If you want to know what sometimes is talked about at the "bar" about taking boys into the woods, occasionally a husband talks about bringing a daughter to the AT. My knowledge tells me - "I know nothing" So when I saw this thread I posted...
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You nailed something very close to my heart. Papa D is very close to what needs to be done. - first make sure its a ten or less. Second - kids are impressionable and it going to be a longer hike than he thinks and you also need a TON of patience.
1 stop at streams and show what is under rocks - get your feet wet. (no cotton socks)
2 suddenly stop and point out poison ivy or a salamander.... (my son found a baby non-poisonous snake)
3 discuss drinking water with an added flavor - keep them hydrated
4 pick up a rock and tell him how old it is - even if you are wrong...
5 ask him to remember a bird sound- so you and he can identify it later.
6 don't put a pack on him till later - ask him to carry his "personal water"
7 ask him if he would like to include a friend on the hike.
8 Hard Candy Yes Sugar! and Jerky!
9 Slower pace.
10 Key - show him a map ask him what he would like to plan or see.
11 ALWAYS find a ice cream store on the way home and praise him, even if U have to bail. (always have an second plan)
In the real world - I do not have daughters. I have a son, and this conversation cropped up again tonight between two guys,,,, and I am not in a position to add advice... SO
I am going to put this thread in front of a really cool guy that wants to make a difference with main girl. He is about to subscribe to WB - and what can we do as a group to help him make a "home run" with his Daughter?