Walking With Fire: Family Backpacking

AT A GLANCE:   Reported by 4 adult respondents representing 8 participants (4 adults and 4 youth) who gained 6 new skills and overcame 6 key barriers, with 100% reporting cultural safety, connection to land, and willingness to recommend.

Participant suggessions for future trips: When we asked participants what could make future backpacking experiences stronger, they shared thoughtful ideas:

• Learn more about the native plants in the Sierras and how they were traditionally used.
• Explore how the teachings can be applied in today’s context.
• Spend more time in nature beyond the trip because, as one participant said, “we all need to chill the heck out and get into wilderness more.”
   

After debriefing as a team, SGR is taking this guidance into our planning. We are developing three tiered trip options for different skill levels and creating deeper pre‑trip teaching and learning sessions so that every family can arrive better prepared and leave with even more knowledge to carry forward.