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, advocates, and environmental custodians. They also happened to be parents who, through their writing, were ushering both children and communities toward an awareness of preserving nature and its spaces. This Facebook group began as a tribe of like-minded people and has grown into a family, complete with pride, growing pains, and random hilarity. Out of this tribe, Outdoor Families Magazine was born.
I picked up my first pen when I was 12, finding pleasure in etching nuances into fictional characters I created. Filmmaking became a career that filled my artistic coffers for decades, until I gave birth to my daughter. Suddenly, an almost-electric surge whirled me around to face a new and thrilling trajectory.
As with everything in life, when you are driven by passion it often leads to places you didn?t know existed, and that is how I fell into the world of blogging. After almost three years working toward success with my own blog, MommyHiker, lightning struck that day in 2014. I blasted onto Facebook headed for that outdoor family blogger group and virtually yelled at the top of my loud, New Orleans voice: I just had an idea….tell me I’m crazy – OutdoorFamiliesOnline.com is available…!
The pool of talent that thrives within Outdoor Families Magazine is comprised of 37 outdoor industry leaders and educators living in all corners of the globe, from the metropolis of Los Angeles, to rugged Alaska, and reaches of the Saudi desert. With a combined reporting experience totaling over half a century, and collective monthly readerships climbing toward one million, this group has blossomed from a casual gathering place to an authority for families interested in getting outside. It is that combined knowledge, passion, and leadership propelling Outdoor Families Magazine forward towards a wider, global initiative to inspire and encourage adventure for multi-generational families around the world, regardless of age, ability, or location.
I hope you enjoy the efforts of our dedicated team of partners, contributors, and sponsors. This is a publication dedicated to you, the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers and dreamers. Outdoor Families Magazine is a collaborative effort to engage everyone to participate in a life spent outside. Stop by each month for new stories, or contribute your own. You are most welcome.
~ Jennifer Fontaine, Founder
j.fontaine@outdoorfamiliesonline.com
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