Passport To Adventure: One Family's Tale

Just a stone's throw from the Mall of America, REI member Dawn Hachfeld and her family have discovered a quiet hiking refuge that's home to all sorts of critters: bald eagles, wild turkeys, frogs, snakes—and even the occasional goat.

But it was one animal's handiwork that caught the attention of then four-year-old Amara: What could have caused the many small holes that appeared along the hiking trail?

Prompted by her parents to suggest a culprit, Amara (now six) conjured the gubby: an industrious, five-legged, brown-furred digging mammal.

"Her imagination was just going wild," says Dawn, who was a beginner herself when she and husband William introduced Amara and younger sister Elise (now four) to hiking in the summer of 2007.

Along with the magical gubby, REI's Passport to Adventure program has enhanced the Hachfeld family's passion for hiking. The program, which Dawn discovered on a visit to REI Bloomington, aims to inspire kids aged 5-12 and their families to enjoy the outdoors together.

A key ingredient of Passport to Adventure: the adventure journal, which the Hachfeld sisters now carry on each hike.

"At first they wanted to bring home every 'neat' rock and stick," says Dawn. But with the journals and dad William's penchant for photography, the girls now document their hikes with photos, drawings, words and stickers—instead of bulging backpacks.

Back at home, Dawn and William use the journals and photos to encourage the girls' curiosity and observation skills, asking simple questions about their hikes: Was it hot? Was it cloudy? What did you see? Full journals tell the story of two inquisitive spirits.

Family Hiking: Getting Started

To introduce hiking to her young daughters, Dawn says the family began with small, manageable hikes close to home. (She advises a drive time of less than 30 minutes.) Those early hikes were fairly short (under 3 miles), flat, and featured a playground at the end of the trail—a key motivator for little ones.

What about gear? The crucial item is good footwear for everyone, says Dawn. She also recommends bringing plenty of water and snacks on hikes, and to stop whenever the kids need a rest. Most importantly: "Let their interest guide you."

Dawn's approach is clearly working. With occasional help from her, William, and the family dog (a willing and energetic puller), both daughters were up to 5-mile hikes by the end of their second summer on the trail.

At the end of last year's hiking season, Amara and Elise sent the tear-off postcard from their adventure journals to REI. In return, they were excited to receive multifunction whistles (complete with thermometer, magnifier and compass) for their future adventures.

Looking to get outdoors this summer with your young explorers? "Try any activity—fly a kite, ride a bike, whatever," urges Dawn. She predicts a wonderful family experience—and maybe even a gubby or two along the way.

Learn more about REI's Passport to Adventure program and find family-friendly hikes and bike rides near you.

Sisters Elise and Amara have become enthusiastic hikers after two seasons with REI's Passport to Adventure program.

Elise and Amara on a hike with dad, William, and family dog, Edo.

REI's Passport to Adventure

Get on the trail to outdoor family fun!

REI's Passport to Adventure program inspires kids aged 5 to 12 and their parents to enjoy the outdoors together.

It's easy to get started! Here's how:

  1. Pick up an adventure journal (one for each child) at any REI store service desk, or print one at REI.com.
  2. Get a list of local family-friendly hikes and bike rides—also at your local REI store or online.
  3. Go on a hike, bike ride or other outdoor adventure together.
  4. Earn a prize! After you finish one outing, send in the tear-off postcard from the journal or complete the submission form online. Kids get a certificate of completion and a special prize: multi-function binoculars.

Learn more about REI's Passport to Adventure program.

How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

  • Shopping Cart 
  • |
  •  
  • Buy REI Gift Cards
  • REI Gift Cards
  • Fast, easy and one size fits all.
  • Buy now!
  • Join REI today!
  • REI Membership
  • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
  • Join REI today!
  • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
  • and get 15% off selected items!
  • Store Locator
  • Locate an REI store near you.