Camp Fire Central Texas
There's a little known group (at least it was to me) here in Austin called Camp Fire Central Texas. Among other things they offer youth and families backpacking and other outdoor adventures that help foster a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. Now I can't speak to the group as a whole but there is a splinter group that we've recently become acquainted with. Campfire Backpacking Club is an incredible skill building, friend building, confidence building group that my children recently joined and quickly came to love. It's a nonsecular group based upon an acceptance of all people that is both refreshing and inspiring.
As a family we spend too many hours and way too much money at REI. It was here we met the group's leader and were educated and encouraged to look into this amazing group. If you've ever wanted to backpack, camp or hike with your kids - or if they've taken a liking to it and you're not so interested, this is the group for you! Campfire loves family groups with kids and adults of all ages participating but it also welcomes kids from middle school age up to join without parent participation or supervision. Unsure if this is right for you and your kids…no problem! Camp Fire makes sure it's trips are low cost (around $25 per person) and even allows you to borrow equipment at no charge.
At ages 11 and 13 my children have now participated in trips ranging from one to three days and will soon be going with Campfire on a week long backpacking trip to New Mexico. While I did get them to the orientation with a little prodding, to varying levels of enthusiasm they have agreed to go on several trips this year. While reluctantly attending on occasion, they have always returned full of tales, excitement and new friends! It seems fewer and fewer activities exist these days that involve varying ages…this is a great one! From 6 years to 60 my children have returned having enjoyed each and every person they've encountered.
In addition to new friends they've picked up incredible skills. They've learned to safely build fires, navigate in the back country, and stay safe while backpacking. They've prepared their own meals over a campfire and set up their own shelter. Most importantly they've developed a confidence in their abilities and increased their sense of adventure. I can't speak highly enough about Camp Fire and their Backing Club here in Austin and I hope your family, or at least the kids, will soon be meeting mine out on the trails!
