DIY Hiking Sticks: Craft Activity for Kids
Looking for a great outdoor camping craft for your kids? Decorate a hiking stick to take on your next hiking adventure. This activity is family friendly and almost any age can enjoy creating these personalized walking sticks. Wondering why people use hiking sticks while on trails?
Some of the main purposes for utilizing a hiking stick include the following: giving you additional stability on uneven terrain, gaging the depth of puddles, providing extra aid when crossing a log or creek and an extra push when going uphill.
When I completed the Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon with my two friends, I had trained for nearly 6 months. This extreme feat included a distance of 24 miles and elevation changes of over 13,000 feet. My trekking poles, similar concept as a hiking stick, were an invaluable asset, especially on the last 3 miles.
Whether you’re hiking long distance or just a few miles on nature trails, everyone could benefit from a hiking stick. Plus, let’s be honest, there is just something that makes you feel like a serious hiker when you have a trusty walking stick.
Another benefit is that hiking sticks allow children to interact with nature and use their imaginations. My children love using their hiking sticks for numerous things including riding an imaginary horse, poking at rotting logs, pulling someone up a hill, measuring the depth of puddles, helping balance precariously on logs or as an assist when crossing creeks.
So now that you’re convinced why you need a hiking stick, the next step is to find one. I think the initial search for the perfect sized stick is one of the best parts. Keep your eyes peeled the next time you’re outside for a sturdy stick about shoulder height or a bit taller. Make sure there are no bugs or rotten parts. Then gather together these supplies to personalize your stick.
Once you’ve gathered up all your supplies follow these steps to customize your walking stick.
Want to incorporate some more outdoor activities to learn gratitude, here are 5 Nature Inspired Gratitude Activities for Kids.
Hope your personalized hiking sticks take you on some new adventures!
Lantern Lit Night Hikes are occurring throughout Michigan this winter. Here is your Michigan Winter hiking guide for 2024-2025 season, including a detailed map. Hike, ski or snowshoe as you journey through a glowing trail lit with lanterns. A variety of Michigan State Parks, MI recreation areas and nature centers are hosting these magical night hikes with cozy camp fires afterwards.