At what age do people start bringing the kids? the "regrets" post by Kanoes got me thinking. My son is going to come with me next year. He will be almost 5 years old.

perfect age.....make it all about him though.

I am hoping to take my three year old in august. He only needs urination protection at night and is solid during the day, I can pack out 4 Pull Ups. He has a hard head and loves to explore. It is time.

Will be just him and me in a solo canoe I hope for 3 or 4 nights. Basecamp on small water with little or no portaging for the duration.

My boy was five when i first brought him. It was late May and the water was still cold. He had a blast and continues to go with me still. Make it all about him is perfect advice.

I have 2 boys ages 6 and 12. Both went for the first time when they were 5 years old. Taking them both up again this summer.

both my kids went for the first time two years ago at ages 4 & 8.its now a yearly trip we all look foward to.

first year splash,second year gun

First son (now 24 and married) started at 6, just the two of us for many trips. Second son started at age 4 (now 8). The 3 of us will be going together this August. Never could talk the girls into going although I tried many times.

Our first trip with children happened when my youngest was 5. It also included a 7 and 13 year old. We have great memories from our annual trips ever since. My youngest is now 18.

I always thought I'd be taking my son by age 5. Now, I'm thinking more like 8. He just won't keep still and I'd have to chain him to me.

I started taking my son at 4. He is now seven and it will be his third year going. He has been on 9 trips in the summer and 4 winter trips. He loves it. Do not wait. Take your kids. Keep the trips short, go at their pace and have a back up plan.

I did not know about the BDuB until my kids were in their late elementary school days. Kids and camping are a great mix. My daughter was 9mths on her first trip to Acadia in Maine, and my son was about the same age on his first camping trip to Yellowstone. They are very green kids now!

Perfect age? I think it all depends on the kids and the situation you are in. I had our kids tent(car)camping at under a year but didn't take them to the BW until 8 (twins) and oldest 10. Because of the three kids to one adult ratio, and the fact I'm not built like a linebacker, I knew I needed to rely on them to help paddle, portage etc. I had them practice portaging to see what they could handle and explained all the rules so they knew exactly what to expect. If it could have been one on one I would have had them in the BW much sooner. Use your gut feeling. If you know what you can handle, and your kid(s) limits, you will know when it's time for that first trip. Good luck, you will enjoy every minute of it!!

I took my twins up when they were 3. We put their pullups and a few personal things in a small backpack and they carried that. They had a great time and have been going up almost every year since. They are now 19. I really think by taking them at an early age, they gain respect for the wilderness. Both my kids know the ethic Leave No Trace well.

I started taking my son when he was 10. That was in 1983 and we made our first trip ever to the bdub together. I wish I had discovered canoe country earlier because I would have taken him at a younger age. It rained almost the entire time. When it wasn't raining we did some exploring and a bit of fishing. It was a 3-nighter and it left us both wanting much more.

I started taking my daughter when she was 3. Did a couple cabin trips the first year and then a canoe trip last year when she was 4. Also did a cabin trip last year as well w/ her and the wife. Got a week long trip planned with her this year. She loves it. Start em young!!

My children were 10 and 8 when we took our first "family" canoe trip. That one took us across a couple portages and a few lakes. Very simple trip but priceless experience. They became hooked.

My son, now asks me. How old should his kids be. I say, they should be at ease in the water and at ease falling into the water. Both Matthew and Jessica were "water rats" well before our canoe trip days. That eased my mind, but they always wore PFD's. Flipping a canoe (empty) was done as sport. Those experiences were important...... if the real thing ever happened on the trail.

Bottom line for me, is the age when they can safely handle a dunk in the drink.