Go Wild
Average Rating: Not rated
[0 Comment]One of our best family camping trips started out with a movie and pizza.
There we were, splashing through a steady rain in the harbor town where we'd stopped for lunch. We'd made it halfway to our planned destination of Acadia National Park when the veteran campers in our group decided, "We're going home. We'll try again tomorrow."
At the time, we lived just a few hours from Acadia so we went back to our house, built a crackling fire in the fireplace, ordered pizza, and laid our sleeping bags out on the floor to watch "Iron Will." In the clear, dry dawn of morning our happy crew headed back out, and had our tents up by lunchtime.
Our family has camped together for years. Despite the occasional rainy nights, leaky tents, and burned pancakes that are a normal part of camping, we've found that our times spent tucked in to toasty sleeping bags or gathered around an open fire have been some of our favorite family memories.
My fellow camping friends all agree that the best part about camping with our families is being together in a place apart, sharing what Henry Van Dyke called "unbought pleasures." We put away our watches, we snuggle deep in our sleeping bags and listen to the rain, we sing more, we laugh about dirty clothes, we soak in the glory of creation, we rediscover awe and eternity as we hold our children close under the stars. As my friend Judy says, "It fills your cup."
Whether you're a seasoned camper or you're wondering if you have the courage to sleep out in your back yard, let our family-tested, kid-approved "Trailblazing Tips" fire your enthusiasm for heading outdoors with your family.
Trailblazing Tip #1:
Be Willing To Change Your Plans
Our trip to Acadia is a perfect example of the need for flexibility. You can't always miss the rain—you don't always want to—but sometimes when camping with children, you decide it's better to seek shelter than soak all your gear on the first night out. Yes, it's smart to have some concrete plans about where you're staying and what kind of facilities you'll find there, but the whole point of camping together is to enjoy each other's company and grow closer. You can do that even if you end up in a cheap hotel for a night.
My camping friends Judy, Janie, Kathy, Joan, and Jean (and their husbands) also creatively adapt the usual camping routines to fit the needs and ages of their children. Young children might not tolerate more than a night or two in a tent. Older kids might want more time to explore. Pay attention to everyone's emotional temperature on your trip and be willing to adapt.
Trailblazing Tip #2:
Take Joy in the Journey
Camping happily as a family involves finding the adventure inherent in heading off to a new place. Think of camping as a big game. A hike can become a scavenger hunt or a game of hide-and-seek through the trees. Dinner around the fire can become a history lesson when you name your little campers and their food. ("Lewis and Clark, how do you like your bearmeat stew?") Remember, camping is "re-creation." Here's how to play when you're away:
Originally published in: Christian Parenting Today, Page 30
More from By Nancy H. Cripe:
Kyria.com | Books
Join the Kyria.com Community!
Become a member to have access to the following:
- Full access to the bimonthly Kyria digizine, each issue focusing on a spiritual discipline or theme
- 50 percent discount on all of the downloadable resources in the Kyria Store
- Hundreds of members-only articles for thoughtful, influential women
downloadable guides
Sabbath Rest in a World of Stress
Practical insights for how to live a life that honors the spirit of Sabbath-rest.
The Mentoring Series: Nancy Ortberg
Discover leadership principles from a well-known author and respected leader.Browse More Guides
back to top
Average User Rating: Not rated
Rate & Comment on this article *