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Barb and Gary Leishman, of Frederick, love the idea of being outdoors with their children. Barb, 47, recalls starting to take their son and daughter, now 16 and 9, on hikes when each hit kindergarten age. Camping trips soon followed. As a physical education teacher at Walkersville Middle School, she thinks it is important to get kids "up and moving away from television" and that a family out in the wilderness communicates better because "there aren't so many distractions."

"All the barriers are down, and everyone seems more relaxed," Gary, 49, added. In addition to going on their own outings, the Leishmans have plenty of experience with kids and the outdoors since both are leaders of local girl and Boy Scout troops. Barb believes when introducing children to hiking or camping, it is best to start small and build.

Barb said the first hikes should be "short and fun," with plenty of things to stop and look at. She also likes having a goal in mind to keep children engaged and motivated, such as searching for animal tracks or climbing to a scenic view.

Andy Nichols is the founder and director of programs for Teamlink and Shenandoah Mountain Guides, an organization that provides classes and guided trips on outdoor education, youth and team development, and backcountry camping. He thinks taking children into the outdoors helps them "learn things as a whole, as a cycle."

"It gives them better balance," said Nichols. "An inner peace comes over them." And when it comes to planning an excursion with kids, his philosophy is also to keep it simple but make it fun.

"For the first time, undersize it. Try to look at it through the eyes of a child," Nichols said. "Look at it on a kid level, looking at creek water, looking for butterflies."

When it comes to a camping trip with kids, Eric Appel, recreation coordinator for Frederick County Parks and Recreation, says parents should research a camping area before heading out. He suggests looking on the Internet for Web sites and blogs about an area, like what amenities a campsite offers, such as bathrooms, running water, and first aid services. He also says it is a good idea to know about the terrain. If it is rocky and steep, it will be harder for kids to sleep in sleeping bags and tents.

Finally, Appel said the most important thing is to check the weather forecast up until the final moment and pack appropriate clothing.

"Raingear can be the difference between a really good time or being miserable," he said, adding that it is a good idea to pack things in plastic bags in anticipation of them getting wet.

Regarding gear when hitting the outdoors, Gerry Hicks, co-owner of the Trail House, a store in downtown Frederick that specializes in outdoor apparel and equipment, said that "a good waterproof tent" is important so "you know you are dry." And when it comes to clothing, the first thing she stresses is footwear.

"You need to make sure your kids have good, sturdy footwear," Hicks said.

She says that a small backpack or fanny pack is also a good idea for children so they can carry snacks, water, and a camera if need be. And since she and her husband have been camping and hiking with their two sons for more than 16 years, her last bit of advice about clothing for kids is that "it all needs to be comfortable stuff."

Gary Leishman agrees about the footwear.

"Shoe comfort is the utmost importance. If your feet are hurting, you're going to be miserable," he said. Gary also says high socks, a rain poncho, and a first aid kit are important. But he warns against buying a lot of gear and clothing upfront until parents know for certain their children enjoy the time outdoors.

"You have to find out what your family is really going to try and get out of this," he said.

Nichols suggests borrowing or renting equipment to try first before buying anything, saying that it is "better to spend the time [with your family] than to spend the money" on expensive gear.

When planning and packing for the trip, Barb Leishman says getting the kids involved in the process will teach them how to decide what is important to pack, which helps them toward independence.

"They also will get excited. They can take ownership," Barb said. "It makes it more meaningful."

And where is it best to go and hit the trails? Experts agree staying close to home for first timers is best. The Leishmans like the state and national parks that are nearby in the Frederick area because they say trails in these parks are well maintained and marked, there are trail maps and rangers to help, and there is a lot of information supplied to help prepare before heading out.

As fathers themselves who hike and camp with their children, both Nichols and Appel also recommend the area parks.

Nichols says Cunningham Falls State Park, Gambrill State Park, and Catoctin Mountain National Park are all good options for camping with a car, while the nearby Appalachian Trail is a "user-friendly" option for hiking and camping overnight. Appel said these parks are good for families because of the amenities they offer, such as bathrooms and running water.

Bottom line: All say doing your research and packing appropriately will go a long way in making the experience a memorable one for the whole family.

"You have to use a lot of common sense," said Barb. "You want to set them up for success."

"And a positive experience," said Gary.

Frederick County Parks and Recreation

Offers programs to introduce children to camping and hiking

301-600-1646

www.Recreater.com

Teamlink and Shenandoah Mountain Guides

Offers courses on wilderness first aid and basic outdoor skills, map navigation, and backpacking, along with guided hiking trips.

301-695-1814

www.teamlinkinc.com

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Provides information about state parks in Maryland.

www.dnr.state.md.us

U.S. National Park Service

Offers information about national parks.

www.nps.gov

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Provides information about hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

www.appalachiantrail.org/hike