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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

There's something truly magical about hitting the trails with your children, embarking on adventures that create lasting memories and instill a love for nature. Hiking with kids offers numerous benefits, both physically and emotionally, and can be a wonderful way to bond as a family.

The Heroes Project hosts our annual event on Veterans Day weekend called Climb for Heroes. At this event, we honor all those who served our great country and encourage families to join us in this celebration. This family-friendly hike is a great way to expose kids to the awesomeness of hiking and how much fun nature can be. Plus, hiking is a great way for kids to burn off energy and stay active. THP kids range from babies in backpacks to pre-teens who leave their parents in their dust.

Mark and Chelsea Byrne brought their daughter to last year’s Climb for Heroes event. Mark said, “ At the 2024 CFH, we were honored enough to have The Mayor of Munchkin Land herself, Emilia, ride Yoda style on my back. My wife Chelsea bravely made it to the Notch, 3 months pregnant with our son. CFH is the highlight of the year for our growing family.”

Hiking can be incredibly rewarding. It encourages resilience and problem-solving as children navigate trails and overcome obstacles. It also fosters a sense of achievement and builds confidence as they reach the summit or complete a challenging hike. All children want to be seen to be seen as “big kids” rather than babies or little ones. They feel valued and important when they have the opportunity to take part in planning and preparing for adventures on the trail.

The Heroes Project is so incredibly grateful for your unwavering support from the Super Hiking Twins and their parents. These now nine-year-olds have been attending Climb for Heroes for years. This family exudes why hiking as a family is so important. The kids' energy is truly contagious, inspiring us all, especially to us older folks.’

In a feature by the LA Times, Nancy and Shaun, parents of the Super Hiking Twins, emphasize the importance of family hikes despite both working full-time jobs and their kids attending public school: “When we were kids, our parents took us camping, so we have always enjoyed the outdoors,” Shaun says. “After having kids, we shouldn’t stop doing what we enjoy doing. Hiking is an activity the entire family can enjoy.” He added, “As parents, we are very happy that hiking is our family activity since all of us can participate and love doing it.  We will continue to hike with them as long as they are having fun.”

Tips and Advice

Choosing the Right Trail- When planning a hiking trip with children, the first step is to choose a trail that suits their age and abilities. Opt for shorter, well-marked trails with gentle terrain. Parks with loop trails can be particularly enjoyable, allowing you to gauge your child's energy levels and adapt plans accordingly. Research local parks or natural reserves that offer family-friendly paths and scenic views to keep the kids engaged.

Packing Essentials- Packing wisely is crucial for a successful hike. Essentials include plenty of water, snacks like trail mix or fruit, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. A small first-aid kit can also be handy for minor scrapes or insect bites. Encourage your kids to carry their own lightweight backpacks with their favorite essentials, making them feel like true adventurers. Parents of The Super Hiking Twins said, “The twins pack their own backpacks, which include their jacket, stuffed animals, water, snacks, toys, etc.”

Healthy Habits- Introducing kids to hiking at a young age can instill healthy habits that they carry into adulthood. It encourages a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and outdoor adventures.  Because of our event, the Byrne family spends as much time on the trails as they can. Mark said, “The Munchkin loves being outside and exploring the hiking trails. The health benefits for both the body and the mind are second to none; the best drug in the world is being on a mountain. Trust me, I’m a Doctor!” There you have it, doctor-approved. (Wink, wink)

Safety First- Safety should always be a priority. Stick to marked trails and keep an eye on weather conditions. Teach your kids basic trail etiquette and how to signal if they become separated from the group. A whistle can be a useful tool for emergencies.

Capturing Memories- Finally, don't forget to capture the memories. Bring along a camera or smartphone to take photos of your adventure. Encourage your children to keep a nature journal where they can sketch or write about their experiences. Hiking is inherently a slow-paced activity, making it a perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors with your children. Kids possess remarkable imaginations and are captivated by everything around them, from trees and rocks to insects. On the hiking trail, their curious minds have the chance to physically engage with their environment, touching and observing nature up close. Free from screens and everyday distractions, hiking creates an ideal setting for meaningful conversations and shared memories. It's a wonderful time to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other's presence, ultimately strengthening family bonds. Additionally, hiking fosters a lasting appreciation for the beauty of nature. Parents of the Super Hiking Twins said, “The twins especially love all the high fives, thumbs up, and fist pumps they get along the trail.”

Leave No Trace- Respect nature by carrying out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. The Leave No Trace principles are essential for preserving our natural spaces. By teaching children these values, we foster a generation that is more mindful of their actions and their impact on the world around them.

Get those mini explorers ready to discover the great outdoors! By immersing kids in nature's splendor, they’ll grow up with a heart full of respect for our planet and a keen understanding of why it matters, which they carry into adulthood.

Hiking with your kids is not just about the destination but the journey itself. So, dive into nature’s playground together and watch your little ones blossom into nature-loving adventurers. Happy trails!

Are you interested in participating in Climb for Heroes? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about the event and to learn more about The Heroes Project. Also you can follow Matthew & Arabella Adams’s journey on Instagram / Super_Hiking_Twins.

Get involved today to make a positive impact on veterans' lives through donations, volunteering, or participating in fundraising events. Stay connected and subscribe for updates on this transformative initiative and more. Together, we're paving the way for a brighter future for those who have served us. Join us in honoring their sacrifice and ensuring they receive the support they deserve. To learn more about our events and initiatives, feel free to explore our website here.If you're interested in providing financial support, consider making a donation today.