This is a WenOut Members Education Class. Are you a Wenatchee Outdoors Member? Become a Member Here.
Registration is required for this event, please register at
https://wenatcheeoutdoors.org/event/backpacking-with-family/
Ready to embark on outdoor adventures with your family this summer?
Wenatchee Outdoors members are invited to a FREE educational class designed to help you confidently plan and enjoy backpacking trips with kids. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trail explorer, this class will provide essential tips for creating safe, fun, and unforgettable family backpacking experiences.
What We’ll Cover
What to Pack: Family-friendly gear checklist, what’s essential vs. nice-to-have
How to Pack: Tips on keeping it light and age-appropriate
Where to Go: Beginner backpacking destinations near Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and surrounding areas
Tips & Tricks: How to make it fun for kids, pacing ideas, meals, and safety basics
Q&A Time: Ask anything—from sleeping arrangements to potty logistics
Bonus Materials Included
Packing List Handout
Trail Suggestions Handout
Additional Notes
Children are welcome! But please note we’ll be covering a lot of info, so feel free to bring quiet activities or snacks to keep little ones engaged during the presentation. Older kiddos are welcome too!
Great for parents, grandparents, or caregivers interested in adventuring with little and big explorers.
This class will be held at Foothills Middle School library. We are offering 2 opportunities to attend. Note: this is the same class offered 2 different days. Wednesday, May 28th 6:30pm-7:45pm and Monday, June 2nd 6:30pm-7:45pm, please choose which one works best for your schedule.
About the Teacher: Sarah Shaffer is the Executive Director of Wenatchee Outdoors and a lifelong backpacker with nearly 30 years of experience on the trail. She’s been adventuring with her child since the toddler years and brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to plan successful, kid-friendly backpacking trips. While not an ultralight enthusiast, Sarah understands the real essentials: managing trail tantrums, planning age-appropriate routes, and incorporating snacks, games, and songs to keep young hikers engaged. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling, with her thesis focused on the benefits of Wilderness Therapy Programs.
You may also like the following events from Wenatchee Outdoors:
- Next Tuesday, 20th May, 06:30 pm, Becoming A Better Photographer-Manipulation in Wenatchee
- Next month, 2nd June, 06:30 pm, Backpacking with Kids, Adventure Starts Here! in Wenatchee
- Next month, 17th June, 06:30 pm, Becoming A Better Photographer-Critique in Wenatchee
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Wenatchee,
Workshops in Wenatchee,
Kids events & activities in Wenatchee.
