Over the 4th of July we had our Outdoor Family Camp!
We started off the week with wilderness survival training down by the river. Everyone loved learning more about the essentials of surviving in the outdoors. In the afternoon kids made their own bows and arrows and learned how to navigate a compass. In the kitchen a few ladies learned some tips on meal planning and how to prepare and store food.
In the evenings, while eating desert, families spent time talking, playing gaga ball and indoor games like pool, ping pong and foosball. Other evenings we did a firework show, sung hymns and did some devotions.
Tuesday consisted of more survival training and the kids were able to make tomahawks in the afternoon. Some of the girls created their own pretty designs on fabric through embroidery. Quite a few people made soap and a couple girls tried bread making in the kitchen!
On Wednesday, Ruth Payne, an EMT in the Methow Valley, came and taught medical and emergency training. In the afternoon people were able to make more soap, candles and worked on smoking some fish!
The last day was spent learning about natural medicine through a few plant walks and then an emergency medical plant training taught by Dawn Kinzel. Troy Hacking continued some more navigational training with some hands on activities and Luke Davies finished up his fish smoking class. In the afternoon all the kids teamed up and raced against each other in a build a boat battle! Boats were not only judged on speed but durability, creativity and overall ability to successfully build a boat that lasts. This was definitely one of the favorite activities. The camp ended on an evening of fun where everyone show cased their talent... from singing, to instruments, to jokes and pool tricks it was filled with good entertainment!
Written by Lauren Davies
