Getting into the great outdoors is a classic way to carve out time with the family. With a few clever ideas you can turn a quick hike into a life-changing experience, helping your kids build confidence, grow self esteem and challenge themselves in ways kicking about on an Xbox can never do. Family adventure expert and regular Merrell Pack contributor, Tim Meek, gives us his unique take on creating the ultimate outdoor adventures for the small people in your pack.

“When it comes to family games for us, we jump at the chance to include activities that will help our girls grow into kind, confident women.” explains Tim.

“What better way to educate them than through games; learning, having fun and mucking about outdoors – bonus!

Inspired by a US TV series called “The Amazing Race” in which couples race around the world, over-coming challenges and tasks on the way, Tim and his family decided to make up their own version, turning their family weekends in the wild into the ultimate outdoor adventures for kids. They came up with the BRAVE Family Challenge(d) idea.

So what exactly is a BRAVE Family Challenge(d)?

“Whenever we visit a new location we play a game called Family Challenge(d).” says Tim. “First up, we split into two teams of two and think of tasks and challenges to set the other team. Each of the tasks follows our B.R.A.V.E parenting approach – where each letter of the acronym represents important character traits and lessons.

Watch the video for an introduction to adventuring the BRAVE way

B – BOLD (developing self confidence, self esteem)

When out on the trail: challenge the kids to say hello to everyone they pass; or to stop someone and ask them the time; ask a fellow walker for directions; or if they are really bold, stop someone and tell them a joke. Helping kids to develop the confidence to engage with others in different social contexts, will serve them well and help them to ‘grow’ through life into confident, articulate communicators.

R – ROBUST (developing the right mindset, positive psychology and happiness)

When taking a bike, run or hike rest break, STOP, SIT and FIND something to observe closely. It could be a butterfly, a bug, a cloud… whatever. Just sit and watch intensively. Lose yourself in the moment and enjoy it. Feel relaxed and de-stressed. Then get back up and continue to nail that trail!

A – ADVENTUROUS (assessing and taking risks, pushing oneself)

On the stepper machine (outdoor gym), challenge the kids to walk (step) the equivalent of climbing a hill or mountain. Adults can join in too, and if you are feeling super adventurous, try and step up Mount McKinley!

V – VIRTUOUS (helping others and gestures of kindness)

Get the kids to create an awareness poster about an environmental issue like Angel Wing in swans, geese and ducks, to try and stop people feeding white bread to waterfowl (the cause of this horrible disease). Or when out hiking, encourage the kids to hold gates and stiles open for other walkers or cyclists. It’s fun for them to count how many “thank you’s” they receive. Being virtuous is just about doing some good and feeling good about it.

E – ENTERPRISING (creative thinking and problem finding/solving)

Identify a problem, and then 5 solutions to solve it e.g. how to keep flies off your trail food or how to prevent getting blisters, how to stop damp trainers from smelling like cheese. The solutions don’t have to necessarily doable, it’s more about encouraging creative thinking and developing the ability to come up with new and interesting ideas.

“On Game Day, we head off in our teams and try our best to complete the challenges, making sure we support and encourage each other at every step – this is such an important element for us.”

Watch BRAVE in Action

“To bring Family Challenge(d) to a close, we draw around our hands and then chat through our achievements and highlights before setting ourselves individual personal targets to work on next time. It’s all a bit of fun, but it is so rewarding to see each other grow, develop and overcome our weaknesses.

“And it’s a game any family can play. Feel free to adapt the ideas above to suit your family and circumstances.

Why not try it sometime?

Get more information, ideas and videos demonstrating how to create a BRAVE adventure.