I asked my daughters what they think about hiking & the advice they’d give to their friends or other kids. Their replies didn’t surprise me. It made me very proud to witness the love for the outdoors our adventures have fostered within them.

(Alora, my oldest, & one half of the 2 Peanut Butter Girls brand.)

1. How do you feel about hiking?

Hiking is fun but can be challenging sometimes! It’s great exercise. When you reach your destination, it's the feeling of "I did it!" or "we made it!” That’s the best part!

2. What tips would you offer a friend or other child who has never been hiking?

1. Definitley wear the right shoes like hiking boots or sneakers. Do not go out there with sandals, flip flops, or heels. No fancy boots either! The shoes have to have support and be comfortable.

2. Bring food like sandwiches, granola bars, trail mix, fruit, water, & gatorade.

3. If you encounter wildlife, try not to panic. If the animal isn't bothering you, leave it alone! Go on about your day. Snapping quick pics should be okay, maybe.

3. Do you notice that you’re usually the only black kids out there when you’re hiking?

Yes. I always notice that.

4. What do you think about that & how does it make you feel?

It doesn’t really bother me because I’m use to it. I always thought that maybe other black people don’t like hiking. I don’t know. I think it’s great to put a little color… some melanin in the world!

(Vivia, my youngest, & the other half of the 2 Peanut Butter Girls brand.)

1. How do you feel about hiking?

It's really fun. Sometimes hard & sometimes easy. It gets your legs working & strong! Be sure to bring what you need.

2. What tips would you offer a friend or other child who has never been hiking?

1. Bring food like beans, water, & I like pizza, too!

2. Always have your phone to make calls in emergencies. No computers or tablets because they’re too big. And make sure your phone is fully charged because there’s nowhere to charge it out there!

3. Bring extra clothes or buckets in case you need to use the bathroom or get really dirty. Like, if you have an accident.

3. Do you notice that you’re usually the only black kids out there when you’re hiking?

Yes.

4. What do you think about that & how does it make you feel?

I don’t know. I never really think about anything when I'm hiking. I just enjoy whatever we're doing.

And there you have it folks. From the mouths of babes! Short but sweet. There’s more coming from these girls concerning the outdoors so stay tuned.

I agree with the advice of my daughters. The only thing I questioned was bringing a bucket for bathroom use. We’ve never done that but instead, make sure to go before our hikes.

Luckily, we’ve never faced toileting emergencies on the trails. If we ever find ourselves in that predicament, we’ll have to cop-a-squat somewhere. However, I praised my daughter for her preparedness.

My youngest daughter’s food choices also made me laugh. She’s so serious about her food.

Do you have a child who enjoys hiking? How would he/she answer these questions?