Saturday, September 19, 2009

Summers End



The last official holiday of the summer was busy and great fun!
We had two groups camp with us. The first group was a single mom and her son, who brought along a friend. All were first time campers. 
We sent her a Camping in color checklist to help her get organized. And to our delight, she showed up fully prepared. 
It always gives me a charge, watching the reaction of newcomers and seeing their faces light up with surprise and amazement. Watching families sharing true time together is priceless!
We left Friday night even though driving at night isn't as enjoyable as it once was.
But waking up on Saturday morning with the view of the lake and birds singing is always worth it. 

The morning view! 


Leaving on Friday, gave us a few hours alone before our guest arrive at noon. The boys age 13 and 14 showed up with a football and a PlayStation. Our site was large enough for them to throw the football around.
Then it was time to set up their sleeping quarters, We showed them how to pitch a tent and secure it properly. Remember this was their first time camping, they were amazed at how fast and easy setting up could be and it went well.
Then they were off swimming, fishing and boating. The Psp was never used that weekend, We offered a evening movie, which was turned down. Instead they roasted marshmallows and made smores, sat by the fire until late that evening and had to drag themselves to bed. The mom reported that her son wants to camp again, and his friend who wasn't a water person came to appreciate the lake and the outdoors.


The second group arrived shortly after the first group left that Sunday evening. Another mom and her daughter bringing with them two young girls. Fortunately they arrived just before sunset, and the girls immediately began swimming until dusk.


The moon was almost full, and the sky bright, a perfect time for a walk to star gaze.
The girls were nervous at first about walking without flashlights turned on in an unfamiliar setting.
Watching them explore their world by night gives further proof to the power of camping. After returning to our campsite we made smores. The Girls choose to watch a bedtime movie, which ended up watching them sleep. 


A morning swim is a favorite way to start the day, Our girls thought so too!
But they made it an all day affair. We always take along goggles and floats to add to the fun. The mom confessed that she thought three girls would be a great deal of work for her, but as they played in the lake all day (in life jackets). Finding treasures, riding the waves from passing boats. Mom realized just how easy camping can be. She sat near the waters edge under a beach umbrella catching up on some reading and the natural beauty.
Until next time. 
We would love to hear from you, comment on this page or drop us a email.


Sunday, September 13, 2009

Camping a positive influence on our youth


First time camping with The Camping Consultants




We just came across this article (City kids leave concrete behind for the outdoors)
and thought it was inspirational, hat's off to Eugene Kane of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel for bringing this information to light.
Ron Johnson a community resource coordinator, and the group TJ Peace are to be commended as men who recognizes the need for positive male role models. 
They also sees the importance that camping and nature has on ones growth and development.
Another person in the group is Terrence Ray, director of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative.
Here's a quote from the article,

"Ray also considered the trip a valuable way to put his group's mission - promoting the role of fathers in their children's lives - into practice. This particularly includes African-American fathers and sons, a group that some people don't naturally equate with being avid campers in this part of the country."
This gives the Camping Consultants hope that a new generation of men will develop into the leaders of the future.
Men that appreciate the natural world and all that it has to offer. Our wish is that camping can become a retreat for the whole family. 

The Camping Consultants

Friday, September 11, 2009

How to start a campfire

This video was made Labor Day weekend. We had two separate groups of camping converts with us.
We're still recuperating from a great time. Stay tuned for more details.
With the cooler evening nights this can be one of the best times for a crackling fire.
So grab some marshmallows and go camping!

Please watch the video and let us know what you think.

leave a comment we would love to hear from you.

The Camping Consultants



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