First trip of the year with my boys.

Adam B

Adam B

Guide
Joined
May 29, 2009
Messages
2,355
Likes
405
Location
SE Michigan
I sometimes can trick myself into thinking I'm somewhat skilled at fire making. When I'm disciplined I can make fire with a couple methods, even when wood is soaked.

But... What about when you're trying to keep track of 3 kids in the woods, one who wants to go home because he's cold (and 3 years old)...then somebody gets hit in the face with the branch used as a teeter totter?

This is the second trip in a row when I've tried to short my fire prep and had to scramble to save a dying fire. My new years resolution should be 3x the prep...yeah.

So eventually I was able to salvage this one, but I had to use fatwood. Everything here (including the ground) is soaked. But I did get the kids some cocoa as promised and we had a great time. Sometimes I get frustrated about the challenges of bushcrafting with my kids, but it has huge rewards and is building my skills and character.

20120101144137.jpg


20120101151104.jpg
 
The patience you learn will serve you well in every area of your life. Unfortunately, it's one thing I find I never quite have enough of, and I'm always looking to improve in that area.
 
Atleast you are getting out there with them. They will remember these days later on and cherish them
 
Good on you for getting them outside. I use to beat myself up early on in my kids lives when I took them out, as I often would strive to make every outing perfect. I was overly critical of myself. Over time I came to realize my kids loved getting out, they remembered the outings and even if I didn't think things went as well as I thought they should have, my kids absolutely remember them fondly.
 
It is well worth the investment of time and frustration! Good job and thanks for the pictures! Love that last one!
 
heck, fatwood is no shame! My kids saw me use instant light charcoal briquettes a bunch of times!

the important thing is to get 'em out there while they are really young.
builds great memories, they still think you know everything there is, and it makes them into little outdoors people. :D
 
Congrats on getting out in the woods with your kids. Don't beat yourself up about using a little fatwood to get a fire going. When I've got any or all my kids with me, I bring tinder and if it's been wet at all I usually bring pencil lead and pencil kindling with me so I don't have to put in so much prep work while keeping track of the kids. I've got three little ones (4,3 and 1) and it is a challenging enough to keep track of them in the woods without trying to do all my prep work too. If I go out with my kids the trip is about them. If I want to "practice" I'll go by myself.

Looks like you had a pretty good trip. Thanks for sharing.
 
Good for you. Having a 4 year-old myself, I know it can be challenging; but like the other guys said, they will remember and cherish these times for the rest of their lives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top