...but first, let's go camping!

CAMPING WITH YOUR KIDS—a lesson in conserving, getting outdoors and being active.

As parents (I am mom to two boys), we are alway searching for ways to keep active, do things outdoors, but also teach the value of having an “environment conscience”.  We also like to “kill two birds with one stone”.  This is where CAMPING comes in---where we are able to get out and be active and teach about the value of nature.  Three times a year (at least), we like to pack up the kids, put away our electronic devices (groan), and be one (ish) with nature.  We trek into the great outdoors!  I have many fond memories of camping when I was a kid.  And now, I enjoy sharing that fondness with both my boys with our tri-annual campouts.  I know when many of you (especially parents of small children) hear the word camping, you tremble with fear and anxiety.  We did too at first.  Now, we find that camping is just the opposite.  We see it as an opportunity for everyone to let loose, get their hands dirty, and not worry about all the things modern every day life brings with it.  

Whether you just set up a tent in the backyard or travel to a specified campground, we find that camping lets us disconnect from the internet (gasp), television, phones, tablets, and computers.  It is a literal breath of fresh air to see my kids kicking up dirt, climbing on rocks, and for those of us lucky enough to live in Hawaii---frolicking in the ocean.  Give camping a try and I think you will find it a way to re-connect with your family, learn more about nature, conserve energy (we strictly use fire as a means for heat and cooking and we don’t use up gallons of water taking showers for the two to three days we are away), and participate in family activities such as the NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT.  

Each time we go camping, the kids get excited to see what outdoor treasures are on the list for them to discover.  The kids are empowered to think about nature, the animals that live there, and how we can positively impact the two.  Some ideas for our natural scavenger hunt have included searching for odd shaped leaves, sticks, rocks, dirt in a variety of color shades, and even trash (to be disposed of properly). 

I find that I am never disappointed with the positive results taking the kids on a weekend outdoor campout can provide.  We all feel revitalized and appreciative of the everyday conveniences (like quick coffee…ahem) when we return to non-camping life.

Here are a few links for campsite info on Oahu. Where you too, can be happy campers!

http://www.malaekahana.net/site-info/contact-us

http://www.hawaiiinfoguide.com/oahu_camping.htm

https://camping.honolulu.gov/campsites/search