one up

After our son was unharnessed, I thought we’d be ready to take the shuttle back to the main resort. But the sweet employee (whose name I never did catch) had noticed our 11-year-old daughter watching carefully, and she asked if she’d like to try, too. I was a little surprised when our daughter agreed. Before I knew it, she was harnessed up and carefully scaling the posts of the tower.

She chose her route and was soon sitting on the platform halfway up. The guide was encouraging our daughter every step of the way. She allowed her to set her own pace, to think through each step, and to stop to rest whenever she needed to. We were so impressed by the guide’s skill and kindness.

I thought my daughter might choose to come down after reaching the midway point. Instead, she kept right on going to the top. She navigated the rope ladder up to the top platform, and I was truly amazed at her bravery. She sat up there at tree-top level for a minute before pushing off to belay down to the ground.

Fun for kids of all ages

At this point, I realized that every single one of our children was determined to scale the Alpine Tower. Fearless and undaunted, our eight-year-old daughter was next. Partway up the first climbing pole, she got stuck. She wasn’t afraid, just uncertain of her footing. The employee kept calling out encouragement to her: “Just take your time! You’ve got this! You can come back down if you need to, but you can do this!” As we all cheered her on, our daughter decided to return to the bottom of that post and re-evaluate her route.

The guide helped her belay back to the last platform. You could see her renewed focus and the problem-solving skills she was building as she began again. She moved past the section where she’d frozen up before. With renewed confidence, she kept climbing up.

Climbing structures help kids build skills

Watching the challenges our kids were facing and the skills they were building to overcome them, I began realizing what an amazing tool this climbing tower was. It was more than just a climbing course for people who were already skilled at climbing. It was a carefully designed obstacle course that could help climbers at any level. Kids could move past their comfort zone and safely accomplish new feats. The employee was trained to help and encourage people of any skill level to enjoy this and push through their fears.

It felt like our little girl was climbing up into the clouds. She stopped and rested on the midway platform, then resolutely began climbing again. I really thought she’d decide to come down, but she was determined to make it to the top.

One step at a time, she climbed the rope ladder and pulled herself up onto the platform 50 feet in the air. She had done it! She’d made it all the way to the top. She later told me that her favorite part was the feeling of accomplishment as she stood and took in the view at the top of the tower.

Even little kids can climb

Pushing herself off to be lowered down by the rope harness and the watchful guide, she belayed to the ground, a little giddy with her victory. And there waiting at the bottom was our five-year-old, who had already picked out her harness and helmet. She’s spent her whole life keeping up with her big siblings, and she wasn’t about to stop now.

Before I knew it, she was harnessed up and on her way up the tower. She resolutely went as high as she wanted to, then announced she was ready to come down. She belayed to the ground with great satisfaction. Climbing 25 feet in the air was plenty enough for that tiny human. She was so happy with her accomplishment!

Tips for climbing structures

Are you ready for your own climbing structure experience? Here are a few pointers to get you started!

Know before you go

Some climbing experiences and Alpine Towers have minimum height or age requirements. Be sure to consult the guidelines for your location before planning this excursion with littles!

Allow plenty of time

This kind of experience can’t be rushed. If the kids feel the pressure of a time crunch, they probably won’t enjoy it nearly as much. Make sure they can take all the time they need to work their way upward.

Be patient

If your child is nervous or hesitant to try a climbing structure, don’t put pressure on them. Let them observe for a while. Sometimes, cautious kids need to spend a good bit of time watching other kids before they’re ready to try something. They may need a friend or sibling to climb it first. Or they may just need time to plan their own ascent. Also, let your child know that it’s okay if they don’t reach the top on their first try. The goal is to have fun and challenge themselves, not necessarily to conquer the entire structure.

Dress appropriately

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for climbing safely. You may also want to bring water and snacks (because…kids). 

Encourage communication 

Teach your children to communicate with climbing partners or facilitators. Clear communication is vital for coordinating movements and ensuring everyone’s safety. If the climbing activity involves multiple participants, encourage teamwork and cooperation. Kids can assist each other by offering guidance and support. Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement as your child climbs. Celebrate their efforts, regardless of the outcome.

Have fun

Make this a special experience for your kids by approaching it with an encouraging, uplifting attitude. Let this experience be a memorable one because of the challenges they meet and the fun they have!

How to find a climbing structure near you

If you’re ready to get climbing, use Google to find a climbing structure experience near you! Use keywords such as “Alpine Tower,” “ropes courses,” and “adventure towers” to find locations all across the United States. Check with your local parks and recreation departments. Many cities and towns have public parks with climbing structures or adventure courses. Look for outdoor adventure centers, adventure parks, or nature reserves that offer climbing experiences. These centers often have alpine towers and other climbing structures. You could also research nearby adventure camps, team-building retreats, or educational facilities that provide alpine towers for activities. 

Have your kids ever tried a climbing structure?

About the author

Leslie is an Ohio farm girl and chaser of light, children, and sometimes chickens. She’s a lover of Jesus, wife to her high school sweetheart, and a homeschooling mom of four wild rascals who love the great outdoors as much as she does. As a family, they love hiking, camping, fishing, and just about any outdoor activity. She and her husband are just beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves. Leslie has a lifelong obsession with writing and capturing everyday life from behind the lens. Follow along with their homesteading, homeschooling, and everyday adventures on her Instagram account.

You can find more from Leslie in the following locations:
Instagram: @c_l_allofus
Leslie’s RWMC posts: Leslie Alvis

The post Benefits of Climbing Structures for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Using nature as a tool 

I have three teens of my own, and I am around adolescents day in and day out. And like you, I even have experience as a teenager myself. While I am not a doctor, nor do I have any training in the mental health field, I have observations, experiences, and anecdotes that tell me this fact…teens need nature.

Teen mental health and nature have a connection. Spending time in nature can have a significant impact on teen mental health. Nature is not the only solution, but it is a powerful tool in our parenting toolbox that we can use to help our children.

We all have a deep-rooted need within us to let go and be free. Free of social constraints, free from school/household responsibilities, and free to be ourselves. Nature and outside time can give that to our teens. This post will show the reality of teen mental health today, ways nature can be an aid, and how-to solutions to help your teens through it all.

Teen mental health today

While I do not want to scare or intimidate you with statistics on the dire state of teen mental health, they are necessary to understand some of why teens are experiencing debilitating diagnoses and daily mental health struggles. Strong mental health is vital to the development of everyone, but it is especially poignant during the adolescent years as teens mature both physically and emotionally.

• Over 2.7 million youth report severe major depression.
• 22% of high school students in a recent survey said they have seriously considered suicide in the past year.
• 25% of teens have a mental health diagnosis from a professional (and this does not include teens who are either too scared to seek help or do not have access to help).

Factors affecting teen mental health

Every organization involved in teen mental health reports that these statistics are on the rise dramatically. And while there is no one single thing we can blame these statistics on, there are several that come to mind and have been cited time and again. Understanding these significant factors that impact teen mental health is crucial in developing effective strategies and interventions to support and nurture their well-being. 

Screens

First, we live in an era dominated by screens. The ubiquitous presence of social media platforms has transformed the way teens interact and perceive themselves. The constant exposure to curated online personas, cyberbullying, and social comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and low self-esteem.

Performance pressure

The pressure to excel academically (or athletically, or extra-circularly), secure scholarships, win games, and gain admission to prestigious institutions has intensified for teenagers. Teens often experience immense stress, anxiety, and burnout due to the high expectations placed upon them. 

Traumatic experiences

Teens may experience traumatic events such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, or loss. These experiences can have long-lasting effects on their mental health, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. In addition, in the U.S. significantly, we have teenagers that go to school every day, fearing that another school shooting has taken place or will take place. 

All of these factors have a tendency to draw anyone inward, but especially teenagers who are still immature in their coping mechanisms and emotional development. It’s on us as parents to help them through this. 

Teen mental health and screens

It is almost impossible to have a conversation on teen mental health without talking about screens and the content our teens are consuming on those screens. 

Access to adult content

The entertainment and media options available to teens are endless. No, it’s not all evil…but it’s not all good, either. The sheer amount of access to adult content available at their fingertips is unfathomable to most parents. In today’s digital age, explicit material is just a few clicks away, blurring the lines between what is appropriate for adult consumption and what is suitable for impressionable minds.

Exposure to adult content at an early age can have detrimental effects on teens’ cognitive development, self-image, and understanding of healthy relationships. Such content often portrays unrealistic and harmful representations of sexuality, leading to distorted perceptions, confusion, and a distorted sense of self. It can fuel feelings of inadequacy, body shaming, and pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. 

Social media

Let me give you my hot take on social media. Not only does social media demand the attention of our teens, but it demands their loyalty. Every time a teen scrolls he/she is told, “You, too, should be a beautiful person with a beautiful life…and here’s how you do it right.” In a world that preaches individualism, there sure is a lot of conformity that is expected. So, in an effort to conform, they go back to the social media that informs them on how to do it. Constant exposure to social media platforms can fuel a cycle of comparison, where teens measure their worth based on carefully curated highlight reels of their peers. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a distorted self-image. 

The addictive nature of social media further exacerbates the problem, with excessive screen time replacing real-life social interactions and adversely affecting sleep patterns. The pressure to gain likes, followers, and virtual validation can create a constant sense of anxiety and a fear of missing out (FOMO). Additionally, cyberbullying, (hurtful comments, rumors, and public shaming) can inflict deep emotional scars.

Social media can make teens less social

Paradoxically, as these kids are deeply connected to their screens, they are more socially disconnected than ever. The rise of social media platforms has led to a concerning trend of teenagers becoming less socially engaged in the offline world. While these platforms promise to connect individuals, they often contribute to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and genuine human connections.

Social media can create a false sense of socialization, where likes, comments, and emojis substitute for meaningful conversations and authentic interactions. But, adolescents need peer face-to-face interaction. They need to argue and affirm in real life, not with keyboard courage or placating phrases. They need to be able to observe and read body language and facial cues so that they can understand emotions and reactions. These interactions provide a unique and irreplaceable opportunity for young individuals to learn, grow, and navigate the complexities of the world around them. They also help teenagers to develop essential social skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.

Social media shows teens what they’re missing

Furthermore, social media has the ability to make teens feel very left out and lonely when they see their friends and schoolmates posting about their activities. Remember how you and I were often blissfully unaware if other friends got together to go to a movie and you weren’t invited? That does not exist anymore. If a few kids hang out, everyone else will know about it when they Snapchat photos. You can even find them all in the same location on snap maps. Naturally, those not invited feel left out and rejected. With girls, this scenario may play out for weeks as gossip, jealousy, and competition can ensue. Of course, these have always been a part of social life, but with screens, it is all instantaneous, and everyone knows. 

Teen expectations and exhaustion

Teens also have mental fatigue. We are asking for more and more output academically, physically, and mentally than ever before. Parents often place significant pressure on teenagers to excel academically and perform well in sports, inadvertently leading to negative consequences for their mental and emotional well-being. We are telling them they need to perform harder, faster, stronger, and more adeptly than most of them are ready for. This pressure to perform can create a constant state of stress, anxiety, and fear of failure in our teenagers. They may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and experience a loss of motivation and joy in learning or playing sports/games they used to love. 

Oftentimes, we simultaneously let them off the hook in their character development and pursuit of personal growth at the expense of performance pressure. The relentless pursuit of academic success can lead to a narrow focus on grades rather than fostering a love for learning and personal growth. The demand for excellence in one sport may keep kids from trying new sports or discovering new passions, interests, and hobbies. The constant drive for athletic achievement can also result in physical exhaustion, injuries, and mental burnout. 

A generational shift in stress

A recent study showed that 64% of teens report feeling the world is more stressful than when their parents were their age. This increased perception of stress has profound implications for their overall well-being and development. It suggests that teenagers are grappling with unique challenges and pressures that previous generations did not face to the same extent.

The modern world is characterized by rapid technological advancements, increasing academic competitiveness, social media influence, economic uncertainties, and global issues like climate change. These factors, among others, contribute to a heightened sense of pressure, uncertainty, and overwhelm for teenagers.

As parents, we hope that we’re giving our kids the best and making things easier for them than we had, but that doesn’t seem to be the case, according to many teens. There has been a generational shift, and we need to pay attention.

How nature plays a positive role in teen mental health

In a world where teenagers grapple with mounting pressures and the constant bombardment of technology, finding solace and respite in nature has become more crucial than ever. Nature has an inherent ability to heal and restore, offering a sanctuary away from the stresses and anxieties of daily life. Here are some positive benefits of spending time outside that teenagers desperately need.

Sense of calmness

One of the great benefits of nature for teens is the sense of calm it offers. In a world that is adamant to gain teens’ attention with extreme noise and flashes of glitter, nature lets their minds rest. And as their minds rest, their nervous system can relax. Anxiety is reduced as their brains take a break from the worries and cares and instead go blank.

This calmness can be experienced in a simple walk around the neighborhood or a picnic at the park. As I have personally encouraged my own teens to take a break outside, they are now implementing it themselves. I have even heard them say they crave time in nature. When they experience the sense of calmness that nature can provide, they want “the calm”!

Confidence and self-esteem

Another benefit for teens is how nature can play a part in building confidence and boosting self-esteem. My friend Tiphini says that “the biggest perk we’ve seen from pushing our teens to spend time out in nature is an unexpected boost in self-confidence. Whether they are on a multi-day paddle across Lake Superior, navigating moguls on a black diamond run, working to conquer a new mountain bike trail, or pushing themselves up the side of a mountain — they know they can do hard things. They recognize they are capable, and in the tumultuous teen years, this is something pretty special.” 

Nature provides a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth. When teenagers spend time outside in nature, they are exposed to new challenges. And when they overcome their obstacles, they develop a sense of accomplishment and a belief in their abilities. Moreover, being in nature promotes a break from social comparisons and judgments, providing teenagers with an opportunity to embrace their individuality and build confidence in who they are.

Gratitude

Recently, I have been learning more about blue mind science. This is the scientific proof that spending time on, in, or near water has a positive effect on our bodies, including our mental health. Cited as one of the byproducts of blue time is awe and gratitude. There is a shift from self-focus to recognizing a larger world beyond themselves. The depths of the sea and the sea life within open up their minds to things how many things are possible, and all the things undiscovered. It’s inspiring rather than stifling. 

Stress relief

As noted above, there are physiological responses that aid in mental health as well. Studies show that nature is an antidote to stress. Some of the physical responses determined by scientific data are lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, an enhanced immune system function, a reduction in anxiety, and an improved mood. Anyone would benefit from these things, but with the added pressures teens face, these could be game changers for their daily lives. 

Focus

When a teenager’s mind is relaxed, they are able to focus better, as well. When my teenagers are studying, I encourage them to take a break by going for a walk or a bike ride outside to clear their heads, get some fresh air, and physical activity. All these things have been linked to increased focus, a boost in creativity, and battery memory retention.

Time in nature can also foster exceptional creativity by allowing stimuli to push a teen into hyper-awareness. Moving away from “noise” allows their minds to go blank and hone in on some pretty fantastic creativity and purpose. As distractions are eliminated, a teen can see their direction more clearly and discern what gives him/her joy. 

Connection

As a mom, one of the greatest benefits of nature in a teen’s life is the way it plays a part in our connection to each other as a family. Without the pull of screens, time in nature gives me the opportunity to really talk to my teens. Without fail, times in nature are the times when my teens open up and talk about the things that matter to them. Nature gives them a place to express themselves and let them be true to themselves. 

How to use nature as a nurturer in the life of your teens

Telling your teens they need nature and “go outside” won’t really work. Telling teens anything has little effect. Instead, one method that works for our family is to model what it looks like to use nature to aid in mental health. Show your teens that taking a walk along the river or even a day in the woods to yourself is a great way to alleviate stress. Let your kids see you revert to nature when you need a break, and use outdoor time as a way to self-soothe and regulate your stress and emotions.

In addition, here are some ways you can incorporate more time outside with your teens. 

Keep it simple

If outside time is new to your teens, you may want to start with simple solutions. Serve family dinner outdoors one night. Start taking the dog for a walk in the neighborhood together every day. Pack a picnic for lunch at a local park. Set up a hammock in the backyard and make it a reading/resting spot. Your teen does not need to be “outdoorsy” or climb mountains to spend time in nature. Fresh air and sunshine in your own backyard can do so much to relax and reset. 

Try new things outside

If your teens don’t particularly have a passion or interest, this can be a great excuse to explore some new outside activities. I have found that exposure often drives teens toward nature as they find new things they try and enjoy. Fishing, surfing, sailing, trail running, and mountain biking are all ideas to let your teens give a try. When they have an activity that brings them joy, they are more likely to seek out that time in nature on their own.

Let your teen lead the way

I know this can be scary, but teens are moving toward adulthood, and independence — they crave it. Give your teen the opportunity to choose and plan something that excites them. Rock climbing may not be your idea of fun, but if it is something your teen wants to explore and it gets them outside, why would you stand in the way? If snowboarding is an outlet for your teen to burn off stress, don’t you want to encourage that? The bottom line here is to let them have an idea and then let them find a plan to make it happen.

Encourage your teens to invite friends

There is no denying that teens function in peer groups, and the pack mentality is strong during the adolescent years. In a post-covid world, though, there is less emphasis on face-to-face interactions. Use outdoor time as a way to help your teens reconnect with their peers. Activities in nature are an easy way to gather groups together for fun. River tubing, bonfires, frisbee golf, beach games, cliff/waterfall jumping, and campouts bring teens together and give them the freedom to have fun and connect together in nature.

The connection between teen mental health and nature

I hope I have made the case for the connection that exists between teen mental health and nature. My own teens tell me (and their friends) they need time outside. I  recently overheard my teenage daughter on the phone with a friend talking about feeling like she was drowning in schoolwork and responsibilities. She admitted that she just wanted to get outside and take a hike…preferably in Washington state, where there was no cell service. (Note: a few summers ago, we hiked in Olympic National Park, and I guess she realized how wonderful it really was to disconnect and be free from the daily grind. That trip paid off!)

It made me so happy to hear her realize that getting outside and into nature was her first response to stress and her go-to coping mechanism. That has been my goal, to give my teens an awareness of their mental health state and to provide them with a solution to help them cope. Getting outside helps them get back to a renewed place, ready to face the next challenge in life. 

How do you help your teen get outside?
Do you feel it helps?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

The post Teen Mental Health and Nature appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

When the kids are climbing the walls

Stop me if this scenario sounds all too familiar…it’s the middle of the day. The kids are tired of their usual play. They are starting to argue and fuss about being bored. There’s nothing to do at home. They’re full of energy. They are climbing the walls!

Well, the next time you find yourself searching for fun alternatives to climbing the walls, why not just let them climb the walls with indoor rock climbing? 

Checking out our local climbing gym

We recently had the opportunity to visit Sender One, an indoor rock-climbing gym in Los Angeles, California. From the moment we entered, we were welcomed into a supportive environment full of indoor climbing walls and friendly faces. This was such a great place to get started and learn the ropes from experienced instructors on a wide variety of climbing structures. There was even a special room full of rock walls and climbing structures just for kids. During our visit, we talked to indoor rock-climbing enthusiasts, experienced staff members, and instructors, all of which shared their best tips for indoor rock climbing with kids, which we’re passing on to you today! 

Benefits of indoor rock climbing for kids

The benefits of indoor rock climbing for kids are huge! In just one session at Sender One, my son’s climbing confidence skyrocketed. By the end of the session, he asked not only to return again but to attempt bouldering (climbing without ropes) as well.
 
Coordination, especially awareness of hand-eye-foot movements, is put to the test when indoor rock climbing. As kids reach for holds, place feet, and maneuver up and down climbing walls, it forces them to pay attention to their body awareness and focus on the task at hand. This focus helps to build problem-solving skills so they can navigate routes and figure their own way out when stuck.

Of course, indoor rock-climbing gyms are supportive environments, so young children also learn how to communicate and listen, especially when given instructions from their climbing partner. 
 
Kids get quite the workout while rock climbing. They use a variety of muscle groups, build strength, and engage in physical fitness when climbing. Kids might not immediately recognize the physicality of rock climbing, but after a few climbs up and down an indoor climbing wall, they might be slightly out of breath and in need of water! While group sports are not for everyone, rest assured that indoor rock climbing is considered a sport- an Olympic sport!

Bouldering vs. rope climbing

We quickly learned that there are two main types of indoor rock climbing. There’s bouldering, which is free climbing without the assistance of a rope belay or harness. In a bouldering session, participants climb indoor climbing walls or bouldering walls with color-coded grips and footholds of all shapes and sizes. Using their own strength, climbers ascend or descend a wall using their grip and muscles to maneuver around the climbing wall.
 
Similarly, rope climbing has color-coded rock grips and footholds on an indoor climbing wall. Unlike bouldering, climbers benefit from the assistance of a harness, a rope belay system, and a climbing partner to facilitate the belay action from the ground. The harness and rope belay allows the climber to climb higher with a sense of security from their climbing partner operating the belay. Some climbing gyms have auto-belay climbing routes. This means there is a mechanical rope and pulley system to provide tension so one can climb without the assistance of a partner.
 
When it comes to indoor rock climbing for kids, both bouldering and rope climbing are equally fun. Each type of climb offers its own unique benefits and challenges that will appeal to kids in different ways. During our first time visit to Sender One, we tried both bouldering and rope climbing. No surprise here, but the kids loved both!

When to start indoor rock climbing for kids

Let’s start by saying that kids are natural-born climbers! We know this, right? Here’s where you get to indulge in a Hollywood-style montage of kid memories playing through your head. Kids climbing out of the crib, climbing onto the couch, climbing into/out of the high chair, climbing into the bathtub, climbing up the kitchen counter, and, my favorite, scaling the refrigerator doors to the highest of heights to get to the good snacks. Need I say more?
 
Kids of all ages will love rock climbing. Indoor rock climbing for kids can start as early as 4-5 years old. Around that time, kids have refined their gross motor skills and problem-solving skills, and have the ability to follow directions so they can obey the gym rules. Each of these is an important consideration for the safety of your child. Not to mention, they go a long way in ensuring a positive experience in an indoor rock climbing studio.

Skills and abilities needed for rocking climbing

To climb, kids need bodily awareness so that they can use their muscles and body parts for strength, stability, and coordination. While harnessed and on a climbing wall, kids need to troubleshoot their way out of a situation where they feel “stuck” or unable to figure out their next move. And finally, kids need to be able to follow directions from their climbing partner/rope belay operator to remain as calm as possible when climbing a rock wall. Older kids will probably pick up on these things very quickly, but young children might surprise you with how quick and agile they are on the climbing walls. 
 
Some people will start their kids climbing sooner than age 5. You’ve probably encouraged your kids to climb boulders at the park or on a trail. Naturally, you might think they’re ready for an indoor climbing experience. You should consult an indoor climbing studio or gym and confirm their minimum age requirements for indoor rock climbing for kids.

Indoor rock climbing equipment 

Depending upon whether you’re bouldering or rope climbing, the equipment needs will be slightly different. For bouldering, a pair of climbing shoes is helpful, although not necessary, until your child shows a real interest in the sport. Climbing shoes have rubber soles for extra grip. Some gyms offer a shoe rental option until you’re ready to buy them.
 
For rope climbing, in addition to climbing shoes, you’ll need a helmet and harness. A helmet should be properly fitted and rest level on a climber’s head, with little to no slack on the chin strap, and the “Y” of the strap resting below the climber’s ear. A properly fitted harness has snug leg loops, a snug waistband that sits above the hip bones, all buckles double-backed, and shoulder straps snug against the shoulders. Kids over 48 inches can get by with a waist harness, but kids shorter than 48 inches may be required to wear a full-body harness.

What you need to know to rock climb

Rope climbers will need carabiner clips and knowledge of tying knots. In an intro to climbing session, your instructor will help with the very important work of tying your knots. In our session, we had someone to help us tie a Figure 8 for the main knot and a double fisherman knot for added safety. When auto-belaying, it’s important to attach the carabiner clip to your harness correctly. It’s also a good idea to check and recheck that your carabiner is secure before starting a climb.

Tackling indoor rock wall climbing routes

When your littles are ready to tackle indoor climbing walls, here are a few pointers to help get you on your way. Many gyms have colorful climbing walls filled with colored grips and footholds. Those colors mean something- they differentiate routes along the wall, oftentimes by the level of difficulty. Beginner climbers typically follow one color up and down the wall.

As your climber acclimates and their skill level increases, they can attempt “rainbow climbing” which simply means they mix colors along their route. At Sender One, the color-coded routes had fun and fanciful names like Fairy Tears, Newt’s Eyes, the Tortoise, and the English Open. Indoor rock climbing for kids becomes that much more fun with names like these!
 
Rock climbing walls at indoor gyms are fun to look at. Not only are they colorful, but they have a variety of shapes to simulate the diversity of rock surfaces one might find in nature. These grips, or “holds,” as they are called, have descriptive names like seats, bubbles, lightning bolts, etc. The most common holds kids will use are called “jugs,” but holds like “slopes” are helpful for kids to palm, and “pinchers” can be gripped from the top and bottom.
 
Pro tip from a Sender One instructor: Get your feet nice and high! It’s not a new climber’s first instinct to move their feet to help them find a handhold to continue their climb. By moving your feet around and getting them nice and high, it opens more holds for them to reach. 

Indoor climbing walls & kid safety 

Indoor rock climbing for kids has risks, but when you exercise caution and good judgment, it can be a very safe sport. A few safety tips to keep in mind have everything to do with knowing how to land and fall.

• To fall on your back, stay relaxed, bend your knees and arms, tuck your arms in, and roll back.
• To fall on your side, look at your landing zone, bend your knees and arms, tuck your arms in, and fall, letting the pads do the work.
• Similar to learning how to fall from a bike, never use your hands to break your fall. 
• Like in gymnastics, when you stick a landing, bend your knees but don’t lock them.

Be aware of your surroundings and always follow directions! When indoor rope climbing, it’s important to know how to descend safely. Once your little one climbs as far as they feel comfortable, encourage them to sit back like they’re in a chair and relax as they make their way back to the ground. To keep them from twisting their rope on the way down, instruct them to stay focused on the wall until their two feet are safely touching the floor.   

Climbing gyms

Climbing gyms are a perfect place to get started when your child is first interested in learning how to rock climb. For one, climbing gyms provide a supportive environment filled with instructors and experienced climbers that are willing to help with advice and tips. They also offer gear rentals which makes it a low-cost commitment to try out while you decide if this is something you’d like to continue before investing in gear. If you love rock climbing, a gym membership would be a great gift for your child. 

Check out the Indoor Climbing website to find a climbing gym close to you. Many indoor climbing gyms offer youth programs and classes specifically for kids, with professional adult supervision. There may even be youth discounts for young climbers. They may also offer day camps, summer camps, birthday parties, open gym time, kids’ activities, games, private lessons, school programs, themed day events, competitive youth teams, group events, and other ways to make climbing fun and social for kids. 

Earn a merit patch for indoor rock climbing

Are you excited to try indoor rock climbing with your kids? Want to earn a fun merit patch for trying this fun new sport? 

Wonder Club Explorers is an independent scouting program for kids and features 18 patches in 9 different fields of learning.  During our indoor rock-climbing adventure, my son earned his Wonder Club Explorer Obstacle Ninja and Maze Master Merit Patches. Indoor rock climbing, in and of itself, was a vertical obstacle challenge, but maneuvering around the holds was a three-dimensional maze to be solved. This activity proved to be a two-for-one as rock climbing satisfied both patches in one outing.

Check out our website to learn more about Wonder Club Explorers. 

Indoor rock climbing basics for kids

Indoor rock climbing for kids is an absolute blast! My son had so much fun and I loved watching him gain confidence as he learned a new skill. Before we sign off, we want to make sure you’ve got the lingo of a real climber. As you initiate the climb, your climbing partner will say “On Belay” to which you respond, “Belay On.” “Climb on,” says your partner, and off you go! Whether you’re climbing the walls at a gym or scaling your own climbing wall at home, we hope you have fun! Until next time!
 
Special thanks to Sender One for showing us the ropes of indoor rock climbing!

Additional resources

If you’re interested in learning more about rock climbing and other related activities, be sure to check out a few more of these great posts:

• How to Get Started Rock Climbing with Kids (indoor and outdoor)
• Best Experience Gifts for Kids
• Letting your Kids Take Healthy Risks Through Adventures

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6-year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. Michelle is also the co-host of the Run Wild My Child podcast. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California oak trees and a stone’s throw from the San Gabriel Mountains. 

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett

The post All You Need to Know About Indoor Rock Climbing For Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

The choice to play sports

For many of us parents, we are living in a world where most of life is filed into the either/or categories. It appears to be no different when looking for a balance between play and organized sports. You either choose for your kids to play organized sports, or you swing in the other direction and choose not to participate in structured youth sports at all.

Many parents seem to think the choice to play sports or not is a clear “either/or” decision. But, I genuinely believe this can be a “yes, and” discussion, instead. The decision to play sports doesn’t have to be all-consuming. You can have kids that play sports and still make time for free play. Your kids can participate in sports and still prioritize nature and outdoor family fun. A balanced approach between the two is the sweet spot, which is what this post is about helping you find.

The difference between play and sports

While it may seem obvious what the differences are, as parents, we can often confuse play and sports. Of course, there are overlaps among both, as well. For the purposes of this article, let me define play as unstructured play or free play, either as an individual or with a group. Sports will be defined as organized sports or competitive youth sports, either as an individual or with a group. 

Is it just me or do we often take the negative perspective when weighing parenting decisions? I noticed my frequent language around competitive youth sports contrasted with child initiated play as “don’t”, “can’t”, or “won’t”. As in I don’t want to trap my kids into one sport. As in I can’t structure my life around a sports schedule, or I won’t let my kids learn skills organically. 

Together, let’s take a look at the plethora of positives in both youth sports and free play to see if we can marry the two and create a balanced family life for us and our kids. And for those of you who are looking for more outside time for your kids, many sports practices and games take place outside!

Benefits of youth sports

The benefits of playing sports encompass both body and mind. As kids develop physically, emotionally, and mentally, structured youth sports teams can play a vital role and teach them many important skills and values. You will find benefits of individual sports and team sports as kids progress in their skills and level of competitive play. Local youth sports can start as early as age 3 which can give kids a taste with very little commitment necessary. 

Health benefits of youth sports

Youth sports organizations were created as a way to invite lots of kids into programs that work on specific skills such as running, jumping, kicking, catching, throwing, and more. The health benefits of sports are rather obvious as kids exercise their muscular and skeletal systems, often while breathing fresh air and soaking up Vitamin D. Coordination and flexibility are enhanced while simultaneously staving off risks of obesity and cardiovascular concerns. 

Emotional benefits of youth sports

The emotional benefits of sports can be found in confidence building, a reduction in stress, and leadership skills. As kids are taught how to apply skills in sports, their confidence grows in what their body is capable of. The mere physical exertion creates a way for the body to eliminate stress and improves mental health in kids. Learning to be a good sportsman and to lose well and face failure is also part of emotional development that every kid needs. These are benefits to playing sports that can be difficult to replicate elsewhere. 

Social benefits of youth sports

Social benefits include blossoming friendships, and a sense of belonging. Both are crucial to child development. Each of my children have lifelong friends that began on a team or in a skills class/lesson. Kids learn to cooperate and communicate with one another while working together on a sports team. Remember that youth sports participation can be an incredible way for only children to get that extra bit of peer interaction. 

Community benefits of youth sports

Local youth sports and summer youth sports are also an incredible way to bring in kids from the community that may not have other opportunities to be active or get outdoors time. Coaching youth sports is also a way for parents to snag extra time with their kids if they are working full time. There are also opportunities for mentoring in youth sports, which bring the community together and provide support to families in need. My kids have gotten to play on teams with kids they never would have met otherwise. It opens up their worlds. There are organizations working hard to create positive community involvement in youth sports.

Benefits of sports in school

Another major benefits of organized sports is the opportunity for kids to represent their school. Whether an athlete is competing as an individual or on a team, there is something special about school sports. Yes, the practice and game schedules can be hectic, but the bonding among student athletes is incredible. Kids will face all kinds of developmental markers like uneven play time, inter-squad competition, and learning from different coaches in new ways. All things, if approached with a positive mindset, that will help shape kids and get them ready to leave the nest in the future. And it helps instill pride for your community and school in your childen.

Benefits of free play for kids

There are numerous developmental benefits of free play for children of all ages, and they begin at a very young age. Unlike sports, most free play starts very organically within the family structure. Parents of young children can visibly see the positive effects of free play starting in the toddler years. The effects last well into the teen years as every kid needs time to let their minds and bodies move and explore without instruction.

Physical benefits of play

Coordination and motor skills begin developing at an early age primarily through play. General movement, balance, and strength are all flourishing in the midst of free play. Most kids and parents don’t even realize they are teaching their bodies how to adapt to their play circumstances. Physical risky play is showing their bodies what they can and cannot handle as they fall down and learn how to get up and try again.

Cognitive benefits of free play

As kids play without the interference of instruction or guidance from adults, they are learning to problem solve and expanding their critical thinking skills. Natural creativity and imaginative play can flow without restriction in free play. This is where innovation can truly take shape, no matter the age. Content knowledge and memory are challenged as kids explore the outdoors world. Sensory play in the mud, water, and sand helps kids file away important information for future nature play encounters. 

Emotional benefits of free play

Active free play gives kids the opportunity to express themselves without a coach or teacher telling them they are doing something right or wrong, allowing them to develop a sense of self. Self confidence builds as children experience open ended play where scores and points can be ignored or welcomed or made up! Free play also allows the release of emotions in a healthy way through running and jumping and wearing themselves out.  

Finding a balance between play and organized sports

What I hope you will see is that many of the positives of structured youth sports and unstructured free play overlap and compliment one another. I can’t tell you exactly how to find a balance, but I can encourage you that a balance is achievable.

First, give those young kids all the free play time you can. Be with them outdoors and foster a love for moving their bodies and exploring the world around them while they are small. Nothing bad can come from that, I promise.

Second, let your children lead you into the organized sports world when they are ready and interested. If your daughter wants to try soccer, let her try. If your son has no interest in baseball, don’t force it. Focus on the importance of movement, not skill development. As your kids gets older and team sports become more demanding, continue to have reasonable conversations about your family’s values of time and money and how sports affects everyone. They may not like your parental decisions at this point, but they can reason and understand. 

Third, a balanced family life is of the utmost importance and will look different for each family. We all have dynamics to contend with that others don’t. For example, we have three children in a 5 year span so we could not physically be in multiple places at once when they were young. That affected the decisions we made and the activities they could participate in. Finding balance in life requires boundaries and firm decisions that parents must take control to achieve. 

Words of caution on burnout and injuries

A few things to keep your eye on as your kids progress and excel include injuries in youth sports and burnout in youth sports. It should come as no surprise that overuse of arms and legs can wreak havoc on kids bodies. Personally, we never allowed our oldest son to play any travel baseball because he is a pitcher. We didn’t want his arm giving out at a young age so we compromised and found team tournament play to be a good middle ground. Any child who begins a sport young and continues for years and years will face burnout at some point. Give them a break if needed. No sport needs to be a kid’s sole identity.  

Another warning would be not to swing too strong in one direction or the other. A healthy balanced life should include some form of organized sports and free play, even if it’s not always. If your child tries youth sports and it doesn’t stick, don’t sweat it! We have close friends who have a child that never enjoyed organized sports, but took to rock climbing and kayaking early. Don’t get too caught up in one way is right and the other is wrong. The point of sports and play is for active enjoyment in life.

Big kids still need free play

As kids get older, it’s seems like a natural progression for them to move from free play to more structured play with rules and parameters. It’s natural and happen. But, I have also found that big kids still need space in their lives for free play. You don’t outgrow play. At times, organized sports, especially school sports, can feel like an obligation or a chore for a child.  Make sure to create time for free play for your teens and tweens because their bodies and brains need that release without the responsibility. 

How are you creating a balance between play and organized sports?

Additional resources:

• Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Kids
• Free Play in Spring with Kite Flying

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

The post Finding Balance Between Organized Sports and Free Play for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Survival skills are important

Anyone who spends much time out in nature knows that your situation can change in an instant. A storm can blow in, an injury can occur, an insect can sting, or an animal could attack. What started out as a simple hike can quickly become dangerous.

I’m not saying any of this to scare you or deter you from spending time outside. None of us really expect our kids (or ourselves) to be thrust into life-threatening situations in the wild–and maybe they never will be! But, as we raise our kids to love being outside, we should also be giving them the tools to face an emergency that could happen outside.

A level head, an emergency kit, and some basic wilderness survival skills will help them be prepared for the unexpected, both now and throughout their lives. And in the meantime, bushcraft skills are just a lot of fun. Sure, they’re useful in a survival situation. But they’re also a fun challenge for you and your teen to enjoy!

The need for survival skills

Many years ago, wilderness survival skills were necessary for life. It’s hard for us to wrap our 21st-century brains around, but children from past centuries had to acquire survival skills early. They needed to know how to build a fire, to create a shelter, to forage for food—and many of them survived because of those skills.

Today, although wilderness survival skills aren’t necessarily essential for everyday life, they are still good to know for emergency situations. In an emergency, previously acquired skills can mean the difference between life and death. Many of these skills can be useful in everyday situations as well. And wilderness survival skills provide an outdoors-based challenge for the developing minds and skills of our young adults. Plus, many of them are just fun to learn!

Building outdoors skills

My husband’s younger brother was still in his late teens when our two oldest kids were small. Too old to go outside and just play, this favorite uncle still enjoyed gathering up his little sisters and my kids to “play scouts.” They would pack up some supplies and tromp around in the woods, studying nature, playing survival games, and building forts. They all loved and benefited from the hours they spent doing this.

As kids get older, the way they “play” and spend time outside changes. Our son is thirteen now, and I’ve watched him make this same type of transition from purely imaginative nature play to constructive skill-building outside. Wilderness survival skills have given nature time a purpose and challenge as he’s grown up. It’s given him a reason to spend more time outside (and isn’t that what we all want for our kids, no matter what the age?).

Developing outdoor survival skills is a gradual process

For our kids, the development of these skills has happened gradually. As they aged and matured, they’d get access to an emergency kit and a pocketknife; they learned fort-building skills and fire safety. As our children express interest in these new challenges, we carefully and gradually introduce the tools and concepts for wilderness survival. There’s no magic age for this. In our family, it continues to vary based on interest and maturity. You know your kids best and can judge whether they’re ready or not. 

At thirteen, our son is capable and independent with many of these skills. But, he’s not just picking them up right now. His training and experience started very early, working in the woods with his dad and grandpa, and playing with his uncle. He frequently reads woodsman and bushcraft books, and loves to head out to the woods to practice these skills.

As he and I have collaborated on the material for this article, I’ve honestly been amazed at his knowledge of and passion for all things bushcraft. He’s become very proficient in these skills due to practice, persistence,  and merely spending time outside getting to know, understand and appreciate nature. 

Growing maturity with wilderness survival skills

Each of the wilderness survival skills here will require some level of adult supervision and responsibility, at least initially. Again, as the parent, you know your own children, with their unique abilities and maturity levels. Only you can decide how these skills should look for them. You get to determine what they can handle (and how) based on your own comfort level. 

For instance, in the beginning, our children are only allowed to use pocketknives with our permission and supervision. When they have demonstrated capability and maturity with a knife, they may be allowed to carry and use it as they see fit. If we find that they ever use this tool unwisely, we put it away until they grow up a little more. We learn from our mistakes, just as they do.

As parents, our children’s safety is our responsibility. But we also want to see them grow in wisdom and maturity. As they do, it’s amazing to see how a challenge like learning wilderness survival can help them develop and grow.

Wilderness survival skills for teens and tweens

If you’re interested in encouraging your teens (or pre-teen) to spend more time outside and learn some valuable lifelong skills in the process, we’re here to help. Here are some wilderness survival skills that perfect for teens and tweens. 

Make a survival kit

Making a survival pack is a fun and simple way to begin developing wilderness survival skills. Even a younger child can create a survival kit for a family hike or for a solo adventure like building a fort in your own backyard. It’s a great way to help kids begin to be prepared for the unexpected in nature. A survival pack doesn’t have to be fancy—just a backpack or little pouch with some basic tools and provisions.

Items you can include in a survival kit:

• First aid kit (our kids have created their own)
• Non-perishable snacks
• Water
• Flashlight
• Emergency blanket or rain poncho
• Rope
• Compass
• Knife or multi-tool (depending on age and maturity)
• Fire-starting tool (also depending on age and maturity)

I’ve been amazed at what my older kids pull out of their packs sometimes. They’re better than I am about carrying first aid supplies on outings and hikes. I can’t count the times our son has used his survival kit to supply or create something useful when we’re outdoors. When we’re working at our homestead property, I often find him unloading a small cast iron skillet and canned goods from his pack, building a fire, and heating a snack for himself and his sisters. Our girls haven’t reached that stage of independence yet, but I love how thinking ahead helps them be helpful and prepared for different circumstances on our nature adventures.

Teaching survival skills to teens (and learning yourself)

Before we cover some key elements of wilderness survival, I’d like to mention that some bushcraft skills may sound intimidating. In particular, handling sharp tools and starting fires might be scary, especially if they are out of your own comfort zone! They sound even scarier when you consider your child doing them. I am in no way advocating turning your child loose with anything. All of these skills require a learning period, patient instruction, and some maturity. With time and practice, he or she can gain safety and competence. 

If you’re not comfortable or knowledgeable about these skills, don’t let that stop you. You and your teen can learn together. Letting them see you learn something new is encouraging and shows them that learning a new skill can happen at any age. If you don’t know where (or how) to get started, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance! For instance, if your teen or tween is interested in learning more about safe knife handling, but you’re not comfortable teaching it, consider reaching out to a trusted adult for help. Somewhere in your circle of family and friends, you probably know someone who is a fisherman, a hunter, or a dedicated hiker.

People with hobbies like these often have a keen interest in wilderness survival skills. Many of them also love to share this knowledge, especially with the next generation. So, if you feel insufficient to teach/supervise any of these skills, look around for someone you trust to help you. And try learning right alongside your teen! You will never regret the time you spend together, discovering new skills and spending time in nature.

The Five C’s of wilderness survival

In Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival, author Dave Canterbury identifies the key elements of survival skills as the Five C’s. Here are the Five C’s of wilderness survival:

1. cutting tools
2. combustion
3. cover
4. containers
5. cordage

Other guides label them in different ways, but we think the Five C’s make a helpful and memorable presentation of these skills. So, with due credit to the author for his outline, we would like to share with you the first three key elements of wilderness survival.

1. Cutting tools

The first C of wilderness survival is a cutting tool. Once again, this is something that may initially require your supervision and participation with your child. But, a sturdy pocketknife, multi-tool, or hatchet is one of the top tools necessary in a wilderness survival situation.

A knife should be attached to you, worn on a belt, or in a secure pocket. This is the one thing you never want to be without in an emergency. With a knife or other cutting tool, you can create a fire starter, cut materials for fire and for shelter, and recreate almost any other tool you will need to survive. A knife can also be vital in emergency medical situations (cutting bandaging, removing clothing) and rescues (cutting away obstructions or creating other tools to work with).

In the meantime, gaining skill and competence with a pocketknife or hatchet is a fun challenge for any teen.

Cutting tool options

Because a knife is essential for so many areas of wilderness survival, it’s important to own a good one. The Field and Stream Total Knife Manual is a complete guide to any and every kind of knife, its pros and cons, with every style and brand known to this modern world. On our shortlist of most useful knives, though, are these suggestions:

• Pocketknife: Sturdy, simple, and compact, this knife has a strong blade that locks open, preventing it from accidentally closing on your hand. As a basic survival tool, this knife is adequate and effective for a number of tasks.
• Multi-tool: A step up from a basic pocketknife, the multi-tool provides a number of useful features in one tool. Although this brand is pricey, the quality and durability of their tools is proven. In our experience, they last forever and work for everything.

Learning knife safety early

We live in a rural area where many of our friends and family members carry a pocketknife or multi-tool at all times. A cutting tool is useful for so many tasks in our lifestyle. With that kind of mindset, our kids have asked for pocket knives pretty young.

When we think they can handle a knife without being a danger to themselves, we let them start using one for some basic whittling or cutting. They’ve had to learn basic safety rules:

• do not ever cut toward your body,
• do not move around with an open blade, and
• no using a knife with other kids close to you.

Only after we see them demonstrating responsibility and maturity with those guidelines do we consider letting them carry the knife or using it on their own.

2. Combustion: tools and skills to make a fire

Another key element of wilderness survival is fire. Although it might sound a little scary, the skills and tools to create fire are essential in emergency situations. They also come in handy in many everyday situations throughout life. With proper instruction and supervision, your teen or preteen can learn these skills safely and gain efficiency in fire starting.

Start with fire safety

Since we heat our home with wood, as well as burn a lot of outdoor fires, our kids have been exposed to fires and learned safety rules from toddlerhood. Early on, we teach them never to get near a fire, and never to mess with matches or lighters. But, as our son approached his preteen years, he was demonstrating carefulness, capability, and a lot of interest in fire starting. We’ve continued to emphasize fire safety, but allowed him greater responsibility in building and maintaining fires.

For him, the rules of fire safety are now more focused on choosing a smart location when building a fire, helping his little sisters be careful around the fire, and making sure it is properly contained. It’s also important to know and follow local burning regulations wherever you are. Wilderness survival skills always include being aware, smart, and ethical about your choices.

Fire starting skills

Building a fire in a sheltered area with dry kindling is a great way to start. But wilderness survival takes fire building much farther. If you’re ever in an emergency situation and need a fire, you might not have ideal conditions for starting it. Bushcraft skills teach you how to use the materials you have on hand to create fire for heat, protection, and cooking. It takes practice to learn to build fires with wet materials or without a lighter, but it can be done. And it’s a fun outdoor challenge for a teen to learn!

Choose a proper fire location

To build a safe and efficient fire, find a location that is sheltered from the wind. Scrape away all debris, down to the dirt, in a wide ring around the fire area. If possible, build a stone ring around your fire to help contain it. (Use dry stones, since wet rocks can explode if they’re heated too rapidly!) If there aren’t any stones available, try digging a depression into the dirt or building a small dirt wall around the fire. Practicing wilderness survival skills always includes showing carefulness for the environment surrounding you. This includes keeping the fire contained and controlled.

Fire starting materials

Look for small twigs, leaves, or dry grass for fire-starting material. If it has been raining or snowing, try to find an evergreen tree. In wild areas, the lower, dead limbs of evergreen trees haven’t been trimmed away. Sheltered by the overhanging branches, they provide the perfect source for dry fire materials in a wilderness survival situation. If you’re having a hard time finding dry starter material, you can use a knife to shave one end of a dry stick to carve a “feather stick” (pictured above) to help light your fire.  

Starting the fire and choosing a firestarter

Ideally, your wilderness survival kit will contain some way to create a spark. A small lighter, waterproof matches, a magnifying glass, or a ferrocerium rod can all serve as fire starters. While some are easier to use and/or more reliable than others, part of the fun of developing survival skills is learning to start a fire with what you have on hand.  I think the dramatic sparks from the ferrocerium rod (shown above) might be the most exciting way to try to start a fire!

Once you have a flame going, gradually add small bits of dry leaves and twigs. Feed the fire slowly with lightweight materials until the flame is steady and strong. Be careful not to smother the fire or let the wind blow it out! With some patience and wilderness survival skills, you can have a strong fire to provide warmth, light, and protection in almost any situation.

3. Cover: shelter in the wilderness

The third C of wilderness survival is cover. If you’re ever stranded in the woods, injured on a hike, or caught in a storm, you need to be able to take shelter. Survival may depend on you knowing the most efficient way to use the materials around you. This is a great challenge for teens and tweens! Survival skills add a whole new dimension to fort building. 

First, look around for any natural cover. A cave, a crevice in a hillside, or a ravine can help provide shelter. But sometimes there isn’t a natural cover to be found. If you need to build a simple survival shelter, you can gather materials from around you and build this basic shelter. You need two stakes to drive into the ground, a ridge pole to run between them, and smaller branches to lean against them. The stakes determine the height of the shelter, and the ridgepole its width. 

Shelter building basics and tools

A hatchet really comes in handy for creating the point on the stakes, plus a notch in the top for the ridge pole. You can use the flat edge of the hatch to drive the stakes in or use a rock. Once you have your stakes set and the ridge pole set, lean the smaller branches against the ridge pole as thickly as possible. If there are evergreen trees nearby, evergreen branches make an ideal cover against wind and rain. But part of wilderness survival is learning to use what you can find. In the spring and summer, green leafy branches will also work. In the fall and winter, gather armfuls of fallen leaves to fill in the gaps in the wall.

The thicker you pile the branches and leaves, the better shelter you will have.  Even dried leaves provide surprisingly good protection from the elements. Being able to build a shelter is one more skill your teen will enjoy learning as he or she gains proficiency in wilderness survival skills!

Practicing wilderness survival skills

Although all these wilderness survival skills are helpful in an emergency situation, they’re also just a lot of fun to practice throughout life. The basics aren’t hard to learn, and there are many ways to continue to develop better bushcraft skills. From how to light a fire without man-made materials to creating a drinking container out of natural materials, survival skills can present endless new challenges and encourage your kids to spend more time outside.

So head outside with your teen, and see what skills you can learn together! 

Is your teen interested in wilderness survival? 

About the author

Leslie is an Ohio farm girl and chaser of light, children, and sometimes chickens. She’s a lover of Jesus, wife to her high school sweetheart, and a homeschooling mom of four wild rascals who love the great outdoors as much as she does. As a family, they love hiking, camping, fishing, and just about any outdoor activity. She and her husband are just beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves. Leslie has a lifelong obsession with writing and capturing everyday life from behind the lens. Follow along with their homesteading, homeschooling, and everyday adventures on her Instagram account.

You can find more from Leslie in the following locations:
Instagram: @c_l_allofus
Client work: @lalvisphotography
Leslie’s RWMC posts:

• Animal Safety
• Raising Chickens with Kids
• Owling with Kids
• Homemade Apple Butter
• Dealing with Poison Ivy, Mosquitoes & Ticks
• Creating Nature Fairy Gardens
• Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders
• Getting Kids Outside During the School Year
• Pond Nature Study
• Maple Syrup with Kids
• Cattle Farm Chores

The post Wilderness Survival Skills for Teens and Tweens appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly!”

What is risk?

Risk is most often defined as the possibility of suffering a harmful event or exposure to the chance of injury or loss. Risky play can generally be defined as thrilling and exciting forms of play that involve a risk of physical injury. 

But did you know the synonyms of risk are opportunity, venture, fortune, and fortuity? 

So, which is it: is risk good or is risk bad? Of course, it’s not that simple. The complexity is in understanding what is the relationship between risk and reward. We can give our kids understanding through experiences to guide them along in assessing risk vs reward and frame the concept of “no risk no reward” with a strong foundation.

Remember, only by taking risks can kids learn to manage risk intelligently, thus creating a habit of healthy risk-taking. Characteristics of kids who are healthy risk-takers include tenacious, persistent, opportunity seekers, and courage. Aren’t those the type of characteristics we are all trying to instill in our kids?

What does risk have to do with the outdoors?

Unlike financial investments, there is no practical risk-reward ratio in nature. Hopefully, this makes risk a little more approachable. There is a simplicity of trial and error as kids play in their natural environment. Soon, healthy risk becomes part of play and an essential part of development.

Many believe that playing it safe is the riskiest choice we can ever make because it stunts development and personal growth. Scott Sampson who wrote How to Raise a Wild Child says, “by preventing our kids from engaging in risky play we are also preventing them from how to navigate risk. A skill they will desperately need as teenagers and the rest of their lives.” 

Healthy risk requires play

Children learn through play. Children learn holistically through unstructured free play outdoors. As their imaginations and creativity are sparked into flame outside, they are also problem-solving and engaging in cause and effect. It may seem like a jump to say these things have a part in risk, but as you know, lessons layer upon each other.

Every time your 6-year-old daughter runs across a wobbly log she is enjoying the beauty of her environment while learning her own physical capabilities. She may fall off, or the log may move, demonstrating to her she took a healthy risk she could manage. Even if things didn’t go the way she wanted them to she is learning. Depriving her of this experience by saying “no, that’s not safe” means you are depriving her of learning her capabilities (and limits) and embracing her potential. 

The outdoors has a way of testing not just physical acuity, but also mental. The many variables of weather, wildlife, and unstable surroundings give kids a chance to try, fail, try again, and succeed in their endeavors. Learning through play in nature contributes to giving kids a strong foundation.

From a 7-year-old climbing on boulders to a 17-year-old planning a backpacking adventure, healthy risk-taking is involved and growth happens because of it. I love what our friends @laneslesstraveled on Instagram had to say about kids and risk and consequences in a recent post. Check it out for some perspective from a typical family that spends a lot of time outdoors. 

Practical ways to invite healthy risk in for young kids

The obvious answer the question about how to find “healthy risks” is straightforward — get outside. But, I wanted to provide ideas for age-appropriate healthy risks and actions you can take with your kids today. While I wholeheartedly believe that any time outside is worthwhile, these ideas will give your kids a chance to grow in confidence and competence outdoors. The benefits of outdoor play will be seen over time as your child develops. 

As a personal anecdote, I had an early walker who was climbing playgrounds by age 1. She was tiny and it made me incredibly nervous, but telling her no did nothing. How could I take her to play outdoors but restrain her from play? At that age, kids are impossible to reason with, so my best tactic was to stand underneath her and encourage her to press on. She and I learned together how much she was capable of and I was completely amazed.

We can learn from Linda Akeson McGurk who says, “As parents we need to resist the urge to fall into fear-based approaches that drive parents to hold on to children too tightly and prevent them from growing in healthy ways.” Holding on too tightly would have frustrated both of us.

Risky play activities for kids

Risky play involves kids experimenting with what they can accomplish and pushing themselves to figure out what will happen without knowing the exact outcome. It’s kind of like a science experiment, where kids get to test out their bodies, physical ability, environment, and coordination to determine what they can (and can’t) do and what they’re comfortable with. It’s a way for them to figure out how their bodies work and how the world works around them. Risky play doesn’t mean dangerous play. 

Here are the types of “risky play” activities that kids can engage in:

• climbing (trees, towers)
• jumping off things (stairs, rocks, the diving board)
• experiencing speed (swings, ziplines, skiing, skateboarding)
• using tools (hammer, saw)
• rough and tumble play
• balancing activities 

Nature fosters healthy risk-taking

Getting young children out into open spaces like the woods or a farm is helpful in introducing natural risk. Without the distractions of toys or screens, kids learn to find and make their own fun. Often you will find young kids creating their own games and contests in these outdoor spaces typically climbing over natural obstacles and jumping and running free through mud and muck. They like to push their bodies to see what they can accomplish and test the limits in a natural environment. 

They fall down and get dirty a lot. Sometimes they scrape a knee or get some bruises. They fail, they succeed, they try again, they push their limits, they question their ability. And every time they do, they learn why that happened, what they’re capable of, and how to manage it differently (or the same) next time. Those types of experiences give kids the opportunity to see what produces the results they want or need in a given situation, which is exactly what risk assessment is all about.

Escalating the risk factor for older kids

As kids get older, they need healthy ways to foster independence and confidence. Older kids feel a strong need to prove themselves capable, which becomes apparent in their actions and decision-making. Of course, this plays out differently amongst the many personalities. But, that desire is there in some way.

As parents, it is our job to encourage and facilitate activities that will give our kids an opportunity to test themselves, but still keep them safe. You will notice that older kids will begin to try new things, as well as resist help, which is completely normal development.

When your child starts pushing the limits, instead of a blanket “be careful,” try asking questions like, “How do you think you’ll make it across the creek?” or “Which route are you taking up the tree?” These questions give your older kids the power to make their own decisions but also guide them into thinking through their decisions. 

Try new things

Healthy risk-taking often includes charting new territory. There are some wonderful outdoor adventure parks and outdoor adventure camps that provide big fun and big challenges to kids. Floating water parks in lakes and water obstacle courses are summertime activities that give kids some extra adventure. Ziplines and ropes courses give them a thrill and test their abilities in a safe way.

Consider signing up your kids for an adventure camp to let them try new things. They will get a small taste of several activities and one is bound to be a favorite. As a side note, this also gives kids a space to try something before you invest a bunch of money or time into a specific activity.

Listen to what you kids interests are and let them start to take the lead on activities. By age 10 kids are developing pretty strong opinions and are in the beginning stages of sorting out what they like and how they want to spend their time. If you are having a tough time tearing them away from shopping excursions or playing video games, have them invite a friend along. 

Healthy risk and teenagers

Risky behavior can seem scary and overwhelming to parents of teenagers. The adolescent stage is a powerful combination of hormone overload (and no idea what to do with those hormones), and an intense need to prove something to themselves and those around them. Much of what we hear in the news is the ways teenagers choose negative risks that have no valuable rewards.

Teenagers are looking for an escape and a boundary-pushing experience. I truly believe both of those needs can be met in the outdoors. We, as parents, can show our teens how to exchange poor risk choices for healthy risk choices. 

As a parent of three teenagers, I can tell you with full assurance that kids will push the limits, whether you are involved or not. Therefore, the more you participate in their endeavors, the better, so you can help guide their choices and actions. I don’t mean that becoming a helicopter parent is the answer. That will just backfire and they’ll choose to engage in risky activities away from you, despite your warnings.

When you are with your kids as they adventure, you affirm their choices and actions. You approve their desire for bigger challenges and more independence. It’s not going to be easy (anything involving parenting rarely is). This will require you to push your own limits from time to time as well. It will require you to take a step back and let them lead. It forces you to trust them in new ways. And, it may push you into activities and adventures you never dreamed of!

For example, I never thought I would learn to surf in my 40’s. However, my kids wanted to give it a try. In order to spend time with them and be a part of their risk-taking, I had to get out there with them. It was all new and not a choice I would have made for myself. But, getting out of my comfort zone shows my teens that hard things are doable and it’s ok if you aren’t very good at it! 

Healthy risk activities for teens

Next time you are thinking about outdoor activities for teens, consider adding things that provide a bit of a challenge or thrill for them and can help them push boundaries in a healthy way.

Maybe consider renting ATVs as a way to get deeper into backcountry areas. Find a hike that ends with a bang like a waterfall they can swim in or cliff jump nearby. Perhaps instead of pulling up next to a lake to fish, you can hike into a spot with your fishing gear (or kayak there). Sign your kids up for a one-on-one lesson in something wild like kiteboarding or wakeboarding. There are also a host of winter activities that encourage tweens and teens to get outside and keep things just a bit exciting. 

Another level of risk: adventure travel

Outdoor adventure travel may sound intimidating to some families, but I’m here to encourage you to give them a try and let you know that adventures come in many shapes and sizes. If travel in general or travel to a specific destination is an adventure to YOU, then it’s an adventure.

Traveling to a new place in and of itself is a healthy risk. The risk factor enters as you introduce your kids to new experiences that are different from your daily life. Don’t underestimate the power of exposing your kids to landscapes that look nothing like your typical surroundings and cultures that are different from your own. Even trying new foods can be a healthy risk. Getting our kids away from distractions plays a big role in their development as their confidence grows. 

Outdoor adventure resorts are popping up across the world to provide families a place to spend quality time together while enjoying boundary-pushing experiences. These resorts cater to families and have a wide variety of activities like canyoneering, kayaking, zip-lining, sailing, and more outdoor adventure activities. Think of these resorts like camp for the entire family. 

Favorite family adventure travel destinations

Our family loves traveling to new places and exploring. We love cities just as much (if not more) than beaches and mountains. There are so many amazing places out there to explore. And each destination brings on a whole new set of thrills, obstacles, adventures, and explorations. Travel is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and expand you horizons. Here are some family-friendly adventure travel destinations, perfect for finding a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and interests, 

Summer adventure travel destinations (May-September)

• Vail, Colorado
• Big Sky, Montana
• Voyageurs National Park, MN
• Maine
• Canadian Rockies
• Scandinavia
• Alaska
• Japan
• Dolomites, Italy
• Iceland

Winter adventure travel destinations (October-April)

• Costa Rica
• Patagonia (Argentina or Chile)
• Florida Keys
• Snowshoe, West Virginia
• New Mexico
• Big Bend National Park, TX
• Namibia
• Hawaii
• Belize
• Morocco

This is a vast and wide list, but I just wanted to get your wheels turning and give some inspiration. While this list is nowhere near exhaustive, you can see a few patterns. If you have water activity-loving kids, you may find more adventurous activities in the October to April list. You will find that many of the ski resorts transform in the summer months to give kids epic outdoor experiences. It’s a big world with a whole lot of variety.

*Pro tip: I keep a folder in my Instagram that I titled “Teen Destinations.” I save posts to it anytime I come across a destination or activity that looks fun, so I can easily access ideas for adventure planning. 

Kids and teens need the outdoors

It would be irresponsible of me not to bring attention to the staggering reality regarding kids and the outdoors as a whole. Many of the statistics we see and hear are downright scary. We have all heard the number of hours that kids and teens are spending on screens is increasing at an alarming rate. And it’s not just video games and Dude Perfect YouTube videos. More of our kids’ education is being conducted on a screen. Their main methods of communication are through a smartphone via text, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and others.

Suffice it to say, kids rarely get a break from the constant noise and distractions. Did you know that our kids’ generation is in danger of a life expectancy lower than the generation before it? This is scary and something has to change. 

Here is the good news- we can take action today to do something about it. In my research, I learned some incredible things about the effects of nature on our kids’ well-being. As little as 15 minutes in the woods scientifically shows a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. When our human senses encounter nature, alpha waves are created in our brain giving us the neural resonance of relaxation.

Nature not only makes us feel better, but it also alters our biology, measurably reducing our fight or flight response. This is the automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee. Do you see that? Nature helps our kids in risky situations. 

Neuroscientists are on the path to proving the positive effects of nature. Healthy interpersonal relationships, increased generosity toward others, as well as a sense of connection to the larger community of life are byproducts. Those positive effects are motivating to give kids more outside moments. In turn, they have ways to demonstrate their ability to manage healthy risk in a productive way. 

For more risky play ideas

Included are resources that will help you teach your kids about healthy risks through outdoor adventures and travel.

Check out these books for practical help:

• There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather
• The Nature Fix
• Last Child in the Woods
• How to Raise a Wild Child

If you are looking for inspiration on family adventure travel check out this post on visiting a Dude Ranch during the winter. 

What activities can you plan to introduce
healthy risk into the development of your kids and teenagers?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

The post Healthy Risk Through Outdoor Adventure and Travel appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.