PREPARING FOR S.A.T.
(Summer Adventure Treks)- IN THE WOODS

For years, parents have made choices about what type of summer programming would be best for their children. The most popular options include traditional summer camps, academic programs, community service, language and cultural immersions, creative and performing arts, internships, and specialty sports programs. In recent years, the emphasis has been away from experiences where kids have the opportunity to spend time in the wilderness. Students cringe at the concept of not showering for days or being out of touch with electronic devices such as TV, iPods or computers. More significantly, some parents often feel that real life skills are not gained by getting in touch with nature. They feel that nature is old fashion – the future is in electronics and specialization.

In his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv writes of the consequences of isolating our children from nature. Life without nature, he asserts, is a life out of balance. Louv continues, that although the effect of children disassociating themselves with nature has not been scientifically examined, there are some hypotheses about the consequence of isolating ourselves from the outdoors. Biologically, we are still hunters and gatherers and therefore need a direct involvement with nature. If denied this element, we tend not to do well. Conversely, he sites studies that indicate that “engagement with nature buffers against life’s stress”. Louv goes on to underscore his point by saying that “we no longer live in a society where people take the time to stop to enjoy nature – we pass it on the way to the soccer game”.

Summer is a time for growth. It is an opportunity for kids to explore without being judged, graded or hurried. A true immersion into nature allows a child to grow on many levels. Hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and climbing are some of the avenues of exploration. Wilderness experiences can give a child a sense of balance between everyday challenges and basic priorities. It is sad that so many children have no idea of the beauty of waking up and cooking their own meal with a fire that they themselves built; no idea of the strength they get from conquering a mountain or rafting a river. The strong friendships you gain when you share physical challenges are immediate. Usually, when a child claims that he or she does not like the outdoors it is from lack of exposure to it - it is a fear of the unknown.

Sometimes the cost of a “back to nature experience” surprises families. Since nature is “free”, people assume that a wilderness trip will be inexpensive. This is not true. Companies have high operating costs. They must pay for trip leaders, insurance, equipment, permits, office rental, food, housing, transportation, and marketing – just to name a few. One family commented, “I can take my son hiking for 2 weeks for a lot less than $2500”. The director responded, “You’re right, it only costs about $12 a day, why don’t you try it sometime?” It is a huge responsibility to take a child into the wilderness. Most trips have at least one leader who is a Wilderness First Responder – a person highly trained for handling medical situations while in the woods. Keeping a high staff to student ratio is very important – and expensive. Families do not have the time or know-how to successfully trek through the woods, raft through rapids, or rock climb. Leave it to experienced directors to teach your children these important skills.

Re-introducing our children to nature is just as important as studying for the college SAT. Cooperation, tolerance, determination, and experiencing the unknown are at the core of every successful wilderness expedition. These same traits make a person a success in everyday life. So prepare for the SAT – take a hike!

Tips and Trips and Camps is a free consulting service that provides information on a wide range of adventure programming. With a portfolio of over 400 carefully screened and selected summer opportunities, families can explore a wide range of options – from exotic to basic. Our service is 100% free to families and there is no obligation to attend any program we suggest.