One of the great privileges I have as a Grandfather is exposing my grandsons to the great outdoors. This weekend was one of those times. When my daughters were old enough, I was the first one to take them each camping as they became old enough. My oldest grandson (6 next month) has had a steady interest in everything outdoors so this last weekend we went. His Mom was all for it as she still remembers when I took her and the exact location to this day. He helped me pick the spot for the tent and helped set it up.
Helped gather firewood
I taught him how to build a fire using tinder, kindling and grapevine bark. (And we made fun of “city folk”that use paper to start a fire.) and using only 1 match. After that we sat , waiting for dark where he got to have his first own can of Coke.
An hour before dark his mother and little brother stopped by on the 4 wheeler to see the site. Little brother was bummed he couldn’t go but I promised he would be next and it would be just us two.
As darkness set in we lit the fire and I gave him his own LED flashlight and we sat and watched grandpa’s “magic fire “ with special colors.
As we drifted off to sleep, my mind reflected on many of the past camping trips over my lifetime and the grand memories I have from them, from
“Kid camping” to wilderness backpacking in Ohio, PA and Florida as an adult.
I only hope he treasures the “firsts” I have exposed him to as much as I do.
What an awesome post!! Man they grow up fast and it won't be long he will be trading that first can of Coke for his first beer!! Memories Made right there!!