Luring Kids into the National Parks With Scavenger "Hikes"

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on September 20, 2009 - 3:46am

Leading kids into national parks has gotten a little bit easier, thanks to the creative genius of Kat and John LaFevre. This couple has come up with a creative hiking guide for youngsters that encourages them to go down the trail in search of items perfect for a scavenger hunt.

Their hiking guide, Shenandoah National Park: Scavenger Hike Adventures, offers 14 hikes rated from easy to extreme. Adding whimsy to this collection of Shenandoah National Park hikes are clues that lead youngsters on down the trails. Here they have to spot a waterfall, there a cabin, over there a peak or perhaps a rock.

One by one, step by step, hikers will discover things along the trail they have never noticed before: a star-shaped tree stump, grapevines that look like pretzels, a “swimming seal” that’s really a rock, a tree that smells like root beer, holes made by one of the largest woodpeckers on earth, a possible bear den.

A major plus is that the guide is convenient to use. Its spiral binding makes it easy to fold back, page by page. Since it is only 7” x 9” in size, it is easy to carry and hold. For every “find,” hikers score points, and on the certificate printed after each hike they can document their achievement. Sketches of animals and plants on each page by noted artist G Webb help make the guide a permanent pleasure: this is one that will not be thrown away.

Another plus is that all the hikes head off from parking areas along the Skyline Drive.

The book, published by the Shenandoah National Park Association, retails for $15. You can order from the association directly, by calling 540-999-3582, from the website, or by mail: 3655 U.S. Hwy. 211 East, Luray, VA 22835.