Suzzz
10-01-2007, 23:10
I've recently adopted a nine year old boy and have been curious (and hoping) whether or not he'd like hiking and camping. Last weekend he experienced his first ever hiking day. Sure it was a short hike, he didn't have to carry a pack, and the terrain was fairly easy, but the important part is that he liked it. The day was a total success.
The next step was overnight camping and since the weather channel was calling for a mild weekend, I thought this would be the perfect time to give it a try. No need to tell you that friends and family were somewhat concerned that I wanted to take a child camping at the end of September. This is Canada after all and those who aren't avid hikers/campers just don't get it. We had a long talk in which I explained to him that if at any time he was cold or scared, we'd hop into the car and come home.
Well, I'm very proud (and excited) to anounce that everything went according to plan. We set up the tent, cuddled in with snacks and a good book. Just before saying goodnight we headed out to answer nature's call and I could tell he was a bit concerned that it was so dark. He also made a comment about the cold and wondered whether or not he'd be cold during the night. As soon as we were back in the tent, I pointed out how cozy it was inside our sleeping bags and reminded him one more time that we'd head home at the first mention of him being cold or scared.
The next time we spoke, it was morning. Almost scared to ask, I inquired about his night. He looked at me with a big smile and said that he slept very well. When we walked the short hike back to the car he was flabergasted to see the car windows were frosted and needed to be scrapped. On the way home, he asked how it was possible for it to be so warm in the tent while it was cold enough to frost the car windows. I explained that modern/high quality sleeping bags and a complete change of clothes had made all the difference. His answer: camping is cool!
After school today we went for a bike ride in the trails near our house. While we were stopped for a short break, he asked when we'd go camping again. Now that's what I'm talking about! Yes!!!
Of course, as I've said in previous posts, I have no intention of forcing him to be a part of my regular excursions. However it would be the icing on the cake if he were into it as much as I am. Let's just say that so far it's looking good.
The next step was overnight camping and since the weather channel was calling for a mild weekend, I thought this would be the perfect time to give it a try. No need to tell you that friends and family were somewhat concerned that I wanted to take a child camping at the end of September. This is Canada after all and those who aren't avid hikers/campers just don't get it. We had a long talk in which I explained to him that if at any time he was cold or scared, we'd hop into the car and come home.
Well, I'm very proud (and excited) to anounce that everything went according to plan. We set up the tent, cuddled in with snacks and a good book. Just before saying goodnight we headed out to answer nature's call and I could tell he was a bit concerned that it was so dark. He also made a comment about the cold and wondered whether or not he'd be cold during the night. As soon as we were back in the tent, I pointed out how cozy it was inside our sleeping bags and reminded him one more time that we'd head home at the first mention of him being cold or scared.
The next time we spoke, it was morning. Almost scared to ask, I inquired about his night. He looked at me with a big smile and said that he slept very well. When we walked the short hike back to the car he was flabergasted to see the car windows were frosted and needed to be scrapped. On the way home, he asked how it was possible for it to be so warm in the tent while it was cold enough to frost the car windows. I explained that modern/high quality sleeping bags and a complete change of clothes had made all the difference. His answer: camping is cool!
After school today we went for a bike ride in the trails near our house. While we were stopped for a short break, he asked when we'd go camping again. Now that's what I'm talking about! Yes!!!
Of course, as I've said in previous posts, I have no intention of forcing him to be a part of my regular excursions. However it would be the icing on the cake if he were into it as much as I am. Let's just say that so far it's looking good.