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The Gazette asked Matthew Reen at The Trail House in downtown Frederick for tips and guidelines on how to successfully camp and hike as a family.

Reen, who is an Eagle Scout, is a climbing equipment and backpack buyer for The Trail House, a store specializing in equipment and apparel for camping, hiking and rock climbing.

Reen also acts as the liaison between The Trail House and the Boy Scouts of America and volunteers at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

—Katherine Mullen

Q: What age is appropriate for children to start camping and hiking?

There really is no set age that is appropriate. One can start taking their child out as soon as they feel that the child is up for the challenge. By using kid carriers and starting with short day hikes, you can have those young ones out within a couple of months to a year after they've been born. Camping can be a little more difficult, so by planning camping trips closer to home one can make it a lot easier on the whole family.

Q: What can young children do to help when camping or hiking? How can parents involve them in the planning process and teach them responsibility?

When out on the trail — having your child help take care of small things and asking them to keep their eyes open for wildlife and other points of interest. Children tend to see some things that the old eyes simply pass by. Get them involved by helping you decide what you want to do on your trip. Do you simply want to hike? Make it interesting by making it more like a mission. Let's find 4 different species of birds, identifying trees, figuring out what animal tracks go with what animal, there are endless possibilities to what you can do. Doing this helps keep younger ones focused, and less likely to get bored. It becomes a learning experience without the kids realizing it.

Q: What makes for a "kid-friendly" camp site or hiking excursion?

A kid friendly campsite can be a little more difficult. Most places are not completely flat or clear of rocks, trees, and other wild things. But this is also a reason why one would choose to go camping in the first place. With that said, when planning a hike or camping excursion try with the best of your ability to choose a trail that is mostly flat with no obvious hazards (rivers, steep climbs, etc.). The same goes for the camp site, pick a spot that suits the needs of the family. And remember that camping in a planned campground can be great, but if it's the wilderness that you're interested in, being around a state forest or national forest is going to provide a lot more seclusion.

Q: Why should families camp or hike together? What can parents teach their children on a camping trip or hike?

Camping and hiking as a family can really bring it closer. The bonding that can happen on a hiking/camping trip can't be reproduced any other way. Relying on each other to accomplish the goals set forth and accomplishing those goals builds on the character of the family and each individual in it. The best thing a parent can teach or pass along to their children on a trip is respect of the natural world. When camping/hiking keep the Leave No Trace (LNT) principals in mind; this will help bring a respect of nature but more importantly a respect of one's own self.

Q: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when camping or hiking as a family?

The most important thing to consider when out on a camping or hiking excursion is that you're there to have fun as a family. Keeping this in mind will guarantee a great outing and the likelihood of many more to come.