Providing Financial Assistance
Taking your youth on an outdoor adventure by yourself.
Taking your youth out on a hike or other outdoor adventure may not be the easiest thing you can do, but you can do it, and here are some suggestions to making your trip better, safer, and more meaningful:
(these suggestions focus on taking your group on a hike, but the general concepts can be applied to the beach, snow shoeing, horse back riding...)
1. You’re not in Kansas anymore – Going for a hike in a Forest is a lot different than hiking down a city street. Food, water, emergency help, all of these might be harder to come by the further out you go. Bring plenty of food and water; and check out who the closest help is and how to contact them.
2. Scout it out – Go explore the area a week or two before hand with some friends or colleagues. Make notes about areas to go, avoid, and things that would make the trip even better.
3. Close your eyes and see the picture – Visualize the trip from start to finish. See the kids getting out in their flimsy flip flops [I better remind them to wear something better]. See them starting to spread out into smaller groups [maybe I could assign a leader to each group for some great relationship building time. Hey, maybe give my leaders some suggested topics or questions to help them facilitate an even better hike]. See the kids starting to explore the swimming hole [I’m sure glad I had them wear swimsuits under their hiking clothes]. See everyone relaxing enjoying God’s creation [maybe this would be a great spot for a quiet time, maybe I’ll even print out some verses on a handout for them to review during that time]. See them arriving back at the cars all hot and sweaty [maybe a nice fruit snack and ice cold water waiting back at the vehicles would be a nice treat].
4. Do you feel safe? – The further into nature you go, the more prepared you should be (just in case). Bring a first aid kit (and know how to use it). Consider you and your staff taking a basic First Aid CPR class (this is good to do even if you never leave the church parking lot). Taking an extended trip? Consider taking a class focused on first aid in the backcountry (like Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder). Click Here for a list of some 1st aid training organizations.
What are adventures I can do myself? (here are just
a few suggestions)
1. Pick up a book on Local Day Hikes and go explore.
2. Talk to friends that enjoy the outdoors for suggestions of good hikes
and swims.
3. Recruit from within. See if anyone at the church has the skills or
equipment needed for some adventures like rock climbing.
4. Go to the Zoo. Check to see if they offer behind the scenes tours.
5. Change it up - Do something you might normally do, but remove common
distractions, like cell phones.
6. Drive to a local quiet public park and have your group spread out for
a 30-60 minute quiet time.
7. Contact a local Christian
outfitter that might be able to help you with supplies, ideas,
and locations.
8. Some camps provide training classes or guide schools that will provide
you with the formal training necessary to safely and confidently lead
your youth out into the outdoors on your own adventures. Some focus only
on specific adventures in specific areas while others focus on a more
broad level with concepts, tools, and techniques that you will be able
to apply in a wide variety of environments. Check out our list of Christian
outfitters to find one near you.
Please note: It is a future goal of Kids in Creation to create regional Kids in Creation Stations. Each station will serve its area by training and supplying gear to individuals and their organizations, helping to further facilitate youth leaders and parents to be able to take their youth out on adventures in creation.
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