Raising Kids Wild: The Beginning

My name is Stephanie Harper and I’m a mama of 4 who loves being outdoors. I also finally racked up the courage, swallowed my fears and challenged myself to conquer a pretty tough hike recently carrying my littlest on my back all the way to the end. After climbing “that hill” to the top and overlooking the beautiful, majestic sight before me, I was grateful my family was there to experience it with me. The smells surrounding me were green and fresh and airy–my quads ached and the sounds of the kids amazement were pretty epic. I wanted to share that feeling with everyone I knew and shout at the top of my lungs that this is doable! It’s not easy, but doable–family in tow.

Growing up, I remember the Summer camping trips our family would take to Sonoma County and the way the air smelled being surrounded by trees and dirt. We camped a lot–or what I thought was a lot because they’re the only real memories that come back to me whenever I think of being outside as a child. I still reminisce the way the wind whizzed through our tents during that camping trip on the beach or how much fun it was to swim in an actual river and how annoying it was to get rocks in your water shoes…the sunburn and pure tiredness from playing so hard all. day. in the open air.

I think that’s all that really matters. When I reimagine my fondest memories there’s a reason why and it’s the feelings that come with them that provoke me to want to be in that place again. More importantly, I want my kids to know how that feels and be pumped about exploring new terrain, having fun, and conquering new challenges they’re faced with on our hikes and in their life.

My memories will stay with me forever but my hope is by sharing our family experiences outside, you’ll want to raise your kids in the wild too.

Happy adventuring!

Stephanie