Cradle to Canoe: Camping and Canoeing with Children

Monika Rohlmann is an environmental consultant in Yellowknife, Northwest
Territories.

Rolf and Debra Kraiker are outdoor enthusiasts who have successfully
brought parenthood into the wilderness; their children have been part of
numerous camping and canoeing outings. Lending authority to their
practical approach (no fancy equipment required) is Debra Kraiker’s
background in child development and environmental science.

The authors provide advice on clothing, equipment, camp foods, camp
skills, wildlife, wilderness safety, and camp games. In their
introductory chapter, they cover baby feeding and diapering. (Infant
needs are simple: keep them fed and dry and they’re happy.) For day
trips and week-long outings, they offer advice on meal planning,
packing, and cooking techniques. Their chapter on wilderness safety does
much to allay parental fears about the three B’s (bugs, bacteria, and
bears). On a more general note, their inspiring book goes a long way to
helping parents and children nourish a lifetime of wanderlust.