#guentheradventures

Motivating Kids to Hike (and love it!) The benefits to getting kids outside and into nature are well researched, and well documented. We know it’s good for them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Here are some ways that we have found worked well for us to keep our own children motivated on the trail. We recommend trying them all and seeing what works for you! Scavenger Hunts: Scavenger Hunts can be super simple or more complicated. If you’re on the go, make it easy. Try counting things, like how many people do you see? How many other animals? How many birds? How many fallen trees? You can do sensory searches. Find something soft. Find something rough. Find something quiet. Find something loud. Let your imagination go wild! This can be changed in 1000 different ways to keep your kids entertained.  We’ve used scavenger hunts with kids as young as 2 and with groups of teenagers as well. It’s great for kids of all ages. Actually, adults will enjoy a good scavenger hunt to

Ohio State Parks created the Storybook Trails -  " Ohio’s Storybook Trails bring books to life for children and families. Storybook Trails are lined with pages from a children’s book to blend the fun of outdoor exploration with reading. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources launched the Storybook Trail program in 2019 to promote the importance of literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with nature."  On the official website , there are maps to see where you can find the trails. They are getting more and more popular as cities start making their own story book trails.  I will always encourage my kids to read and I will always buy them books if they want them (within reason of course!) My parents always said growing up that even though books are expensive they couldn't be upset buying them for us due to how important reading can be. Reading reduces stress by 68% When children have a home library, as few as 20 books of their own at home (one bookshelf full), they ac

Mom, let’s go see the Trolls. Okay, let’s go!

These are the three Best Friends that anyone could have... but really these three are Best Friends Forever - or at least the dads have been friends since they were in elementary school. One of our first trips together with the two families and it was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. Lake Loramie has three cabins available for rent. According to the website , including the 3 cedar cabins which have a loft and separate double bunk bedroom they also have; "42 sites with full hook-ups, 4 are lakeside and 4 are ADA compliant 120 electric sites; 40 of which are premium sites 15 non-electric sites (Tent camping, only.) Several sites have boat tie-ups." It was a decent drive from home and the perfect getaway with friends. The campground has a playground, there are water activities, and our favorite: hiking trails! We were facing the beautiful lake and the view was the first thing we saw when we looked outside in the morning. Sometimes you pick a place with a view! John Muir said, &q