A couple of weeks ago our Church had a Ward Campout. It was such a blast! Last year we weren’t able to make it and my boys were devastated. So when my hubby remembered he was singing in a concert that same night I decided to take the kids on my own. It made it easier because there were tons of other people around in case of an emergency. We camped at Airplane Flats near the Upper Canyon Creek Campground. I have been trying to have more outdoor adventures with my children. We had so much fun we want to head out there again during Fall Break.
My kids loved being outdoors. Is there anything better than playing with sticks and exploring outside with your brothers? Because Grady wouldn’t be with us I made the boys promise to help set up the tent and help with the other camp responsibilities. Our tent is super easy to set up. We practiced the night before in our entry area just to make sure we had everything we needed. Yoda said it was like a dream come true. I had each of the boys hammer in a stake to hold down our tent. It took longer but was worth it.
Little Miss Georgiana loved being outside with her baby. The camp isn’t too far from Payson, Arizona so it was quite a bit cooler. She was really great at staying in our camp site. She loved sitting in the chairs with her baby. Grady decided to join us after his concert, but didn’t get there till 2:30 am. It’s a little hard to find in the dark. And I am pretty sure Forest Road isn’t labeled. Grady says he can tell how long someone has been in the ward, or our church group, by how confident they are about it being easy to find. Luckily I had some great friends who stayed up with me till about 1:00 while I waited for him. But then I had to head in to bed.
Some of my favorite things about camping is the food. We made foil dinners and had s’mores later that night. The kids loved roasting marshmallows. Luckily for us some of the church leaders put on the breakfast the next morning. But breakfast burritos are typically my favorite. The kids were so excited to see Dad in the morning. Draco and Yoda had fun exploring together and it took forever to find them. We had some great activities with our church friends that morning. There is a river with a great rope swing down a little path. My kids loved it. It’s where most the kids hung out. We only had one child break their arm.
Sorry for the overload of pictures but we had such a great time. It was gorgeous and quiet and the temperature was perfect. My boys loved practicing Leave No Trace. Sleeping in a tent was such a fun time. Some kid found a snake and was showing everyone. We were able to visit and spend time with friends and have time as a family. My boys got to practice some great camping skills. And we were giving opportunities to help and serve others. I found out later that there is a fish hatchery that we will have to see next time. There is plenty to explore around the camp and it’s free. How awesome is that?
Grady ended up taking the boys home but first made a stop by Bass Pro Shop. They had a blast checking out that fun store. Our family had a great time camping. I can’t wait to head back. Even though the planning can take some work it is worth it. Camping is defiantly my favorite childhood memory and something I want my children to experience. Arizona is such a gorgeous place. I can’t wait to try out some other campsites.
Where does your family love to camp??? I would love to hear. Usually my family growing up would camp at the beach. Not really an option here in Arizona.
