Trip Doctor: Making Junior's First Backpacking Trip a Success

Any suggestions for making my 5-year-old's first backpacking trip a success?
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JUST LIKE THE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS, anticipation is half the fun, says Scott Graham, author of Extreme Kids. Let a child choose special trail snacks (chocolate, jerky, cheese sticks, or other treats). Get him a small daypack; hauling some of his own stuff will make him feel important. And remember this formula: Low miles (three per day) + light packs (five pounds) + a campsite with a creek or lake = happy kids.


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