Do we need an iHike app for that?

I try to attend at least one fieldtrip with each of my children every school year.

This past week, I went to Stone Mountain with my 4th grader.  Stone Mountain is about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive north of the school.  We rode up with another 4th grader and his mom, so we made good time.

Once at the Park, we waited until everyone and the school bus had arrived.  This fieldtrip was for all 4th graders, teachers, and any parent volunteers who wanted to attend.  I would say there were about 95 students, 8 active classroom teachers, and over 20 parent volunteers.  This meant that there was a small student to adult ratio, which is always good, especially when the fieldtrip starts with a sign like this:

That's right.  This was going to be a 5 mile hike, over 2000+ feet of elevation, a waterfall, steep inclines and even steeper declines, boulders, possible snakes, and active yellowjacket nests. 
Bring it on.


Due to the large number of adults present, I managed to just be responsible for my son - thank goodness.  Otherwise, I was prepared to use duct tape and rope with my group, because I was not going to risk returning with less students than I started out with - never a good thing.


Since I am uber-FitMama, this hike was fun, for me.  However, from early on and throughout, there was a massive amount of grumbling, whining, and complaining from students and adults about the strenuous hike.  I will admit it was challenging.  The incline was steep and long.  But it was a beautiful day, and it was a go-at-your-own-pace (for the most part) kind of hike.  The scenery was beautiful:

I felt saddened by the constant complaints.  These are young children - ages 9 and 10 years old.  I think, for the most part, these are healthy and relatively active kids?  Why are they struggling to do this hike?  Why is it so hard for them to walk a few miles on a beautiful (not too hot) day?  My own son did some complaining for about a 1/4 of a mile, right before we reached the top - it was quite steep with a lot of switchbacks.  I get it - it's a long walk for shorter legs. 

Is it unreasonable to think that 9-10 year olds should be able to handle the hike without wanting to pass out?  Shouldn't young children be enjoying an entire day spent outdoors instead of in a classroom?  Are our kids so out of touch with nature and physical activity that this sort of fieldtrip is seen as "work" as opposed to having to be at school?

As my son and I walked, and I heard the various grumblings around us - I found myself thinking back to my own childhood.  I remember riding my bike often. . .walking up to stores in town. . .playing with other kids in the neighborhood outside. . .I know it was a different time (era?), but we cannot be that far removed from the "good ol' days" of playing outside with sticks and rocks and having fun - are we?  Is there no more enjoyment to be found in playing outside with nature?  I think a lot of this struggle has to do with the amount of electronics in our lives.


How can nature compete with Minecraft or Skylanders?

It really was a great hike.  My son and I enjoyed the amazing views, the beautiful leaves (some changing colors), and our time together.  I am so glad I was able to attend.  It was wonderful to have this uninterrupted one-on-one time with my child.  We felt great success when we made it to the summit!

What would it take for kids to beg us to let them play outside and not make them sit in front of the TV or iPod or computer?