My kids are 12 and 3 1/2. We are going to enter at Cross Bay on June 14.

What do you do with your kids while portaging? I mean, I feel comfortable with the 12 year old; I could leave her at one end of a portage and go back for a second load. But obviously I don't feel comfortable with that with a 3 1/2 year old, and I don't think I feel comfortable doing that with the 12 year old responsible for the little one, either.

It's possible the little one will be game for going over the portage several times; she's a very active, strong little kid, for her age. The older one I know won't want to do it more than once, LOL. Plus, she has some issues with her back and I don't want to strain her in the wilderness.

Is there a length of portage where you might be comfortable having the older child watch the younger? Say under X amt. of rods. Hmmm. I guess it might also depend on the particular landing, too.

Or should I just take this as an opportunity for my husband to do all the work triple portaging while I single? LOL.

And, just because it's funny....here is a video of my little one (2 1/2 at the time) portaging last year. (day trip...we all single portaged): L portaging

Nola,
I've only taken 1 trip with our kiddo. We were able to single portage. She carried her backpack with our rain gear and my husband carried the canoe and food pack while I carried the other gear and fishing gear. We use bungee dealie bobs to secure the paddles and fishing rods into the canoe. All our portages were under 100 rods. I don't think I could ever leave my kiddo at the end of a portage to go back for a second load. Maybe I'm that over protective mother but I couldn't do it.

~Kristy

I think leaving kids is very kid-dependent... both dependent on the older kid's skills/relationship and dependent on younger kid's impulsivity/compliance, etc.

So - with that said, you will need to make your own call knowing YOUR kids.

With a group of people like that - it is pretty easy to single portage. L & B will each carry a small pack, right? And maybe something loose like water bottle or even paddle.

Even if you want to double, maybe you can get all the gear except boat and day pack in one trip and one adult can stay with kids while other returns for the canoe/day pack.

My eldest (12) I would leave anywhere for a decent amount of time. She is cautious and will not get into trouble. My middle (11) I could leave, but would need a set of rules that he NOT take risks he usually takes (jumping streams, climbing trees). My smallest (9) I would try like the dickens NOT to leave un-attended, but with her two sibs looking after her, I have done it on occasion.

We also use a "marco polo" rule that the kids have to be able to hear my "marco!" and reply with "polo!" in order to know they are at least within earshot of me...

I agree it must be specific to the children involved. Any time there is water involved, most of the BW, I think adult supervision is paramount.

nola,

We too have only single portaged (mostly) with the kids. First time our youngest was three. When we had to double portage, which I believe was once, I stayed at the end of the portage with the kids while my husband went back for the canoe.

I agree with BWP, It depends on your kids. I'd also consider the length of portage. Short portage, no problem. Long portage, I'd have to think about it.

Are you going to be the only adult (which I'm wondering based on your comment?)

nola,

We too have only single portaged (mostly) with the kids. First time our youngest was three. When we had to double portage, which I believe was once, I stayed at the end of the portage with the kids while my husband went back for the canoe.

I agree with BWP, It depends on your kids. I'd also consider the length of portage. Short portage, no problem. Long portage, I'd have to think about it. I'd be mostly concerned about the youngest accidentally falling in the water. However, our kids wear their pfd's while portaging (maybe yours do too.)

Are you going to be the only adult (which I'm wondering based on your comment?)

Alright, just a thought. I've never actually tried this.

Your husband starts down the trail with his first load. You and the kids stay at the start of the portage and hang out(look for bugs, throw sticks and rocks in the water, whatever). After a predetermined amount of time, you and the kids start down the portage trail, with your loads. Trade loads when you meet you husband in the middle of the trail, and send the kids, and their loads, with him. He then gets to watch the kids, while you go back to the start for the last load.

canoe212 - sounds brilliant!

I have to admit my kids are indeed unsupervised more than desired up there. These days, they know what load they are supposed to take and they are anxious to get to the other side of the portage and see what mystery awaits.

I bring up the rear, which is not necessarily desirable, but if I want them all loaded appropriately so that what is left is MINE (all mine!)... then I have to help them off. Asking them to stand and wait while carrying packs is about impossible - best I can do is ensure they are TOGETHER. So, I tell them to look out for each other, be polite on the portage, find a spot on the far end to drop our gear OUT OF THE WAY (still working on this one) and off they go.

Last year's May trip, I had two other adults along, but still kiddos are ready to zing! go explore when we hit the land. GRANTED, none are three any more (whew!). I'm not worried about bears, I am worried about the children annoying other paddlers, I am a bit worried they will fall in and get wet, I am not worried they will drown (maybe I should be), I am mildly worried they will get lost and be out of earshot. Happy to say none have occurred yet. Fingers crossed.