Gobble Gorp

WHETHER YOU call it gorp, birdseed or trail mix, it's the backpack snack of choice for hikers when energy or spirits sag. Invite your child to fill a sealable plastic bag with one of our mixes or invent his own blend of favorite dried fruits and nuts (sold in bulk at grocery stores).

GORP: An acronym for "good old raisins and peanuts," gorp is a camping trip essential. For a sweet crunch, add in a handful of M&M's.

RAIN FOREST MUNCH: Mix dried pineapple, dried papaya, unsweetened coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, cashews and chocolate chips.

BIRDSEED: Combine hulled sunflower seeds, raisins, peanuts and dried dates (the pellet-shaped ones, rolled in dried milk).

MORNING SUNBURST: Mix up an all-fruit body fuel with dried apples, pineapples, cranberries and cherries, as well as banana chips and raisins. An added bonus: eating 1 cup of this will fulfill two of the five daily minimum requirements of fruits and vegetables.