School holidays can often be a time of great panic and trepidation; what to do; where to go; will we have to re-mortgage the house to pay for it all?? This holiday we decided to remove all the thought processes, and get back to nature ... we went camping!
For those of you who have never been camping with kids, this task on its own may seem mammoth and insurmountable ... but the reality is, all the kids actually need is a tent, a sleeping bag, some food and a water supply; and all you'll need is a never ending supply of wine, a comfy chair, and a good book. Sound more appealing?
There's nothing better than a few days in the bush to wash away the stresses of everyday life, and get back to basics. Granted, setting up camp is sure to bring on a sweat, (and an argument or two), but once your simple abode is standing firm, the wine is poured, the snacks are out; then the adventure begins!
There's no better way to explore your surroundings than going on a family bear hunt; you're going to catch a big one for sure! The kids will love tip-toeing through the bush (stick to the trail path!), listening out for every little sound that might indicate a great big hungry bear is lurking nearby. Be sure to warn passers-by of the bears up ahead; you'll be surprised how many random strangers join in. Everybody loves a good story (especially when there is a distinct possibility of a gruesome outcome!).
Take a picnic and stretch it out; be sure to look out for "treasures" along the way; a stick; a feather; a stone; a leaf ... everything is treasure when you put your imagination hat on. These special collectibles will also come in mighty handy when you stumble across a stream, particularly one which has a troll bridge; because these 'treasures" magically transform into wondrous pooh sticks on this bridge, ready to win the race!
Pooh sticks, you may well ask. Yes, pooh sticks, the most captivating game in the wild. Who's stick will get to the other side first? Who will be hailed the pooh-stick champion? Guaranteed to take even the most steadfast stickler back in time to a less-complicated childhood.
Identify as many birds, trees, leaves, insects as you can; taking back to base camp any particularly interesting finds - the kids can draw them later, whilst you relax with that good book and a glass of vino. Not too many though, or you may be hearing bears in the woods all night!