[at-l] There's something therapeutic about...

[shellydhale at earthlink.net (Shelly Hale)]

I know exactly what you are talking about, Chainsaw, when you stated having to plan and worry about others.  

Back in the spring of this year when I took all 3 of my girls and hubby on their first hike on the AT, I thought I was going bonkers
trying to pack for everyone.  It almost took the fun right out of it.  But, then I thought to myself, "Sef, ifin ya don't lets 'em
pack theyze own pack, din day ain't nevva gonna lern ta do it themsevze."

So, on our next dayhike, I told the girls to pack their own packs.  I told them to make sure and pack snacks and the kind that they
needed as well as how much water to load up with.  Everything else was up to them.  After the girls had packed up, we had a
mini-tuckerization out on the porch.  After tossing out a few stuffed animals, Gameboys, Barbies,  jewelry, and makeup, we were able
to get their packs down to basic essentials and only one or two "just in cases", and we were ready to go.

It was such a hoot to see what Leastun had packed.  Middleun did fairly well, but she'd packed three or four books, and I had to
limit her to just one (it was only a day hike after all).  Blondie did and excellent job as she's helped me pack before and has
survived my thought processes on gear.  LOL

I discovered that the girls are quick learners and loved the challenge of getting their packs as light as possible.  Once I showed
them how much easier it was to tote a lighter pack versus a heavier pack, they really got into it.

Now, it is their responsibility to pack their own packs.  And, even when we go on trips, they help to pack themselves.  I, for one,
love it.  Not only is it teaching them responsibility, but it also helps me out so much!

Tenacious Tanasi
   (Shelly Hale)
 
 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hiking_backpacking_events/