Camping At Old Sturbridge Village

Yesterday we dug out the tent and sleeping bags and drove to Old Sturbridge Village to attend The Great Scout Camp Out. It was the first time they were putting on this event and it seemed like the perfect way to re-enter the camping world after several summers of not camping. 

 After dinner, and before it was time to set up the tent, it was game time.

The girls were pretty good at this. We might have to get a couple of sets. 

 The girls vs. David in a game of French and English (tug of war's original name). 

 Setting up. 

 At 8:00pm we gathered for our first class. Grace chose to do hearth cooking. The instructor was absolutely fabulous! She gave each kid an ingredient to find and measure out. Here, Grace measures out the sugar for the cookies they made (which were super yummy, by the way)! 

 Emma chose to go to woodworking class. She was thrilled to get to use the tools to make a spaddle! It's like a wooden spoon/spatula. The kids in the hearth cooking class even used one to mix the batter they made! 

She did such a great job! We are so excited to have a spaddle to use when we bake! 

 6:00am. 

 A final picture in the tent before we pack it up. 

Nature: Cheaper than therapy. A fitting shirt for this adventure! 

 On our way to breakfast. 

 What a treat to see the Village before it opens. 

 A quick game of checkers while they finish preparing for breakfast. 

We had such a wonderful time! And while it might have been a bit chillier than we would have liked last night, it was indeed the perfect re-entry into the camping world. We were all sad that it went by so quickly and there is already much discussion about making more spaddles should that be a project offered at homeschool day soon. Thank you, Old Sturbridge Village, for another wonderful event. We hope that The Great Scout Camp Out becomes an annual event! xo

A New Tradition

This past weekend we met up with our dear friends from Outnumbered to finally make the much discussed camping adventure a reality.  We arrived at Pine Acres early evening on Friday.  Our campsite was amazing!  We were the only two families in this secluded spot. It was perfect!

After breakfast we agreed that there was much swimming that needed to be done.  We started with a walk to the lake followed by a dip in the pool.

After all that swimming and digging and playing, we headed back to camp to get changed and have some quiet time.  

It was then decided that some ice cream was in order. 

After all, life is short and you should always eat dessert first!

Then it was back to the campsite to get ready for dinner.  Reading and caterpillar finding and general merriment were on the agenda too.    

After dinner there was marshmallow roasting and s'more making followed by a camp wide dance.  

And sadly, our final day arrived.  We all agreed that the end came way too quickly.  Grace reminded us that we never did make it to play mini-golf on the course there, and of course everyone really wanted another trip to the pool/sprinkler park.  While we packed up the kids played and chatted and plans for next year's camping trip were discussed.  It was hard to say good-bye to our friends.  While we don't see Heather and Al and the kids nearly enough, each time we are together it is as if no time has passed!  We are looking forward to next year's Pine Acres adventure already.  Though we surely hope to play a few times before then, of course! 

First (Backyard) Camp Out

Last night we decided was the perfect night to set up the tent and have our first backyard family camp out!  Of course, this was all decided as the sun was getting ready to set.  There is nothing quite like trying to set up a brand new as it's getting dark, but that just added to the fun of camping out in the backyard!  Thankfully the set up time (of twenty minutes) on the box was totally spot on. Otherwise we may have had to abandon our adventure for another night.

The next morning...

Camping was a hit!   Last night was truly the perfect night to be out camping in the backyard.  There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of crickets snuggled next to those you love most.  It was total bliss. 

*We are looking forward to taking this show on the road some day soon. Hopefully, next year we'll be able to join in the fun at Unschoolers Rock the Campground!