Product Description
This guide to making outdoor experiences enjoyable for parents and children covers proper equipment, hiking, living in camp, coping with the weather, staying healthy, and surviving in the wild. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fun Read
Written with humor and loaded with information, this little book is excellent - not just for backpacking with children, but also for camping in general. ... Read more

Product Description
Each year millions of all ages and types pack their bags and expectations and head for a Christian camp.While Christian camps and conferences have embraced millions, only a handful have a clear grasp of camping's history, working principles, and future prospects.Fewer still can capture on paper the heart and soul of this great movement.Lloyd Mattson is one of these.In Christian Camping Today he takes us on an exciting journey that will instruct the novice student and enlighten even the camping veteran.Few are as well qualified as Mattson to undertake this challenge.He easily has been the most prolific writer of Christian camping literature of all time. ... Read more

Product Description
Text and photographs present the skills, equipment, and safety concerns of camping. ... Read more

Product Description

Next to baseball and fireworks on the Fourth of July, nothing else seems as American as the family camping trip. From what to pack, where to go, and what to do when you get there, S is for Smores: A Camping Alphabet takes readers on an A-Z trail exploring this outdoor pastime.

Customer Reviews (4)

Reviews for S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET
Here are some reviews about my book, S is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Press).

". . . James uses each letter to highlight a different aspect of the camping experience, including animal tracks, fire safety, navigation and snow shelters. The enthusiastic approach and diverse information will excite children about camping and help them feel comfortable whether they find themselves sleeping in the backyard or the backcountry."
--Blake Anderson, ALASKA AIRLINES in-flight magazine

" . . . Emphasizing respect for the environment and the beauty of nature, S is for S'mores breaks down camping topics alphabetically and accompanies each topic with an explanation or instructions--for example, a short essay on national parks or a list of essential camping gear. There are even a couple of essential recipes for s'mores and trail mix included at the end of the book. While this is an alphabet book, the language and facts will engage children as old as 10."
--Dana Morgenstein, BAY AREA PARENT

". . . nothing says summer like a camping trip. This nicely illustrated book covers everything about camping, from A is for adventure, to Z is for zipper--as in the zipper on a tent or sleeping bag. In between is a wealth of information--snippets about the attractions at various national parks and recreational areas, a discussion about the different gear needed for camping and what to carry in case of emergency, food that's fun to cook and eat outdoors, and of course, a reminder on how to prepare that quintessential camp food, s'mores. The oil paintings, mostly of children enjoying the outdoors, might even inspire you to break out the old backpack and stir up some trail mix."
--ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

"Hiking, campfires, sleeping under the stars--the magic of America's diverse landscapes comes to life in this ode to exploring the great outdoors. Beginning with adventure and ending with the zippers on sleeping bags and tents that keep campers cozy, poetic lines and rich illustrations combine to introduce children to the joys of nature in this camping alphabet book. Lita Judge's lovingly created paintings depict children of all ages and ethnicities enjoying camping activities in a variety of climates and environments. In addition to the rhyming stanza for each letter, each spread has one or more sidebars full of supporting information: the history of camping, highlights of a variety of national parks, emergency essentials, gear, safety tips, and wildlife are just a few of the topics integrated into the text. At the back of the book, the author includes a recipe for trail mix, instructions for creating a sketch pad or memory book, and suggestions for being a "no-impact camper." A fun addition to a classroom library, the book's main text is suitable for reading aloud to groups, but the detailed sidebars will be better savored by independent readers or shared aloud in small installments over a period of days."
--CHILDREN'S LITERATURE REVIEW:

Instructional and Fun, too!
This amazing book can be read in two ways:as a poetry alphabet book with gorgeous accompanying illustrations and/or by reading the information side bars that extend the experience with scientific and historical facts.As a teacher, I have used this book to introduce the joys of many types of camping as well as reinforcing the responsiblities we have to care for our beautiful Mother Earth.My students have then enthusiastically shared their own experiences through writing and art. This is also a perfect book for parents to share with their children, whether they are new to camping or experienced campers.

Camping alphabet
well, this book wasn't at all what I though it would be....the title is very misleading.It is more of an instruction book on camping instead of a child's camping alphabet book.Purchased for my 3 year old grandchild, this book will be sent back for a more adult person to enjoy.

multicultural
Excellent teaching tool for various types of camping experiences including historical, environmental, social and multicultural areas. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to planning and enjoying a camping trip, with tips on reading maps, preparing for adverse weather conditions, building a fire, and including an introduction to competitive orienteering, a hiking sport. ... Read more

Product Description
This resource brings together games new and old from around the world, creating a wonderful collection for parents to explore with their families. The activities can be used any time parents, teachers, camp counselors, and other adults want to encourage laughing and learning and engage children in a positive and fun-filled way. There are games to play at the beach, while camping, in the car, on the plane, and elsewhere. Sample games include Word Tennis, Treasure Hunt, and Storytelling Starters, and photographs and illustrations enhance the play experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Well thought out, well written, fun games and variations
This has a number of clever and fun games, with useful information right in the Table of Contents that allow you to quickly find a game for your group.

Most of the entries are easy to understand, well written and complete, with warnings and suggestions to ensure safe game-play.

Only a few of the entries (e.g., Frisbee golf) seemed half-done and rushed, with incomplete information to play the games (as if they were crammed in at the last minute).

By and large, though, this is a very useful guide to quickly locating a suitable game and modifying it for the age range playing.

Turn off the TV
If you want your children to spend less time watching TV and playing video games, this is the perfect book for you!It was designed for car/plane rides, parties, and family outings.However, as an educator, I see the opportunity to give your children the diversion they crave while developing their imaginations.The activities include both mind exercises and physical challenges, so keep your kids from turning into couch potatoes by using this book to have some family fun.

An excellent layout
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (10/07)

"101 Family Vacation Games" is a compilation of activities that can help entertain both children and adults.The games are divided into six main categories - travel, vacation, beach, outdoor, home, and birthday party games.The book title is somewhat misleading because the games, with the exception of some of the beach games, can be easily adapted to be played anywhere.There is also a special section at the end with games parents can use to interact with babies and young children.

The layout of the book is excellent.Listed at the beginning of each game is the number of participants required, the level of difficulty, and whether any props will be needed (i.e. music or a deck of cards).Most of the games are fairly simple and can be completed quickly.Also provided are ways to modify the games so that younger children can also be included.Several of the games are old favorites, such as Charades, I Spy, and Rock, Paper, Scissors, but there are many with which I had not been previously familiar.

The author stresses the importance of making sure everyone understands and agrees to the rules before the game begins.He also states the importance of parents taking part in the games so they can share similar experiences with the child and create memories as a family.Playing provides many benefits including: exercise, learning ways to relate to others socially, releasing stress, and acting as a diversion to forget about one's problems for a short time.Some games help to develop reflexes and concentration skills.Others involve exploring the world around us.The next time you see children playing don't be surprised if they are actually learning something.

I recommend "101 Family Vacation Games" for all parents and children.It will not only help to develop a closer relationship between the two but also allow them to learn more about the other's thoughts and dreams.Playing together develops lifetime memories that become more precious as the years pass.It is important to set aside a few minutes each day to play, whether it is to remove oneself from life's daily stresses or simply to spend time with those you love.

Fun Games, Ugly Format
When I first got this book my first thought was ,"Oh great, Another book on parenting that has bad illustrations and is full of syrupy platitudes which I've read before." Lines in the book like, "People who use this book can personally discover the wonderful effects of play." did not help. I started to look through the book and remained unimpressed when I read a few of the games. The whole feel of the book did just not click with me.There was ONE thing about it that I liked about the book on my first time through. The icons that gave you at-a-glance information about each of the games. Having just done a search for games for a Cub Scout den the week before I could appreciate not reading halfway through the game before I figured out it was not an appropriate game for my purposes. After reading most of the prose in the book that wasn't game rules I figured there was really only one way to review a book about games. Time to play some games.I called the kids into the living room and told them I needed their help. We chose games mostly at random easily eliminating the ones that required props we didn't have, a beach, or some other element that would prevent us from playing that game. The next two hours flew by and I had to promise we would play some more games the next day in order to get them to go to bed. I quickly learned that it is not possible to know how fun a game will be just by reading the description. Some of the ones that sounded cool, like Toe Fencing didn't work out, but a simple game like Word Tennis was a great hit. I will be putting this book permanently in the car so we can avoid the Are-we-there-yets on the next family vacation. I still think the book could be presented better, but there is no denying that the games are fun.

A Handy Reference for Low-Tech Family Fun
Jump-start family fun time with these 101 ideas for games and pastimes. You shouldn't wait for your next vacation to spend some time with these simple, low-tech games.

Right out of the bubble mailer my boys were playing Word Tennis and laughing out loud. On first inspection, I spotted some tried-and-true favorites, like Rock Paper Scissors, which are probably already in most families' repertoire. But for the most part, the games were new to us. I appreciate the useful table of contents matrix, which matches each activity with the number of people needed.

You might think of "vacation games" as "games to play in the car." But that is just the first section of this book. There are categories for: Travel Games, Games at the Destination, Beach Games, Sand Figures, Outdoor Games, Games to Play at Home, Birthday Party Games, and finally Games for Babies and Young Children.

If you are like me, and your brain stalls when required to come up with something to entertain your children, you'll want to have this book handy. I know I will. ... Read more

Product Description
Picking up on the camping revival, Camping tells you everything you need to know about sleeping in the great outdoors, whether you're a seasoned camper, or preparing for your first trip. Illustrated throughout, it offers practical advice, detailed step-by-step instructions, and checklists to cover every aspect of your camping holiday: what to take, pitching camp, camp organization, and what to cook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great info before camping, even bring it with you
This book was an easy and great read for all ages and people who enjoy
camping. Very informative. I would even suggest to bring it with you and
use it as an activity with kids to try the many different skills. ... Read more

Product Description
When a boy goes camping with his family, he shows the reader how to have fun setting up camp, cooking over a fire, and sleeping in a tent. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the activity of camping, discussing equipment, campsites, cooking, and survival in the wilderness. ... Read more

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Are you ready for a weekend getaway to a national park? Or, are you looking for a rugged backpacking adventure? ... Read more

Product Description
The author of Kids Create! provides more than one hundred illustrated projects and games that make camping fun and educational whether it is in the backyard, a national park, or a neighborhood school yard. Original. IP. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Kids Camp
I love this book and so do the kids.The pages are full of outdoor summer fun.I bought this book for ideas to have Saturday craft day at the State Park where I am employed.You can even make an outdoor solar oven!If your kids get bored over the summer this is the cure.

Worth your money
Packed with clever ideas, it's a great tool for the car camper or the parent who's attacking the disease of "nature deficit disorder" among kids.It's a fun book with many easy-to-accomplish activities for kids, cub scout/girl scout groups, day camps, or just your own little nature-lovers.

A Good and pretty book
I bought this book so I could plan "Kid Camp" one day a week with my two grandchildren.It offered good ideas and has good pictures.I'm glad I bought it.

Heavy on the Backyard
There's a lot of mommy-targeted "fun" activities here but not too many for the woods.

I'm still looking for the perfect family camping book.

Teacher/Mother
This is a wonderful book that can keep children occupied for hours on end. It provides many activities that children can do alone or with their parents. Most of the materials required can be found in the home or outside. The children will learn valuable survival information from many of the activities. The projects are worth the effort; they don't result in a choppy hodge-podge of junk. The illustrations are very helpful. Overall, this book is great for teachers, parents, and children. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

An Amazing Activity Book for Girls
My daughters absolutely love this book! Both of my young girls are in the Girl Scouts and love campfire activities, which is why I bought this guide for them. Using the activities suggested, as well as the ghost stories and campfire songs included in this amazing little kit, they hosted a fabulous campfire slumber party! They even said it was more fun than some of their Girl Scout activities.

There are also safety tips relating to fires, as well as other important information about how to best start fires, extinguish the flames, and even treat minor burns! As a mom, the educational aspect of this book made me feel great about buying it for them!

I recommend it to all - this is a GREAT book!! ... Read more