10/01/10
The pines up here are tall and about a foot wide. We've escaped the expected-high temperature of 100 degrees in the city for the trails around Mud Lake. My son stands at the base of one tree pointing up at a blue diamond, then searches the trees for the next trail marker. He sees it and runs off to it, waiting for me when he reaches it. At age 4, this is a game we have played for two years, since before he could talk.
It's a game that started out of a mother's fear one autumn day. We were out alone on a beautiful trail and I imagined myself unconscious or worse and my 2-year-old son alone in the woods. I wanted him, even then, to be able to return to the trail-head and not get lost in the woods. In those deep moments of panic, I created a plan of skills that he needed to have, whether he had words or not. I've added to the game. We still chase the trail markers, but now we each have a trail map to follow, too.
In general I am not a fearful Mama. Most of our days in the woods and mountains are filled with free roaming and exploration. But sometimes in the moments of silence, my mind lapses and the fears well up and surround me. In those moments, I pull my son close and hold, breathing in the smell of the mud on his skin, the peanut butter on his breath. Then I can relax.
Skills for small people in the woods:*
1. Know your own body (are you hungry, cold, thirsty, do your feet hurt?)
2. Where does the sun rise, and where does it set? (cardinal directions)
3. How to follow trail markers.
4. How to listen. (There is no limit to how important this one is; as a family that rock climbs and canoes, it’s essential for my child to know he has to stop when we say stop and not argue when high places or water are involved.)
5. Know your full name. (I try to keep a piece of paper in his pocket with his name address and a non-family contact number, but his full name can lead to all of those).
6. Always ask before putting something in your mouth, even if that raspberry is clearly a raspberry. (There is a reason we have guide books; something might not be what you think it is.)
* This is my personal list, not sanctioned by any authority on outdoor survival or such.
Note:
Taking children out into the woods can be a wonderful experience; lately there has been a lot of talk about how children need more contact with the natural world. However, if you do not feel comfortable yourself, you may want to connect with your local state parks or regional parks before going it alone. Many of them have family programs that introduce you to the park and the natural world.