OK, this is a real life Mom writing this, so I won't pull any punches with you. I take parenthood seriously and ask potential canoe camping parents to consider the following advice BEFORE planning a trip:
1. Any child going on a trip MUST be able to follow directions and understand what the word "no" means. A wilderness canoe trip is not the place for a crash course in discipline.
2. Any child should be at least a beginning, if not intermediate, swimmer. Water is the major mode of transportation and it is inevitable that any child will want to play in it.
The northwoods is a paradise full of wonders to explore. Those wonders can also become dangers if caution and directions cannot be followed. Pause for a moment and truly consider whether or not your child is mentally and physically mature enough to participate in this type of adventure. If not, give them a year or two and then reconsider a trip at that point.
If you're still with me and you feel that your child has met the initial criteria, let's move on to the next item to consider. Are YOU ready mentally and physically to do ALL of the work while out in the woods? Keep in mind that although kids seem to have an unlimited amount of energy, it's usually used towards things that THEY enjoy and want to do. It is inevitable that the first tough portage will bring out the "mule" in your child. They will dig their little heels in and refuse to go one step farther. No amount of bribery will get them to change their mind. Meet pack horse Mom & Dad...
If you are still with me, here's the keys to planning a sucessful family canoe trip:
1. Keep it fun.
2. Plan to be a kid again yourself.
3. Don't plan to do a lot of traveling; instead do a lot of exploring.
Trips for all ages...
Up to eight years old, plan to basecamp (at least the first trip). Locate the camp near a creek, waterfall, rapids or all three. Plan on a 3 to 5 day trip maximum. Any longer and there will be a mutany after day five. Explore, fish and swim each day and plan to do what they want. The key is get them hooked on canoe camping. If they fall in love with it, there will be many years ahead to plan those marathon traveling trips, or to do the things you want. Day trips into surrounding lakes can be great. Try to avoid day trips into lakes with portages over 1/3 of a mile. Bring activity books, field guides, reading books and traveling games. Help them fall in love with the wilderness by doing activities they love at a pace they can follow. Push too hard and they'll hate it.
Eight to twelve year olds should still basecamp the first trip. Determine how the basecamp trip went and then on future trips plan accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to move about 5 to 8 miles every day or every other day. Plan on a layover day or two. Three to six days is a good length of time to be out. Again, gear the trip towards the youth's interests. Traveling games, fishing gear, cards and field guides are great items to bring along.
Thirteen years and older should try a leisurely travel trip the first time with a layover day or two worked in. If they like the first one, they're hooked for life. Most teens can travel 5 to 10 miles a day. Keep it interesting and bring games and field guides, and don't be surprised if they prefer going over the maps with you at the end of the day.
You know your youth better than anyone. You will truly know what their capabilities are and how hard you can push. One really important thing to remember: see the trip through their eyes. Learn, explore and experience everything as they see it. You'll find your trip is enhanced too.
While out in the woods, have a pack that they can carry. For the little tykes it may only be a book bag with their favorite blanket and stuffed toy, for older ones their clothes, sleeping bag and mat (and more if they can handle it). Campsite assignments should be given; collecting fire wood, helping set up the tent, fetching water, etc. It's important for them to realize that they are a part of the adventure and not just along for the ride - you will appreciate the extra help too. Also, keep a journal and take plenty of pictures.
Once the trip is over, have the trip participants sit down together and write a story about the trip. Create a scrap book or wall mural using maps, photos and the trip story. Kids are creative, so let them be in charge and offer minimal ideas and assistance.
Have an awesome time on your wilderness adventure and be sure to let us know how everything turns out!