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About Suzan Jackson
Expertise
My specialty is enjoying the outdoors with children. I can answer your questions about camping, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities with kids. I have 2 boys, ages 5 and 8, who have been enjoying the outdoors with us since they were infants. My website (www.outdoorfamily.net) provides a variety of articles about enjoying the outdoors with children.

Experience
I have been camping and hiking since my own childhood. My husband and I have included our sons in our outdoor activities - including camping, hiking, backpacking, and canoeing - since they were infants. See my website (www.outdoorfamily.net) for articles about enjoying the outdoors with children.

Organizations
Sierra Club

Publications
See website: www.outdoorfamily.net

You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Camping > Hiking/Backpacking/Camping > Re: Hike/backpacker info needed

backpacker info needed

Expert: Suzan Jackson - 8/24/2008

Question
Greetings!
I just returned from an amazing camping trip on the NJ Conservation School grounds. I am defintely out of shape--LOL but I really want to join a group that trains beginner hikers/backpackers. My goal is to do a weekend trip alone by late Oct. What do you think?

Answer
Dear Shah -

Congratulations on your first camping trip! I'm glad to hear you have discovered a love of the outdoors. My husband and I and our two sons also love the outdoors and frequently enjoy hiking and camping.

The best way to get better at hiking and backpacking is just to do it! Do you have any friends or family that would enjoy exploring the outdoors with you? If not, you can team up with others in an outdoor or hiking club. here are some in New Jersey:

http://www.hikingandbackpacking.com/newjerseyclubs.html

That same website also has lots of great information on what to pack, where to go, etc.:

http://www.hikingandbackpacking.com/index.html

Besides joining a club, you can also take a local class. Try entering your zip code into this search engine for nature centers and other local places:

http://www.naturefind.com/anca/

You can also increase your knowledge of the outdoors by reading. Our favorite magazine for backpacking tips and locations is Backpacker magazine. You can read articles online or subscribe at its website:

http://www.backpacker.com/

Check your local library or bookstore for hiking/backpacking guides in your area.

The most important thing to do is just to get outdoors and keep hiking! I hope you enjoy your new interest for many years to come -

Sue Jackson

www.outdoorfamily.net

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