5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Extreme sports for the family

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*affiliate links are present in this post - see disclosure 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

My husband and I spent our honeymoon whitewater rafting through the jungle in Costa Rica. It was there we became pregnant with our first son, and our life of adventure, travel, and excitement abruptly took a major turn. We went from daring and free to "they'll never let me skydive with a baby strapped to my back" in the blink of an eye.  

We wanted a family. We just didn't expect it to begin so quickly. Yet, there we were, on our 1 year anniversary, with a 2 month old baby in our arms. We spent that anniversary with a quiet evening at home eating lobster. It was nice, and we were happy, but it sure was a change. 

It wasn't too terribly long before the adventure bug was biting again. We found ways to take our little guy with us. He was boating and island hopping as soon as he could hold his head up. Boy #2 was only a couple of years behind him and before we knew it, we were a family of 5. 

What exactly is extreme adventure for families? How does that look differently from our prior adventures? Well, the number one difference is the amount of equipment that is required to haul around. With a family, you don't just take off to go wilderness camping and wing it. You have to plan, and haul stuff. You also have to have an emergency "out". 

Whether we are headed off on a road trip adventure or out into the wilderness, we always have a plan to check in with a responsible family member. If they don't hear from us at the appropriate times - they know where to come looking. 

Adventures are only truly fun when they are safe. Planning, research and common sense can take care of that in a flash. 

Although you cannot indeed, jump out of an airplane with an infant or toddler strapped to your back, you can paddle a river with them in a canoe or kayak. 

As a matter of fact, the sooner you introduce them to the idea that these outdoor adventures are a way of life, a special "family hobby" or an inherited lifestyle - the simpler it is when introducing new activities. 

Enjoying extreme adventure with the family can be affordable. Often times there is an initial investment to spend on equipment that will last as long as you take care of it. If it provides countless hours of enjoyment and family bonding, it is totally worth it. 

Extreme defined: 

It is what you make of it! A bike ride can be just a bike ride, or a cycling adventure. A camping trip can be just a camping trip - or a wilderness adventure. Like life - it is what you make of it and you can pursue outdoor adventure at your own level and pace . . . together, as a family. 

Why extreme? 

• Fun and challenging 
• Forms strong family bonds 
• Develops self esteem and confidence 
• Get's families out in God's creation together 
• Memories that last a life time 
• Traditions to be passed on through generations

What kinds of "extreme" activities are easily adapted for families? 

• Biking/ cycling adventures on trails and tracks through woods, mountains and paths 
• Kayaking in oceans & down rivers 
• Hiking - start early with family walks and gradually lengthen them 

• Family camping in campgrounds and resorts 
• Wilderness camping (rivers, islands, mountains) 
• Skiing - water and snow 
• Surfing & body-boarding 

Whitewater rafting/ Elkhorn Creek, KY - Class I & II 

• Whitewater rafting- Class I - Class III (most places it's not legal to do Class IV with young kids) 
• Tubing 
• Spelunking - exploring caves 
• Rock climbing - real or simulated (takes expertise but can be done safely)

• Paddleboarding 
• Canoeing - rivers, lakes and creeks 
• Fishing (yes, this can be an extreme sport too)  
• Snorkeling

To put a little excitement into your summer - get out and try some of these (or your own) ideas for extreme family adventure. There are special bonds created when you step out into the unknown together and discover something new in God's wonderful creation. 

Be safe - and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime! 

A fun & informative book to help prepare you: 

Outdoor Parents Outdoor Kids: A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Camping

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*Girls like adventure too - hey, I'm a girl! This article is about boys because I have them & it's a fun title. You can apply the things that work for you and your family. The real point is to get the family outdoors! 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Moms, you can take the kids camping! I love it when my husband is available to go with us, the family time is our favorite thing. However, he does work for a living. Instead of waiting until he is able to go, we take off whenever possible on our own. Here are a few things I do to make things easier:

• don't wait for an emergency to make emergency plans - be prepared 
• have a first aide kit - up to date 
• keep a plastic bin with cooking utensils, pots & necessities next to cook stove - ready to go
• keep sleeping bags rolled up and together to grab quickly 
• keep blow up mattress's and pump together for comfort 
• fans and cords cool things off when the weather is hot 
• sweep out the tent after each use when breaking down camp - small broom or hand sweeper 
• pop up stools or chairs on standby to rest while breaking down or setting up camp 
• stay hydrated 
• meal prep ahead of time for easy on-site preparation (wash & wrap potatoes in foil - chop veggies) 

A simple fan can make a world of difference during hot weather

Packaging food in ways it won't be ruined outdoors. Slice fruit ahead of time. 

Use a tote for daily picnics on the trails or as you explore away from camp each day. 

Set up your home away from home to be comfortable. Use a table cloth. Keep a kitchen bin on hand to pack food up at night - lock it in the car to keep critters out of your tent (ask me how I know this) 

Don't be afraid to explore with the kids in the great outdoors. With a little extra planning and some good common sense, you can have a wonderful time making memories that last forever.

Download:  FREE camping checklist here
                    FREE camp kitchen checklist here
                    FREE emergency checklist here

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Exploring in style & $80 Giveaway

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Exploring in style! 

Boys love a good adventure, but it becomes even MORE fun when they are dressed for the occasion. Girls aren't the only ones who play dress up. Although good 'ole fashioned outdoor play is great, no matter what the dress code, there is something magical that happens when you add a special hat, tool belt or cape. The adventure becomes all that much more real for your kids when props are added to the scenario.

You don't have to spend a fortune to outfit your boy for adventure. We've bought plastic swords from the dollar store, with breast plates, and shields that provided countless hours of excitement and sparked the imagination. A few props make for great excitement on an expedition.

10 things 4 exploring in style: 

• Backpack - real explorers carry supplies 
• Walking stick - real hikers have special sticks 
• Binoculars - to look for birds and wildlife 
• Field journal - to identify the wildlife you come across 
• Canteen - water bottle - recyclable metal is a good choice and they can be personalized 
• Headlamps, lanterns, flashlights - we love them all 
• Swiss Army knife- for older boys 
• Compass - mapping is a great skill to learn & using a compass is key
• Walkie-talkies - Fun - a great way to let kids enjoy a bit of freedom (when you know the area) 
• Hats - military, hunting, explorer, cowboy - whatever their pleasure, kids love hats 

Great Outdoor Gear For Kids at JmCremps.com



Visit the other 5 Day Series bloggers listed here to read about all the wonderful 5 Days of Summer ideas

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of Summer . . . Adventure for boys: Getting out with little ones

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 


*affiliate links are present in this post - read full disclosure here

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Getting started with little ones 

Moms tell me all the time "I'm just not outdoorsy". But, getting out for adventure with your boys doesn't have to be an extreme sport. Nature walks are a great place to start.

You can make it more exciting by calling it an "adventure hike"  an "exploration" or an "excursion".
My boys love to carry a backpack with a water bottle, binoculars, field journal and snacks. They always look for a special hiking stick as part of the fun on our adventures.

Start them young and teach them to keep a sharp look out for wildlife to enjoy. Use over exaggerated movements and whispering voices to teach them to walk softly and speak quietly out in nature. This is your best shot at being able to view special animals in creation.

Take time to notice the details. God's fingerprints are everywhere in nature. If you slow down and look carefully, you will see the hand of the Divine Designer on His wondrous creation. 

Summertime Adventures for Boys and the Family -from JMCremps has loads of supplies for backyard fun, beach toys, metal detecting (e.g. "treasure hunting"). It is fun to spice things up a bit and add special gear for your adventures when possible. But, a quiet walk  hike in the woods, an adventurous spirit, and an eye for detail is all it really takes.

You never know what adventure a bike ride down the local nature trail my bring. 
These Florida Scrub Jays (which are protected) just flew up and landed on our hat, hand, and bikes when we stopped for a water break. It was an amazing experience and an adventure memory we cherish. Remember, don't feed the wildlife. It is imperative for their own safety and sometimes yours. We would not have been touching these birds, except that they just flew up and landed right on us. Exciting stuff! 

You don't have to go far for some big adventure. Start small in your own yard or neighborhood park. But, be sure to get outside this summer and make special memories. Your boys will thank you! 

                     5 days of Summer . . . 

Red, White, & Blue - Sarah

Adventure 4 Boys  - Kelli

(Summer) Travel   - Tabitha

Camping Fun - Stephanie

(Summer) Fun - Laurie

(Summer) Learning - Monique

(Summer) Organizing - Sherri

Love for Mom - Christy

Little Style - Julie

(Summer) Salads - Becky

(Summer) Picnics - Jen

(Summer) Reading- Jamie

The Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of Summer . . . Adventure for boys: the benefits of outdoor play

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*affiliate links are present in this post - read full disclosure here

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Today:

Time in the great outdoors has been shown to increase creativity, improve social skills, and concentration in both children and adults. Running, jumping, climbing and playing are all exercises that may release soothing endorphins which promote healthier sleep habits and create happier children. 

Kids who have a tendency to be hyper active or who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit greatly from the stress release from outdoor adventures. Outside play is good for body, mind, and soul. 

Getting dirty is good for kids! Although there is a time and a place for cleanliness, studies have shown that children who live in "ultra-clean" environments have a tendency to get sick easier; while kids who have an ongoing relationship with dirt and nature actually develop stronger immune systems. By being exposed to small amounts of natural bacteria in the great outdoors, our children are building up a protective barrier against more serious bacteria in the future. Certainly, common sense should apply. Children need to be bathed and nails scrubbed after making mud pies, but the benefits of letting them get dirty far outweigh the bad.

Kids who are allowed to get dirty regularly while playing outside, are happier and more well-rounded. A simple activity such as catching tad-poles creates a sense of pride and accomplishment in them. They can learn a tremendous amount as they explore the world around them. They become more connected to nature, grounded in who they are. and closer to their Creator as they investigate the natural world.

JM Cremp's Adventure Store for Boys has all sorts of wonderful outdoor gear to get your little men suited up for most any kind of adventure. My boys ADORE the JMCremps store and I have a hard time pulling them away from there at the homeschool conventions.

They have equipment for treasure hunting (metal detectors), zip lines, bows and arrows, army surplus tents, genuine metal helmets and all sorts of goodies that make little boys hearts go "pitter-patter". They have books and games to help you plan adventures and for survival training.

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a big adventure - but it does help to get some gear. I'll be going over  more of the basics and providing you with several printable family camping and outdoor adventure checklists this week; everything you need to plan for an adventurous summer with the boys!

The series: 
This Summer Series is brought to you by 12 lovely bloggers.  You’ll be seeing a wide assortment of topics.  From Camping tips to Summer Salads and Summer Organizing.  You will not want to miss the great posts from this team of bloggers.  And, to top it all off, we’ve got a fun giveaway for $80 in cash that you can enter to win!  The winner will be chosen at the end of the week. That will add to your summer adventure for sure. 
                                                                                                      

5 days of Summer . . . 

Red, White, & Blue - Sarah
Adventure 4 Boys  - Kelli
(Summer) Travel   - Tabitha
Camping Fun - Stephanie
(Summer) Fun - Laurie
(Summer) Learning - Monique
(Summer) Organizing - Sherri
Love for Mom - Christy
Little Style - Julie
(Summer) Salads - Becky
(Summer) Picnics - Jen
(Summer) Reading- Jamie

The giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of summer: Adventure for boys

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*affiliate links are present in this post - read full disclosure here

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Did I mention the giveaway? We have an exciting giveaway for you that will be sure to add to your summer adventures. See you on June 17 - Go to any of the links above to enter!