Campers Have S’more Fun!
Tell us about your camping adventures. Where have you gone, what activities have you enjoyed, who has shared these experiences with you?
Charlie – Every year we travel to Algonquin Park with my aunts and uncles and cousins. It is a five hour drive but so worth it. I love it because we travel by canoe everyday to a new campsite. It’s super hard work but really fun. We love to swim, fish and hunt for frogs. We have learned to collect and cut firewood, and prepare a fire for cooking. We like to climb trees and explore places like waterfalls in the park.
Harrison – The best place we have camped is in Algonquin Park. When we go interior camping we always travel with our family, cousins, aunts and uncles. It’s my favourite vacation with my family. It’s so beautiful. Everywhere you look is like a picture out of a nature movie. We are lucky to have such beautiful parks in Ontario. We always are swimming or fishing or canoeing and portaging. Sometimes it’s really hard work because you have to carry everything you use for the whole trip on your back. You have to set up your campsite and organize your meals, and plan months before you go. We have really awesome backpacks and gear that makes it easier. We learned how to throw knives at a target and were getting good at it now.
Why does camping give you freedom?
Charlie – Camping gives us freedom because we try to pick camp sites that are on islands and we are usually the only ones there. Our parents set some rules. Don’t go in the water without an adult present. Never leave the campsite area alone. Always travel in at least a group of two. Never leave without telling an adult. Always wear a whistle. And always respect nature.
Harrison – Our parents let us do whatever we want as long as we follow some safety rules. They really trust us now because we always follow the rules. When we aren’t setting up or tearing down our camp, our cousins and my brother and I have the freedom to spend time in the woods exploring and having fun as long as we respect nature.
Why do you think it’s important to spend time in nature?
Charlie – I think it’s important because it’s peaceful. I learn a lot about trusting myself and pushing my limits. Interior camping is exhausting but it’s my favourite way to spend time with my family!
Harrison – You have to respect nature. There are bears and wolves in the park and we have to always be aware of our surroundings. We are very lucky to have so many parks in Ontario to use and to be able to continue using them we have to protect the animals and plants that are at risk of being lost. I look forward to the chance to apply to be a Jr. Park Ranger when I’m old enough.
Charlie and Harrison
Meet 10 year-old twins, Charlie and Harrison, our new Kid Zone writers!
Each month, they’ll be sharing perspectives on life as a child sees it.
