The start of the year is usually a time to set goals and reflect on the years gone by. Last year I set myself a goal of one bushwalk a month. Being a mum, I experienced mother’s guilt when I left my kids at home with Andrew while I hugged my special boulder near Charlotte’s Track in Thredbo and as I scrambled through the bush with my best friend at Wentworth Falls. I wanted my whole family to experience the joys of being outdoors together. Andrew loves photography and I’ve spent many years carrying his tripod around as we went on bushwalks before we had children. My son and daughter liked exploring and being outside and I’ve already tried activities with them inspired by the children in nature movement. That was how Walking With Kids came about.
This year Andrew and I have a common goal of going on one bushwalk a month with our children. We’re both into BHAGS (“Big Hairy Audacious Goals”) so we also started a family walking group. Our first walk was a short one-hour walk around Cumberland State Forest. My extended family came out to support the inaugural walk and it was a delight to see grandparents bounding along the path with their grandchildren. The five kids in the party enjoyed the walk but it was probably the ice blocks expertly packed in an esky in the 25-degree heat that they enjoyed most. Each of the adults and children in our very informal walking group bring their own life experiences and views of the world and I’m really looking forward to spending time and learning more from each of them.
We would really love to see more families outside not only to connect with nature but also to connect with their families and communities. Come and join us for a few walks this year. Besides, research has shown that you are 65% more likely to complete a goal if you commit to someone.
Let’s make 2018 a year of more family walking journeys. See you soon and happy walking with kids!
