Families still building blocks by Ray Wight continual problems in how to balance Families are still the building blocks on which modern society commitments to families and job at the same time, he said. He called families an irreplaceable thing in modern society. He pointed out that society now has more and must depend, the approximately 300 persons from Utah and neighboring states attending the ‘‘Families Alive’’ conference Sept. 17, 18 and allow more freedom. living and associated areas from major colleges and universities chairman of the department of throughout the country. human development and family at the University of Nebraska in Dr. Carlfred Broderick, executive director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Center, University of Southern California, told the opening ’ gession that the tremendous increase in the number of married women holding full or part-time jobs represents probably the most profound change in the family in the past 20 years. These working women and the members of their families face \. ito go again,”’ said Gary Willden, Jasistant professor of health, ‘Aphysical education and recreation, who is currently teaching a p “Shackpacking class. He explained that anyone’s first yn “Shackpacking trip, whether it be new = & N riding trails as well as canoeing and kayaking streams. It lists more than 27 trails. Other excellent trail guides are “Cache Trails,”’ “‘Utah Valley “Fyives or young children or just a Trails,’ and “‘Wasatch Trails.”’ All of the guides are available at the - Jpeson with an interest, should be Tatroduced easily and made “‘fun.”’ Gary took four couples, with Wttildren as young as 2% years old, bookstores. “These guide books give a person more ideas for backpacking trips into the Uintahs this summer. “We chose a lake that was just a mile hike from the road and took Jiin easy stages. Children like to j#op and look at every brook and }iad tree. Go at the child’s pace. Let “) them enjoy it. They can’t go as ‘tinuously as an adult.’’ Gary also advises that each child amy something so they feel }rsponsible and part of the trip. It syn be a tiny pack for the back tt with a pack. The youngest tm carry a few candy bars and marshmellows for roasting and very or a child the feel important. | “We hiked forty minutes and Phayed two days by a crystal-clear * “hke with privacy, scenery and aeellent fishing. Everyone wants to ~ backpacking, bicycle and horse back ay again!” Another tip on successful “Whickpacking is finding out where to ‘)p.Gary said that too often people 4}pon the most popular weekend of ‘Tithe year, to the most popular place, s}and are disappointed that the —jwlitude they sought doesn’t exist. /)} Often it’s a matter of knowing about “}mother lake just off the beaten J }track. WSC bookstore and many local trip faster than to get into the wilds only to find you’ve left something very vital at home. As often as I have gone I still use my checklist to be sure I don’t overlook something.” than they will probably ever be able some try for a big expedition when they are not ready for it. It’s okay to go backpacking for any reason - just know what it is and plan accordingly.” Because backpacking is such an individual activity there are no “Even the youngest child can carry the marshmallows for roasting definite do’s and don’ts, Gary pointed out. So much is determined by the weather and seasonal changes, duration of the trip, experience level of the group and size of group. Equipment for backpacking is where people often make other costly and unnecessary mistakes. They either buy what their friend has or go into a sports store and say “I’m going to go backpacking, what do I need?”’ What is right for your friend may not be right for you and the clerk may not know any more about backpacking than you do, said Gary. He advises taking the time to study it out. Rent some equipment and try it. Sporting goods stores survival rate of marriages in this country in view of the stresses they undergo. Marriage partners traditionally are supposed to be ever-loving, which is almost impossible. Partners should be aware of the need for literal and figurative ‘“‘space”’ to allow for the times when ardor cools and boredom or even hostility may replace it briefly. Those marriage partners who do find a level of compatibility mutual understanding and tolerance, love and support can find it to be one of the most beautiful experiences to use. “Know what you are going backpacking for. Some people go for the wrong reasons. As I mentioned, sincerely and frequently, and the ability to handle crises in a positive way, usually with a united front. Dr. Gerhard Neubeck, afternoon speaker for the second day of the conference, said he marvels at the He also recommends that a person not be intimidated. ‘‘You don’t have to be a superman or have years of experience to backpack. Just be sure and take the time to plan adequately.” ‘Most people who enjoy the out-of-doors are at their best in the out-of-doors. My wife says that I am a different person when we are out. I relax.” Gary believes that for this reason it’s a shame when people don’t share these best moments with their families. It is a boost to family relationships to see each other at his best, he said. available to mankind, he said. In the morning session that day, Dr. James Lynch of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, stressed the importance of emotional problems and stresses on physical well-being. Such stresses, he said, can cause illness or open the door for other agents to damage the body. Society should encourage more openness in the expression of pain and misery, and not want them to be suffered in silence. Hedda Sharapan, associate producer of ‘‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,”’ well known television program for children, urged parents to watch television programs of doubtful quality with their children and make comments oe hen, that does it! She never wants The Sierra Club of Ogden has a very complete ‘Outings Guide-Ogden Area’’ which explains about hiking, family and family members; having a high degree of religious orientation; appreciation expressed —- “dgneling, day-long hike into the back jcountry with a too-heavy pack. ce often carry rental equipment. A good guide to purchasing is the “Backpacking Equipment Buyers Guide,’’ which analyses the various equipment available and explains pros and cons. Another excellent text is ‘‘Backpacking One Step at a Time.”’ Gary uses a 3 x 5 card covered with plastic with a check-off list of necessary items. “Nothing ruins a of paramount importance. These include doing things together; having good communication and listening habits; showing large commitment to the on the content. She said the program with which Se There are many excellent trail guides for the intermountain area. “Far too often a young brides introduction to backpacking is a Major studies on what seem to be essential for the existence of strong families have found six things to be she is associated believes that children — and many adults — need help in understanding and handling Se Make backpacking “fun” Lincoln, said that the nation today should pay more attention to keeping strong such a fundamental unit of society as the family. 2 | Gary Willden, assi stant professor o f health, physical education, recreation, with his wife and children, demonstrate that thockpacking can be fun for the whole family.” That afternoon Dr. Nick Stinnet, te It was sponsored by the department of child and family studies at the WSC. a and sexual patterns are changing to ——— . outstanding professionals in family such basic aspects of life as birth, death, moving, divorce, hospitalization, and competition. Page 5 ap om, < more reconstructed families — those with stepfathers and stepmothers — a 19 at Weber State College were assured. Addressing keynote sessions were