The walking stick or hiking stick should be choosen by each child. So you should have a good selection of sticks for them to choose from. After all they are free?  It also alows them to show their character in their sticks.  Take some time, don't just pick up any old stick lying around. You will be amazed at what you will find, like I did.  Even PRAY about the sticks.  This might sound silly, but believe me you will be amazed at how God works with you as you journey to make a difference in teaching this program and sharing the GOOD NEWS to children. 

The straightness of the hiking stick is not as important as is the alignment of the top and bottom. A crook in the middle that returns to beneath the vertical of the top part is fine, and many people prefer the look of having a twist to the stick.

As we are dealing with children the sticks will be different depending upon the height of the child. A adult can be present to 'cut the stick to the proper length of the child. Remember each one will be different.  We recommend that the stick be shoulder high. 

As in all things the weight of the child will determin the diameter, or girth, of the stick should reflect your weight and its use. The heavier a person is, then the larger the diameter of the stick should be to support them.

The weight of the stick is a function of its size and becomes a factor to be considered depending on your strength, condition, and time of use.  If you have selected branches simply picked up that have fallen and are not cut then the wood will be lighter as it has dried.  Fresh cut branches will be weigh more due to the fact they are not dried or cured. 

I like to select sticks with character. So then the knots formed by branches growing from the main stick provide a lot of character to the walking stick. However knots can have a weakening affect on the stick and you must also remember it is more difficult to sand and finish them. Unless there is a great number of large and weakened knots, they are not usually a problem with mesquite since it is so strong and hard. They require extra work, but most people appreciate the look.

Some sticks have branches growing from the main stick and they can be used as natural handles. Sometimes there are branches farther down the stick, which can be used as a second foot at the end. These are harder to find but it you want a handle and/or a double foot, then these should be just what you need.

The condition of the stick can vary due to insect infestation and rot. Usually insects will not bore down into the heartwood, but if there is evidence of infestation then the stick will have to be of a large enough diameter so that you can remove the sapwood and still have the diameter you need. Minor infestation can actually create some interesting patterns in the wood that many like. If the wood has been down for a long time and has rot, obviously it shouldn't be used. A simple test is to place one end of the stick into the crotch of a tree and then press as hard as you can against the other end. It should not bend very much and definitely not break. You can do the same thing by placing the stick on the seat of a picnic table, or other type of jig, and forcing the other end down while the opposite end pushes against the tabletop. Use caution because you can be injured if the stick snaps.

A Hiking stick can be great for the following reasons......

A hiking stick can help keep your balance when crossing over streams, rivers, or creeks. It can also help you determine the depth of the waters you might be crossing so you can safely cross them.