REI Inspires Kids, Families to Get Outside this Summer

REI Inspires Kids, Families to Get Outside this Summer

http://www.csrwire.com/News/8568.html

News from: Recreational Equipment, Inc.
5.16.2007 - 11:55amET

Program Connects Youth to Local Kid-Sized, Family-Friendly Hikes and
Bike Rides

(CSRwire) SEATTLE, May 16, 2007 - With summer just around the corner,
parents everywhere will soon be looking for ideas to get their kids
outside and active. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) has just the
solution - Passport to Adventure, a free program launching this week
designed to introduce a new generation to the fun of outdoor
recreation.

Now through Labor Day, REI's Passport to Adventure program invites
kids aged five to 12, and their parents to participate in kid-sized,
family-friendly hikes and bike rides recommended by local REI
employees who want to share their passion for the outdoors.
Information for parents describing each of the hikes and bike rides -
none of which are too difficult for families new to these activities -
along with driving directions and helpful tips are available at REI
stores nationally beginning this week.

While in the store, kids can pick up their own special passport-style
adventure journal to jot down field notes, attach photos, create
drawings, play games such as "Once Upon a Bike" and "Hiking Haiku!"
and capture their thoughts about each hike and bike ride.

In addition to the keepsake journal, children who successfully
complete any combination of three hikes and bike rides can have their
"passport" stamped and will receive a free Passport to Adventure water
bottle, as well as a certificate commemorating their accomplishment.
At the program's conclusion, several REI stores across the country
will be planning parties for children to celebrate their completion of
their summer adventures with other participants.

For many parents, the program - now in its second year - provides a
welcome and healthy diversion for kids this spring and summer. While
the aim is to get kids outside, a large-scale Cornell University study
indicates that such activities before age 11 provide a particularly
potent pathway toward shaping both environmental attitudes and
behaviors in adulthood, according to Nancy Wells, one of two Cornell
faculty researchers who authored the study.

"Being a kid should include running around outside, riding a bike,
climbing trees and exploring the woods, unfortunately today's youth
are spending less time outdoors than any previous generation," said
Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. "It's our hope that this program
provides a helpful tool for parents to introduce their children to a
fun experience in the outdoors - and in the process instill an
appreciation of nature."

REI member Richard Louv, author of the book, Last Child in the Woods:
Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, said that some kids
may be more interested in reaching the next level of a video game,
than completing a hike. "But parental persistence, taking the long
view, will pay off soon, in better mental and physical health for your
children, and later, when your kids come to you as young adults and
say, 'Remember that time we went hiking? That was the best summer
ever.'"

"We hear from parents that they want to introduce their children to
outdoor recreation and help them experience nature, but that they
don't know about places to go or how to get started. Hopefully our
hike and bike route suggestions and tips for parents offered through
this program will remove that barrier," added Jewell. "Because each
hike and bike ride is minimal in distance, and all are considered
either easy or moderate, the program is well-suited for families of
all abilities."

For parents of children participating in the program, Steve Wood, a
father of four who leads introductory classes for the REI Outdoor
School offers the following tips:

Distance - Start small and see how it goes before attempting a longer
hike or bike ride. For hiking, the maximum is a half-mile per year of
your child's age, but may be much less; whereas cycling distance
varies, depending on how much bike riding your child has done
previously.

Degree of Difficulty - Be sure to set the difficulty based on your
youngest child, or you risk turning your kids off to the activity, and
they'll never trust you as an outdoor guide again. Keep in mind that
the trip is for your kids! If you are an avid hiker or cyclist,
satisfy your personal goals separately.

Trail/Route Selection - Choose trails and bike routes that offer a
wide range of visual and interactive stimulation, such as waterfalls
and bridges, meadows and picnic areas, huge trees and rocks. Variety
is the key, with new surprises around every bend such as a loop trail
rather than a repetitive out-and-back trail. Also be prepared with
alternate plans if conditions warrant, such as a shorter alternate
route in case things don't work out as well as expected.

Sell the Outing - How you sell the outing to children can be one of
the most important aspects of your planning. Instill a sense of
anticipation that leaves your kids anxious to get moving. Start by
printing out a map and tracing the route together, identify special
features of the hike or bike route beforehand, and include your kids
in shopping for gear or supplies.

Age-Specific Goal Setting - Older kids may enjoy learning a new skill,
such as navigating with a compass or fixing a flat tire; while younger
children may enjoy finding the most types of flowers or bugs along the
way.

Clothing - Hiking and bike riding may require some small changes to
your child's usual wardrobe. Dress them in layers, so they can warm up
or cool down easily; avoid open-toed shoes, and cotton socks which may
lead to uncomfortable feet and blisters; and dress them in bright
colors so they are easily seen. Also, when riding a bike, always be
sure to wear a helmet.

Food & Water - Carry lots of dried fruits, energy bars (they don't
need to know it's not candy), and let them create their own trail mix.
Also be sure to bring along lots of water and to teach your kids about
the importance of drinking water, as well as a new vocabulary word,
"hydration." Let them carry their own, and try freezing water in a
sports bottle or let them use a hydration pack - it makes drinking
water fun!

Safety Kit - Teach kids to be safe and give each child their own
personal safety kit. Include a whistle (for kids over 4; three blows
means "I'm lost") to wear around their neck; in a plastic bag include
an extra snack and water, sunscreen, extra layer of clothes and a
bright-colored rain poncho. Finally, for older kids (depending on age
and maturity), include a watch, some rope (for use in making a shelter
from the poncho), matches (if they've been taught how to start a
campfire) and a pocket knife.

Extras - Bring a camera for kids to use and paste pictures in their
adventure journal, or to start a scrapbook to remember your
adventures. When hiking it's a good idea to bring a compass, nature
guide and a flashlight; and when cycling be sure to bring along a tire
pump and patch kit, as well as a bike lock.

Nature Lesson - Remember that a walk in the woods or a scenic bike
ride is a teachable moment. Use the opportunity to talk about why the
park/trail is there; point out snakes and bugs, fungi and interesting
rocks and plant species; and review the seven principles of Leave No
Trace listed on the back cover of the adventure journal.

About REI

REI is an outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and
outfitting its more than 3 million active members and the community
for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. Founded in 1938 by a group of
Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates
retail stores nationwide, two online stores - REI.com and REI-
OUTLET.com - and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI
offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing,
cycling, hiking, outdoor fitness, paddling, snow sports and travel,
including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel. While anyone
may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a
share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based
on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which
it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental
stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through
education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

For more information please contact:

Randy Hurlow
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
253-395-5877
http://www.rei.com