The weather starts to warm, the snow begins to melt, the tulips begin their amazing struggle to emergence from the hard earth – Spring has arrived! In my family that means spring cleaning and camping gear inspection. While camping is technically a year-round activity in our house, the warming weather is far more appealing to this mom! The smell of campfire, the early morning sounds of birds outside of the tent while cuddled deep into the sleeping bag, and the sway of the hammock anchored between the trees calls to me.
There are many things about camping that greatly appeal to me. The examples above help me to find my center, my peace in this crazy, fast-paced world that we live in. Camping is also a time that I connect with my boys on a deeper level. With their attention away from school responsibilities, their social and extra-curricular interest, and their eyes glued to video games, my boys and I enjoy the world that we are blessed to live in and enjoy each other’s company – uninterrupted! We have deep conversations about interests, hopes, philosophy, and goals for our future. We play board games that get us all laughing and bonding – even when we get a tad competitive. We make up stories to expand our creativity or share memories of our past that help bring us closer together. We have comfortable silences as we stare into the flames of the campfire late into the night. The sun and our grumbling tummies are our only guidance for time.
On camping outings, we all work together. The boys learn responsibility as they set-up their tents and are accountable for their own belongings. We all assist with meal prep, cooking, and cleaning-up the campsite before bed. And oh the FOOD! Nothing beats pancakes and bacon cooked on a cast-iron skillet over an open flame. Hotdogs always taste better when skewered on a stick and rotated over the campfire. Walking tacos, chili, and steaming foil packet meals are always welcome on those colder evenings. And of course, camping is not complete without dessert! Smores are an obvious choice, but have you ever tried a Dutch-oven dump cake or cobbler? They are so easy and warm both the tummies and the heart before bedtime.
Camping is the perfect opportunity to pass on traditions and my love for the outdoors on to my kids. They learn how to appreciate what they have naturally been given on this earth and how to take care of it for future generations. Now that the snow has cleared, let camping season begin!