andrew_petro's review
3.0
Useful. Introductory. Checklists.
Includes a couple recipes I'd like to try.
Includes a couple recipes I'd like to try.
jvantland's review
4.0
I grew up camping with my family and have the best memories of summer days exploring the campground and outdoors and nights around the fire. I’ve been wanting to introduce my own kids to this magical experience but felt daunted by all the details and supplies and variables. This book is a great help for all that! She breaks down each component of the camping experience from prep work to meals to hiking to first aid, and so much more, into reflections and manageable lists of steps or supplies. It’s nothing that I hadn’t heard or done before, but having all of the tips and tools in one place makes this a great resource for a busy family who wants to try something new. I’m so looking forward to getting out with my kiddos!
ancequay's review
4.0
Helpful, approachable, realistic, easy to read. I really liked the author's voice - equal parts advice giving and recognizing that parenting means compromising and that it's okay to take non-ideal shortcuts in the interest of having a good time.
vickybuka's review
3.0
What an excellent book. I gave up camping for six years after my first child was born - now I think perhaps I didn't have to do that. The book covers all camping from an overnight at a nearby campground to hiking out on a mountain. It was more than I needed, but it sparked a desire for eating s'mores next to a bonfire again.
The author included several funny stories, all there to encourage you to go out and breathe some fresh air. The book was a little light on the recipe section, but the wonderful craft and activity ideas included made up for it.
The illustrations in the book were very clever. And the check lists for each topic were very comprehensive.
The author included several funny stories, all there to encourage you to go out and breathe some fresh air. The book was a little light on the recipe section, but the wonderful craft and activity ideas included made up for it.
The illustrations in the book were very clever. And the check lists for each topic were very comprehensive.
jtramsay's review
4.0
This isn’t a guide as much as it is a pep talk and a call to action. I bought this book three years ago after an overnight camp in our local park, imagining it would unlock the secret to getting into the great outdoors. Turns out a book can only do so much. This week we spent an overnight in the Great Smoky Mountains and this book was the inspiration that made even a modest campout with my two boys was even possible. For that I’m forever grateful and look forward to the adventures ahead!
ltg584's review
5.0
This is not something I would normally think of reviewing, let alone reading. Normally I read for fun, and this is not something one reads for fun. It's something you read out of desperation!
If you're anything like me, you've been camping with kids, and have had various degrees of success... but mostly failure. I have run through my repertoire of kids games and snacks, and the kids are bored and tired. This results in whining, bickering and possibly some fighting that would rival the bloodiest MMA cage match.
This book might have actually helped (I'll report back after our next trip, driving across the country for a week). From its recipe for "fire starting eggs" to various kids activities, and a full chapter on what to do in the case of whining (Olsson may or may not have recommended ear plugs...), this book is absolutely FULL of great ideas. I look forward to trying all of them!
If you're anything like me, you've been camping with kids, and have had various degrees of success... but mostly failure. I have run through my repertoire of kids games and snacks, and the kids are bored and tired. This results in whining, bickering and possibly some fighting that would rival the bloodiest MMA cage match.
This book might have actually helped (I'll report back after our next trip, driving across the country for a week). From its recipe for "fire starting eggs" to various kids activities, and a full chapter on what to do in the case of whining (Olsson may or may not have recommended ear plugs...), this book is absolutely FULL of great ideas. I look forward to trying all of them!
eahaynes's review
5.0
For families thinking about going camping for the first time, or seasoned campers who now have kids, this is a wonderfully thought out and thorough book. A must-have resource with lots of checklists, tips, and practical buying advice. I wish this had existed when we began camping as a family... It would have saved me from some uninformed decisions and time-consuming trial-and-error.
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