Several years ago I was sitting in the bleachers watching a Church youth sporting event in which my children were participating. The lady sitting next to me turned and said, "I just love your children! How come you have such neat kids?" I sat in stunned silence, not knowing how to answer. Then she said, "Oh, you're backpackers!" and turned her attention back to the game.

Shortly after that an article appeared in a Church publication that focused on our youth. The article decried the overemphasis on winning in sports. It said that there should be activities that everyone could win. But it failed to mention just what that might be. Backpacking could be an answer.

For over a quarter century, our family has been involved in such activities as backpacking, bike touring, canoeing and cross-country skiing. We can see many benefits to human-powered vacations.

The first thing that comes to mind is seeing and appreciating the beauty, intricacy and interdependence in God's creation. Backpacking takes us through wilderness areas slowly and allows us to take time to really see things that we might only glance at in our normal routines.

If we spend the Sabbath on the trail, we stay in camp and talk of God's creation. We look at the symbiotic relationship of the plants and insects we see. It is easy to talk of God's creation and debunk evolution while on such excursions.

Backpacking also teaches personal involvement and teamwork. Everyone is involved in every aspect of the endeavor. Each must carry his or her own backpack. There is no place for negative teasing or bickering. Boredom is nonexistent. We learn to help and count on each other. Nobody is too proud to accept a helping hand. It is a team effort.

In setting up camp or breaking down the camp, all are involved. We all help in the food preparation. When the whole family is involved, rapport is developed. This time away from our usual routine is a golden opportunity to bond. Being around each other on these outings allows us to teach our children about proper health and nutrition so they can have the energy to climb those hills with their packs on their backs. In that beautiful pristine environment, it is easy to teach against the negative effects of smoking, excessive alcohol and drugs.

Children develop a sense of confidence and self-worth. They learn to shoulder their responsibilities in facing the many challenges of the outdoors. Being with their parents on such outings allows children to relate and helps bridge the generation gap. We learn to appreciate each other's uniqueness and contributions to the success of the outing.

One grandson felt how important he was because he was carrying the evening meal for the family in his backpack. Another enjoyed his father's company on the hike back to the car after the trip. Then they both turned around and went back up the trail to help the rest of the family.

I see nothing but blessings from such experiences. Maybe it is a tradition your family should try.

— Gregory and Nancy Czech, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho/Spokane, Washington, congregation