Videos

Beach Baby

Afer 3 days of warming up to the idea of "big water" Olivia (16 months) became a beach baby. While at first she didn't want to touch the water, after observing other kids and babies splashing, she was thrilled to spash with them and run around in the shallow waters of Red Bay. We couldn't take her out of the water without her crying. And as soon as we put her back on the shore she returned to the water.

Does you baby love water?

Camping Fun for Kids

What could be more fun than typical camping activities: playing in the sand, splashing in the lake, playing board games with friends and wagon rides for little ones.

We all had our fun last summer, but the kids had a blast. Nobody missed any TV time. Nothing can beat the outdoors in the summer.

Roasting Potatoes in the Campfire

Here is how to make perfect roasted potatoes in the camp-fire:

  • Start the campfire and wait a while till you have some ashes and embers
  • Wash the potatoes and wrap them in aluminum foil
  • Drop them into the fire pit and bury them in ashes the best you can. You don't want your potatoes to be burning in the fire itself.
  • Wait 10-15 minutes
  • Take them out of the fire pit carefully and unwrap. Be carefull-they will be really hot.
  • Enjoy wth salt or butter.Perfect camping food.

 

This is obviously a job for grown-ups since it is very easy to get burned by the flames or to fall into the pit.

Kids around the Campfire

Everyone likes sitting around the fire. Even babies are fascinated by the flames. So keep the fire going and provide some food and entertainment (like singing songs) and you will have some happy campers. Always supervise your children around the campfire and teach them fire safety. Older kids should be familiar with the STOP, DROP and ROLL technique, just in case their clothing catches fire.

As you can see my baby Olivia (16 months) really enjoyed watching the fire with daddy.

Easy and Tasty Camping Food

Nothing beats campfire-prepared food. And cooking is enjoyable, too. From roasting corn on the cob, roasting hotdogs or sausages over the flames, to potatoes rosted in the coals, the taste is superior. Kids enjoy making their own food and then they enjoy eating it. No hassles and minimal clean-up, since very often no pots are involved.

Have fun and Bon appetite!

Get Inspired and Motivated

For a quick boost in your mood watch this little inspirational video that I created. The messages will uplift your spirits and images will make you smile. So relax and enjoy. Get motivated to exercise and get "out there" with your family and friends. Get closer to nature.

Making Smores

Making smores is a fun part of camping with kids. Mark will demonstrate how you do it. At the end it does not matter if you burn your marshmallow or if you run out of chocolate. It still tastes delicious to all the kids and they can have lots of fun making s'mores. Parents like them too.

Watrermelon Fun

Camping gives you a great opportunity to eat outside and enjoy the company of good friends.

Invite all the kids for a healthy snack of watermelon and make some new friends.

Exploring RV's and Camping Trailers

Watch as we walk around the campground with baby Olivia. On one short walk we could see many different types of trailers, motorhomes and park models. Some trailers were huge and some were small pop-ups. Our own trailer is a bit older, but still in excellent condition and serves us very well every summer. Of course park models are the biggest of them all and more resemble camping cabins then RV's. Have a look yourself.  

Family Tents

Walk around a campground with us and see different types of family tents. They come in many shapes and sizes and we could not possibly cover them all. Some tents have multiple rooms, some have one large room only that can fit a family of four, some are taller and some are lower. Same goes for screenhouses. See for yourself and take your pick.

Camping with Baby

This year was a special year for our family: I had a baby girl. Olivia was only 3-months old when we took her camping for the first time. As you can see she was a happy camper and we were really enjoying her company. See all her firsts: first campfire, first time on the beach and first dip in the lake.

Camping with a baby can be fun and easy. As we found out, contrary to popular opinion, you don't really need much extra equipment just for the baby. For more tips see my blog post on camping with a baby.

Celebrate Canada Parks Day

Parks Canada are celebrating 100 years.

For more information visit:  

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/celebrations/index.aspx 

 

Great American Backyard Campout 2011

There is not too early to plan your campout with Great American Backyard Campout on June 25, 2011.

Dutch Oven Potatoes

This a tasty and easy recipe for potatoe dish, which may easily turn into a whole meal. Enjoy ease of cooking in a Dutch oven. You may even try it at home.

One Pot Meals in Dutch Oven

Here is a great video with 3 easy recipes for one-pot cooking: chicken stew, beef stew and beans. Nothing beats the ease and taste of Dutch oven meals cooked over the coals.