ABC of family adventuring – GHIJK
As the famous Jackson song proclaims, ABC is, “easy as 123” so rather than write a numbered list of suggested ideas, hints and tips for family adventuring we thought we’d offer some thoughts using the alphabet. Here we focus on G to K.
G for GEOCACHING
Geocaching is a modern, digital treasure hunt which requires you to find hidden caches (usually plastic boxes of varying sizes that contain a notepad, pencil and possibly a selection of treasure such as plastic toys) in a range of both urban and rural locations. You need a smart phone with downloadable app or GPS to be able to locate the caches.
G for GO
On your marks, get set… GO. Go is a verb full of action and that what you need to do – take action and go for it, do something, go somewhere, make a move and just GO.
H for HEADTORCH
This cheap piece of kit opens up the world of night time adventures. You will all feel like real adventurers with a head torch on even if you’re exploring in your back garden. Use the headtorch to learn about night vision and morse code – have a go at sending messages to each other.
I for INQUISITIVE
Kids are naturally inquisitive. Encourage them to ask questions and find out more about the places that you visit.
I for INTERACT
The best way to find out about a place is from the locals. Talk to and interact with the people that you meet and you might learn some fascinating facts or recommendations of places to go or things to do.
I for ILLUSTRATE
Photos might be one way of keeping a memory of place but an illustration of a moment, a person or place can be a valuable (and entertaining) reminder. Take along a sketch book and draw simple sketches that will remind you of adventures. You don’t have to show anyone them if you don’t want to!
I for INSTILL
Instill a sense of adventure in life from an early age. Children that are wrapped in cotton wool (not literally) don’t develop independence, the ability to manage (and take) risk or problem solving skills. So if we want our little ones to develop an adventurous spirit we need to encourage it and thereby instill it.
J for JOURNEY
It’s easy to get in a rut and before you know, the same old stuff is happening again and again. Little changes can add variety and spark. Why not try to do the same old journey to work, school or the shops a different way; take a different route or travel by a different means of transport. Rather than focus on the destination, focus on the journey. Try to plan a journey to somewhere new every week, month or year.
K for KNOW
Know the countryside code so that when you’re out and about you don’t break it. Respect. Protect. Enjoy.
K for KNOTS
Get to know some simple knots that might prove useful when shelter building or raft building. Try to learn a clove hitch, reef knot and bowline to start with. If you get the bug, you can go on to learn some more adventurous knots.
Looking for more family adventure ideas?
For more family adventure ideas, visit our 100 Family Adventures page.
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