by Jen Bauer - My childhood was filled with road trips down the east coast, and I have fond memories of curling up in the back seat of our tiny car, pillow beneath my head, my sister at my side, playing games for hours on end. Pit stops were made for snacks and souvenirs, and I still have pennants from each state we visited. Stopping only to rest at night, when we would pull … [Read more...]
My Outdoor Family: Meet the Yearouts
by Annie Yearout It's July in New England and my kids are running around a Vermont field at dusk, chasing the fireflies twinkling all over a pinkish sky and creating a magical, warm, summer night light show. Sleepy birds are chirping their final songs for the day, and multiple generations of my extended family are building an evening campfire to roast sausages and fresh corn … [Read more...]
The Importance of Covering Mirrors – Being beautiful in nature
by Elizabeth Small I try to model a positive body image for my daughters. I never once commented on the massacre that was my postpartum body (at least, not within earshot). And I didn?t even flinch when my daughter told a room full of strangers, ?My Mama?s belly is so ?squishy.?? Yet despite my best efforts, I still struggle with consistency. Recently my 4-year-old … [Read more...]
Tame the “stuff” with Chums Latitude Series cases
by Erin Kirkland It's always about the "stuff." Little stuff, funny-shaped stuff, stuff that takes up space needed for other stuff. My junk drawer at home is testament to my penchant for keeping things, and when I travel, the "stuff" seems to multiply. Storage of small items, be they batteries or a spare pair of sunglasses and a toothbrush is critical for the organization of … [Read more...]
Interview with Kathleen Bunn – The 90-day road trip
By Kathleen Bunn with Heather Mundt - As a mom of two boys, I was fascinated to learn about Kathleen Bunn, a mom who has braved not one but three extended family road trips with four boys, ages 15, 13, 11 and 9, in three years. With a final goal to visit all 50 states, the first trip comprised 50 days through the Southwest U.S. Last year's journey included 70 days across the … [Read more...]
Exploring Japan’s Sarushima Island with Kids
by Dan Tilton - My family and I love the outdoors. But we weren't sure if our recent move to Japan would keep us from enjoying camping, touring national parks, hiking, swimming and experiencing just about any activity that can be done with a 2-year-old child in tow. I was delighted to discover that not only do the Japanese enjoy the majority of these activities, but also that … [Read more...]
Food for Thought: Connecting kids to lifelong nutrition
Editor's note: Heather Longo was so inspired by an article written in OFM's March issue she was compelled to do some research on sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and healthy eating habits. Below are her findings, presented in a very delicious way. Outdoor Families Magazine welcomes responses to articles or columns; email Erin Kirkland, editor, and your essay may be published … [Read more...]
Navajo Fry Bread – A Taste of Tradition
by Peggy Bogaard-Lapp Under the shade of her awning, Navajo Native American Bertha Elkriver pulls a small ball of dough from the bucket next to her propane stove. She finesses the dough with experienced hands, pulling it into a disc shape, and with a quick movement pokes a small hole with her finger in the center of the dough before laying it gently into the cast-iron … [Read more...]
Great Gear: Does Bug Band Really Keep Insects At Bay?
by Melissa Avery - Bugs. They are part of the outdoors, but that doesn't mean we want them all over us, making an experience dreadful for the whole family. Enter Bug Band Insect Repellent wristbands and Towelettes. As an independent adult traveler, I've tried many insect repellent products without putting too much thought into the chemical components. Motherhood, … [Read more...]
Choose your own adventure road trip
by Heather Mundt Lauren Runyon had one goal in mind for her children's 2015 spring break from school: sit poolside on a lounge chair somewhere warm to escape her hectic life and Colorado's bleak winter. Translation? This married mom of four and middle school teacher from Westminster, Colo., just wanted to head south. Since the family had but one obligation that week, a … [Read more...]
