FAMILY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
FAMILY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
We had friends who would drive their big, fancy motor home down the road about 6 miles to the local campground for the weekend. They lived on the water with a boat dock in their backyard and a swimming pool and elaborate “Jungle Gym” playset. Why? Because when they were at home the never-ending chores would distract them and the precious family weekend time would slip away.
Our electronic devices are absolutely essential and beneficial and we should continue to use them – after all, this is how you are reading this article!! We have all become so lulled by our electronic diversions that we may have forgotten how to pass the time without them. So whether you are in your backyard, down the road ‘a piece’, or on a real long-distance camping outdoor adventure here are some reminders of family activities.
Cloud Watching
Remember lying on your back for hours studying the clouds and sharing your images with each other? Would it have been as much fun if you had known how important this activity is – from developing spatial intellectual skills to improving communication skills – for intellectual growth? That’s what I thought. So, we will keep it a secret and just indulge our fantasies!
Scavenger Hunt
You can hide specific items like bottle caps, tools, or other little things around your campsite. You can also identify specific items that naturally exist – leaves, flowers, etc. Compile a list of objects to find and make it a contest to see who can collect them first.
Hiking
This is such a popular activity that we have a 3-part Blog Series on “Hiking With Children”. In order to ‘warn’ any unsuspecting wildlife AND have fun we are reminding you of some of the songs that are so enjoyable.
Reminder: Make it a rule for everyone to use the buddy system, even for short walks to the restroom.
Singing
Even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket these songs are just plain fun wherever you are – especially on a hike or around the campfire. We found 2 suggesttions but the possibilities are endless.
Home on the Range **
Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,
And the skies are not cloudy all day.
Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,
And the skies are not cloudy all day.
She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain **
First Verse
She’ll be comin’ ‘round the mountain when she comes (toot, toot)
She’ll be comin’ ‘round the mountain when she comes (toot, toot)
She’ll be comin’ ‘round the mountain, she’ll be comin’ ‘round the mountain
She’ll be comin’ ‘round the mountain when she comes (toot, toot)
Second Verse
She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (whoa, back; toot, toot)
Third Verse
Oh, we’ll all go out to meet her when she comes (hi babe; whoa, back; toot, toot)
Fourth Verse
Oh, we’ll all have chick’n & dumplin’s when she comes (yum, yum, hi, babe; whoa, back; toot, toot)
Fifth Verse
She’ll be wearin’ pink pajamas when she comes (scratch, scratch; yum, yum; hi, babe; whoa, back; toot, toot)
** Lyrics in Public Domain
If you want protection from the elements while Cloud Watching – or really, for anything! – we offer this outdoor mat that we chose because of its versatility, utility, beauty and comfort.
Let’s hear it for making the most of our precious family time and
Remember the Great Outdoors!