safe and sound adventures main

Safe and Sound Adventures

Mark W. Altman, M.I.S.

Welcome LetterI would like to take this

opportunity to welcome all of you to the world of family adventure! My family and I have a lot of fun, learn a lot about ourselves and most importantly come together as a family on our adventures in a way not possible anywhere else.

Through tonight’s presentation you will learn a little about us, and hopefully you will learn how we make it happen.

I am so happy for you and the fun that awaits you right outside your door!

IntroductionWe are the Altman family, consisting of Dawn, Mark II,

Bailey, Matthew, Meagan, and me.We are a blended family ranging in age from 15 to 44.In almost every way we are just like you.

Table of Contents

Welcome LetterIntroductionWhy Outdoor AdventuresGetting StartedBetter DisciplineBetter GradesThings for the Little Guys

Why outdoor adventures?

Tailored activitiesThe activity does not get in the way of family bonding.The adventure is scalable. Some families will mountain climb, scuba-dive or do full-on expeditions while other families will do nature hikes in a local park.


You can spend a day or a month, sleep under the stars or in a cabin, cook over a campfire or eat your evening meal at a restaurant.(Most family adventures will get more advanced as the kids grow and the families’ skills increase.)

A Note on Age Appropriateness

As a parent your goal should be to challenge your kids without overloading them (both in difficulty and duration)

If you take a toddler to a trip at the park, then maybe the challenge is to point out a few flora and fauna and a stumbling walk through the tall grassFor a kindergartner, car camping may provide plenty of learning while fishing and sleeping in a tent

A Note on Age Appropriateness

School children can begin to backpack, carrying their personal gear (bag, clothes, item or two of food and toys)

Jr. High and High Schoolers can begin to plan and lead family trips

They need more challenge- mentally and physicallyBasic skills allow more advanced activities (ex. Competence in swimming, paddling and knot tying skills allow white water rafting)

How to Get StartedFirst determine your goalsDetermine your family interestsDetermine your resource levelsBuy gear (rent first)Take lessonsPlanGet to it!!

Determine Your GoalsAre your family activities intended

to facilitate basic child development, entice better discipline and better grades, or to bring the family closer together? What level of outdoor expertise do

you have and what level do you want?Now write these goals down!! We

will need this later.

Determine Your Family Interests

Does your family like camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, bicycling, sailing, etc.?Does your family enjoy music and the

arts, museums, and science?

Determine Your Family Interests

As a family do you participate in sports and athletics?Do you and your family look for activities to bring you closer together and a vehicle to teach life lessons?If you like any or all of these things your family can incorporate them into an outdoor adventure!!

Ideas for Little Guys Taking a child, even an infant through a state park like McKinney Falls- they can see the colors and be outside while you get some exerciseDinosaur Valley SP- the baddest kid destination in the state! Going to a local park to fly a kite or foam airplane, or catch bugs and watch squirrels Go “fishing”- adult definition is not the same as kid definition

Ideas for Little Guys Cool scavenger hunt- look for leaves, rocks, discarded snake skins, mouse houses, etc. Go throw rocks Adventure lunch by a creek or pond Do the scavenger hunt at night in the same park you were in during the day Sky watch at night

Take lessonsThere are many places to find

instructors:Gear shops, local colleges, friends,

Scout troops, and the Internet.

They can help you in other ways too if you will pick their brains:

Gear purchase advice.Where to go info (known as “beta”).New ways to use your skills and

activities

Take lessonsIf you are shaky on ANY of the skills you need to do the activities your family wants to enjoy, then take a lesson or two.They are inexpensive for what you save in false starts, accidents, and adventures gone awry. They make you look smart in front of your family.

Teach a love of the outdoors “Normalize” adventureTeach desired behaviors

Show how instant obedience increases both safety and fun for the family

Training Aspect of a Plan

Plenty of water and snacksIf kids sugar crash or get dehydrated, bad things happen

Take rests often When you or the kids get overtired, the trip gets not fun in a hurry

The destination is of NO consequenceHave more activity planned than you will get to

During the Activity

Make sure someone knows where you are headed and when you will be backCarry the “Ten Essentials”- everytime

Safety Plan

Rules for buying inexpensive gear.

Buy the best gear you can afford-It seems counterintuitive, but buying good gear is cheaper in the long run AND the gear works better, looks better and lasts longer.

Use the Internet-Websites such as REI and REI-Outlet have great deals and will send you an email alert when gear you need goes on sale!

Rules for buying inexpensive gear.

Buy out of season-For kids this can be a sizing challenge, but if you buy out of season you can get great deals!Some bigger boys can wear women’s hiking boots better than men’s and they are usually LOTS cheaper when on sale.Make a running list of the gear every family member needs and check as often as possible for sales- remember the Internet!

Ten essentials-1) Navigation: map, compass, GPS*2) Sun Protection: sunscreen, sun glasses,

hat3) Insulation: synthetic jacket or vest4) Illumination: flashlight, extra batteries5) First –Aid kit: very good kits here at REI6) Fire: matches, fire starter, H2O proof7) Tools: multi tool, duct tape strips8) Food: energy bars/gel, trail mix9) Hydration- bladders and H2O filter10)Shelter: reflective blanket or bivy sack

Safety Gear

“Nice to Have” Gear

After every adventure Stop to eat dinner, get ice cream or hot cocoa Relive the adventure and tell stories from the day Ask everyone what they liked and want to do different Begin to plan the next adventure

Useful Web Linkshttp://rei.com/ (click on Learn and

Share)http://rei-outlet.com/www.adventurecycling.org (Biking)http://www.acanet.org/ (Canoeing)http://www.backpacking.net/ http://www.thebackpacker.com/ http://gorp.away.com (A little of

everything)http://www.gearjunkie.com

http://rei.com/

http://www.adventurecycling.org/

http://www.acanet.org/

Get to it!!The first 10 adventures are the hardest, after that it is second nature.Remember at nine years old they are half gone- either to college or work- so get to it TODAY!!

Local, Family-Day Adventures


Table of Contents

Welcome IntroductionLocal ActivitiesGetting StartedThings for the Little GuysThings for the Bigger GuysWhere to go

Things for the little guys: Start with a walk around a local park/pond

Explore- think like a little guyIdentify flora and faunaShovel exerciseDo it again at night

Ride local bike trailsDay hike local state parks (McKinney Falls)Canoeing/ Kayaking- you paddle

Things for the big kids: Everything on the “little guy” list- just amped upSimple Land NavigationLearn to use backpacking stoveFirst AidThought experiments (what to do if/ when)Canoeing/ Kayaking- they paddle

Continue to work on behavior Continue to “normalize” adventureTalk about morals/ethics

The outdoors provide a place with no distractions to get in the way of important topics

Explain the importance of conservation of resources


Take advantage of secondary training

Teach First Aid or Emergency PreparednessAllow the kids to cook as many meals as possible

Roll in academics Science – ecology, geology, wildlife studiesHistory of the local area


Thoughts on gear: The rules from the previous slide show apply:

Buy the best gear you can afford-Rent first, especially big purchases-Use the Internet-Buy out of season-Keep a running gear list-Use gear as academic and discipline rewards-



Safety Gear

Gotta haves-1) Canoe/ Kayak- rent several before you

buy2) PFD- 1 for EVERYBODY3) Paddle- 1 for each paddler4) Throwline5) Dry bags6) Quick dry paddle shorts7) The Ten Essentials

Canoeing/ Kayaking Gear

Gotta haves-1) Bikes- rent several before you buy2) Helmet- a good one. Wear it, they call

them “brain buckets” for a reason.3) Patch kit- inlcuding spare tubes4) Pump5) Tire levers6) Cycling mutli-tool7) Bike Lock8) If gone more than a couple of hours

then you need the Ten Essentials.

Bicycling Gear

Very local McKinney Falls State Park Hill Country Wildflower Trail Hamilton Pool Park Pedernales Falls State Park McKinney Roughs Nature Park

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve Longhorn Cavern State Park Parrie Haynes Ranch Bastrop State Park Cedar Park Caves Preserve

Where to go (Day or Weekend)

Further away, but WAAAYY Cool Inks Lake State Park Dinosaur Valley State Park Enchanted Rock State Park Sea Center Texas World Birding Center Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Hueco Tanks Blanco State Park Honey Creek State Natural Area

Where to go (Weekend)

Get to it!!The first 10 adventures are the hardest, after that it is second nature.Remember at nine years old they are half gone- either to college or work- so get to it TODAY!!



everything) http://www.gearjunkie.com

Let’s Take a Trip Together


Table of Contents

Welcome LetterIntroductionGetting StartedLonger trip payoffsGear needsWhere to go Things to Remember


Tailored activitiesThe activity does not get in the way of family bonding.The adventure is scalable. Some families will mountain climb, scuba-dive or do full-on expeditions while other families will do nature hikes in a local park.

Longer trip payoffs You have longer together! You can travel further You have time to get “into the swing of things” You can do more training and reinforce lessons More fun!!

Take lessonsIf you are shaky on ANY of the skills you need to do the activities your family wants to enjoy, then take a lesson or two.They are inexpensive for what you save in false starts, accidents, and adventures gone awry. They make you look smart in front of your family.

Take lessonsThere are many places to find

instructors:Gear shops, local colleges, friends,

Scout troops, and the Internet.

They can help you in other ways too if you will pick their brains:

Gear purchase advice.Where to go info (known as “beta”).New ways to use your skills and

activities

Things to KNOW Everyone needs to be able to set up

the tentsIn the dark/ rain/ cold/ heat

Use the water treatment (filter, tablets, etc) Use the stove Where the first aid kit will be How to navigate What to do if…

PlanStart small- There is plenty of time to go big. Starting small will allow you time to get the gear and skills necessary to do more advanced adventures.Earlier you determined your goals and now you will turn those goals into a plan:

Your planning needs to be done on two levels; the family aspect you want to improve, and the activity you will use as a vehicle

Leadership-Teach your kids to set goals- They can help plan where to go and what training will be doneAfter the destination and training are decided, the kids learn to research and generate food and gear packing lists- include any special event gear lists (ex. Compass and maps for land navigation training)

Do a trip budget with the entire family

Family Aspect of a Plan

Continue to work on behavior Continue to “normalize” adventure – week long adventures solidify this processTalk about morals/ethics

The outdoors provide a place with no distractions to get in the way of important topics

Explain the importance of conservation of resources


Take advantage of secondary training

Teach First Aid or Emergency PreparednessAllow the kids to cook as many meals as possible

Roll in academics Science – ecology, geology, wildlife studiesHistory of the local area


Car Camping Backpacking Bike trip Canoeing Kayaking (River or Lake/sea) Climbing (Full on climbing or bouldering) Snorkeling/ Scuba Diving

Activities (Broad Strokes)

Art activities (photography, drawing) Nature watching Rock collecting Scavenger Hunts/ GEO caching Service Projects Story telling (smores and campfire optional)

Activities (Fine Strokes)

USE ONE!! EVERYTIME!! REALLY!! There are good ones at REI.com Start out carrying more than you need. Go over the list shortly after the trip to determine what you can leave off next time. Safety Gear ALWAYS goes!

Packing Lists



Safety Gear

Gear needs Shelter H2O- water is life! Keep plenty Sleeping gear Toiletries Varied and good diet Training items

Further away, but WAAAYY Cool Inks Lake State Park Dinosaur Valley State Park Enchanted Rock State Park Sea Center Texas World Birding Center Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Hueco Tanks Blanco State Park Honey Creek State Natural Area

Where to go (Weekend)

Further away, but WAAAYY CoolDinosaur Valley State Park Enchanted Rock State Park Hueco Tanks, El Paso Big Bend Ranch State Park

Guadalupe Mountains State Park Devil’s Den State Park, AR Crater of Diamonds State Park, AR Alabaster Caverns State Park, OK Foss State Park, OK Ten Killer State Park, OK (Scuba Diving)

Where to go (Week)

Make a plan for Mommy and Daddy time This will be important for a number of reasons:

To stay connected To de-stress Sets a pattern for longer trips

If your kids sleep in their own room, they can sleep in their own tent If you are going to take a walk together or leave the kids, do it safely

Adult Concerns

Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return Someone to collect mail, watch pets, water plants, etc. Leave some time to de-compress and re-compress Do a complete gear layout before the trip Eat out on the way home Do an AAR (After Action Review)

Things to remember

Get to it!!

The first 10 adventures are the hardest, after that it is second nature.Remember at nine years old they are half gone- either to college or work- so get to it TODAY!!

Epic Expeditions Exceeding ALL

Boundries




If you have gotten this far, either you are dreaming of a trip like this or maybe this trip is dreaming of you.

Table of Contents

Introduction Why Epic Adventures? “Why the heck are you doing this?” Make a Plan Job Concerns What do we do with the House? Trip concerns Media requests Resources Questions?

Why an Epic Adventure? An epic adventure is a precious gift The challenge and scope provide a

greater test for the family and the individual Allows for a much more intimate

view of the countryside and people. Greater variety of academic and

cultural lessonsThere is no substitute for time- time

to impart and absorb lessons – time together

“Why the heck are you doing this?”

This is THE most common question you will be asked! If you ride for a “cause” (AIDS,

cancer, diabetes, etc.) people will think you are LESS crazy and place more value on the trip WE rode for adventure, education,

togetherness, and love of family

Decide who, where, how far, how long and when Decide mode of travel: bike, canoe,

walk- some combination Research, research, research Alter plan as needed Use the backward planning process to

solve the challenges of time and money. Remember, you are not in the Tour or

some other competition- if things get unsafe, stop or use motorized transport to a safer place!

Make a Plan

Job Concerns REALLY decide how important your career is – then OWN that decision Pick a timeframe (1 to 5 yrs.) Groom someone to stand in for you Make a plan to check in every few days Computers and internet connections Ask for leave of absence Coincide your trip with a job change (layoff, firing, promotion, relocation) You may have to quit and find a new job

Housing Concerns We found a family to house sit- they even kept our dog! Advertise on Craigslist Hire a property management company I have known a couple of people who sold their home and purchased new when they came home

Trip Concerns Safety- traffic, crime Shelter- weather, heat/cold/storms Water- quality/plenty of it/ storage Diet- balanced/ high energy Hygiene- baby wipes/ hotels- hostels Intimacy- desire/ privacy/ hygiene

Media Requests

You will almost certainly be approached by the media- you have to decide if you will grant interviews If you do grant interviews, who will do them? Parents only? Kids too? Before the trip train each other on interviewing skills Be polite Have fun!

Document the Trip

You will want to document the trip Get the kids to keep a journal Blogging Newspaper serial reporting Video journal

Questions?

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