On a busy work day in 2014, a cadre of outdoor bloggers gathered on Facebook, commenting and cajoling, posting and plotting their weekly musings. Some were veterans of online publishing in the realm of families and the great outdoors, others were still finding their footing. One thing remained clear, however; this was no ordinary group. These men and women were philosophers, … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2015
An Outdoor Dad’s Resolution
by John Soltys It might sound strange to make a pledge to "have fun outdoors," but as a new year gets underway, bear with me. All too often I find myself cajoling my three children to "push a little more" and we'll reach the top of the peak, the base of the waterfall, or shore of the lake. Too often I find my daughters and son have mentally checked out of a hike long before … [Read more...]
Zucchini Fritters (Mucver)
by Jennifer Fontaine - The kitchen is one place where diversity and richness of culture can be explored in any family's house. From American southern staples like red beans and rice to noveau fusion twists on a hearty Italian caponata, in any given week one can serve the "United Nations" of food, and have fun doing it. In our house, a combined family heritage stakes claim to … [Read more...]
DucKsday Kids Rain Suit Review – Full Coverage Rain Gear for Active Kids
Active kids need equally-active outdoor clothing, and sometimes that can be hard to find. Outdoor family blogger Melissa Edge offers this review of the DucKsday kids rain suit, a one-piece wonder that performs well under kid-type pressure. A Belgian company, DucKsday is fairly new to the outdoor apparel market, but their kids rain suit has already taken the world by storm, … [Read more...]
Ski and Snowboard Gear: What parents should know before outfitting kids
Every autumn I haul the ski gear from our basement "outdoor closet" and call my son downstairs. "Here," I say, handing him a pair of alpine boots with fingers crossed, "Try these on, and with skinny socks, this year." Growing up the middle child of three, I recall all too well the annual transfer of clothing, boots, skis, and poles with the next in line, up or down. I … [Read more...]
My Outdoor Family: Connecting through nature
Editor note: ?My Outdoor Family? is a regular column in the Outdoor Families Magazine calendar. Written by readers who represent every facet of an outside lifestyle, these monthly opportunities seek to inspire and encourage, remind and reminisce about a personal love for and commitment to the outdoors. Not everyone is ready to tackle the summit of a mountain, just as some … [Read more...]
Providing Kids an Outdoor Sense of ‘Place’
by Erin Kirkland The scent of ponderosa pine and drying hay greeted me with shocking familiarity as I climbed out of my parents? car. Memories became a flood of both sorrow and joy as I planted my feet upon pastureland that had been such a part of my childhood years; if given more time, I think I might have grown roots like those of tenacious grasses that waved at … [Read more...]
Cabins are a Family Camping Win During a Long, Cold Winter
by Jennifer Aist Snow on the ground doesn't have to mean hibernation for the camping gear. With a little know-how and planning, your family can enjoy the mountains all winter long, thanks to an explosion of interest in cold-weather camping experiences, even for kids. But for many parents, especially those new to the idea of spending a night in the snowy wilderness, a happy … [Read more...]
Nurturing Stewardship in California’s Wetland Areas
by Jennifer Fontaine As parents, we all feel compelled to teach our kids compassion and community while imparting a sense of grace and a connection to a larger world. Family volunteering is the perfect vehicle for parents to model responsible and respectful behavior, instilling in kids valuable lessons of leadership while reinforcing self-worth. Admittedly, incorporating … [Read more...]
Alaska Ski Train – All aboard for family winter fun in the 49th State
by Erin Kirkland - Train travel has existed in the 49th state since the early 1900's, serving the miners, trappers, and homesteaders who settled this remote section North America. Trusted as the most dependable mode of transportation for goods and people, the Alaska Railroad gave residents between Seward and Fairbanks a warmer alternative to dog sleds or automobiles. Today's … [Read more...]
