Wrapped Around Her Finger: Campy Fun

Writing an online blog that starts out by wistfully pining for by gone days with less technology in our lives is a weak attempt at irony or at worst hypocritical. Look, try not having smart phone, lap top, wifi, ipod and the myriad of truly awesome gadgets we have today for an extended period of time. You quickly realize in their place these things have improved our quality of lives. That said, like many of you, I have a pretty hectic life and a blackberry constantly buzzing. So unplugging is not only healthy but also necessary.

Ever since I was a kid large amounts of my memories were made in the various campgrounds New England. Those early happy memories have grown in me to have a strong connection to the outdoors.  Now as an adult, I’ve fully embraced that legacy and with a good tent and gear my wife and I probably go about 10 -15 times a year for weekends and a few long trips. And ever since my daughter was 3 months old she’s come along for the ride. There was a lot of trial and error and a lot of lessons learned but now as she’s 2- years-old and has blast each time we go, it only reaffirms going is the best thing for her and us.

While I love tent camping its not for everyone, but I honestly believe that there is a way to camp for everyone. Maybe it’s an RV, a Yurt or a Cabin. The point is get out there. There are a number of Massachusetts DCR parks, most just opened for the season. For as little as $12 a night you can get a site to throw down a tent, have a camp fire and relax. My personal favorite is Shawme Crowell in Sandwich. It’s right over the bridge and even with traffic only about an hour and half at most from Hingham. They have a great playground; its right next to the canal and your stay includes a day pass to Scusset State Beach. Again all for $12, you just can’t beat that.

Now if you are saying, well I don’t have any gear, I got you covered. You can rent top-level gear from REI or Eastern Mountain Sports in Hingham. Before you just run out to a big box store for cheap gear, trust me the first time it rains you will forever hate camping, unless you have good gear.  And once you try good gear you’ll know the difference, so try it out first.

For your little person they really don’t need much. The key is making sure they can be warm so a good sleeping bag is key. We have a two person Kelty 20 degree bag with mummy hood, and its great for all 3 of us. Even in the summer at night it can be cold, so have layers for them. A good child carrier backpack is also a real must to take them hiking and along for the fun. Mostly it’s about planning.

Bring their favorite book and stuffed animal. A shovel and bucket work wonders. My best trick is a $1 tube of glow sticks. It makes it fun for them and they will get into because you are. And watching her “discover” your site, collect pine cones, or excitedly point out a squirrel or the moon will make even getting 30 minutes from your house seem a world away. Still not sure? Just try your back yard. You’ll be amazed what just a change of scenery and a campfire with your little girl can do.

Best of all you encourage a love for the outdoors and someone who appreciates the world around them. Even as my little girl becomes, well more of a little girl, I assure you that Tinkerbell, Cinderella and her royal court of princesses join us to.  As a bonus even just getting an overnight is still amazing to her, plus it gives you something to look forward to all week. You’ll also be stunned how you have actual conversation with your significant other, maybe a board game and all without, gasp TV or the internet. Give it try, whether it’s new or just rediscovering the fun of adventure will make it worthwhile. Start simple and if it seems like too much just remember. At the end of the day, you still get to tuck them in the just the same, it just happens to be in a tent in a sleeping bag.