Dad's Camping Weekend has grown into a fantastic late-spring event whereby 15-20 Dads lead their children into the wilderness (OK, 'wilderness' might be a little strong - we stay at a very user-friendly camp ground that has all the amenities...but nonetheless!) to spend two quality days and nights in the great outdoors.
The average age of the Dads is about 37.
The average age of the children is about 7.
I would say the kids out number the Dad's 2 1/2 to 1. (yes, I know there are no 1/2 kids.....YET!)
The kids absolutely love this trip. The wives view us all as 'Ward Cleavers' and are endlessly thankful to us for "giving them a break". In my humble opinion, I think we are all brave souls and, without question, a pack a superstar father figures.
So, enough patting ourselves on the proverbial back and let me clue you in to a little secret (sorry, fellow Dad campers - don't ban me from the trip); Dad's Camping Weekend is as fun for the Dads as it is for the kids.
Here is why...
Unlike the traditional family trip, Dad's Camping Weekend is more focused on fun than flora and fauna. Hiking, site seeing, and stick-whittling take a back seat to whiffle ball, eating and drinking.
While Mother Nature welcomes us with open arms, I am not sure Mother McCabe would approve of all of the comings and goings at camp.
And please admit it, Moms; when we add you into the mix, camping becomes like every other day in your household (i.e. there are rules). Kids eat healthy, dress warm, brush their teeth, go to bed at a reasonable hour, yada, yada, yada.
At Dad's weekend, we set the benchmark for success pretty low. Basically, as long as no child drowns in the lake, gets lost in the woods, eaten by a bear (granted I have not seen any bears in the greater Rochester, NH region...YET!), lit on fire or contracts some poisonous rash- we consider ourselves model Scout Leaders and the trip a complete victory for Man.
Sure we bring more beer than band aids. More cigars than sunscreen. Sweatshirts become pillows. Fingers become toothbrushes. Gum becomes toothpaste.
You want cookies for breakfast? Go for it!
Don't want to change into your pajamas? I don't care.
Skin your knee? Rub some dirt on it!
Bath? Ba,ha,ha, ha!
Come Sunday, all bodies have been accounted for and we make that long trek back home to normalcy. The kids may be a little tired and cranky. The Dads are definitely tired and, dare I suggest, a little hungover (you know, from the intoxicating clean air)?
But hey, anything for the kids, right? ;-)
P.S. Don't forget to catch me on Patch as well, http://northandover.patch.com/
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