Summer creek hiking activities has become an integral part of our homeschool schedule and listed as a quarantine activity as well. I am not sure that creek hiking, like trail hiking, is recognized as a type of sport, but we have adopted it as our go-to for hot, sultry days. It is equally as beneficial as trail hiking with a few added benefits. The underwater, sometimes unstable, terrain creates strong ankles and promotes balance. Walking against the force of the water is easy on the joints and is a great ‘resistance’ workout. I love the fact that Andrew gets exercise and he does not even realize it!
Summer Creek Hiking Activities
We hike upstream, choose a sand bar to have lunch or a snack, spend the afternoon floating in the rapids, playing with mudpuppies, rock hunt, and then make the trek back with the current. I’m always scanning the eroded banks looking for artifacts, which slows me down and annoys the living daylights out of Andrew because he has to stay within my sight. He will float the rapids and then climb back up to do it again. I consider it more bang for the buck. He does double the hike because he goes back and forth so many times!
The Buddy System
We have adopted the buddy system which is used in Boy Scouts. Andrew would like nothing better than to disappear around the bend and be on his own, but he knows that the buddy system creates a safety net. I dramatize me getting hurt so I know he’ll stick around.
There are hidden gems under all that sand and gravel!
Homeschooling in the Creek
Sometimes Andrew will actually stop shooting the rapids long enough to help me load, sift, and sort. It is a great way to find artifacts and rocks. We have the industrial sifter, hand sifters, and then there is always the clear, kitchen dish that stops the current so you can scan the bottom of the creek for nice specimens. (See the photo at the end of this post.) They add a classroom dimension to art, history, science, and geography that cannot be found in the classroom.
The best part is that it is great exercise!
Creek Find!
Andrew found this little Indian paint pot using the industrial sifter in a local creek bed. I was thrilled that he knew immediately what it was! Our Native American homeschool unit started by driving around in search of Indian Mounds and Earth Works. Then we graduated to reading about the local history. Searching for artifacts and stone tools was a natural next step. It is so cool to watch a kids face light up when they realized that thousands of years ago someone else walked the same area!
Creek Hiking Necessities
I seem to be less sure-footed since my foot injury last fall, so I carry my phone in a waterproof case with my name and phone number inside. It is nice that the phone is not only water-proofed but it is also protected from sandy, wet hands. I’ve taken some pretty decent photos above and under water in lieu of the covering.
We wear quick dry shorts, water shirts, and our Keen hiking shoes. (Love anything Keen and Coolibar!) The sturdy bottomed shoes are helpful when navigating slippery rocks. We use Andrew’s summer camp backpack because it is easy to wipe off and clean up.
I discovered some years ago that sending a kid to camp with a nice travel backpack means that it comes home a muddy mess and not easily cleanable. Love this little pack for the material and the durability. I have carried massive amounts of Geodes out of creek beds for my science classes and the seams have never given out.
Safety First
Summer creek hiking activities can have some hidden dangers. I carry a first aid kit but I also watch weather closely before we head upstream. Our area is prone to flash floods even when the storms are several counties away. What happens upstream affects everything and everyone downstream. It is something to keep in mind if you consider creek hiking.
A Final Rock Hunting Secret
making it easier to see the creek bottom.
Added bonus: You can pluck and drop rocks into it too!
Check out your local creeks and rivers. You will not be sorry!
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