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I walked into my college’s semi-annual job fair looking for just that—a summer job. Instead, I walked out with an overwhelming sense of joy, a feeling of community, a new family. Avid4 Adventure, I learned, was not only a great company, but had core values which I believed in, values I knew I’d be proud and capable to teach and pass on. The two staff members working the job fair table were so sincere at explaining those values and the positive work environment that had grown from the company’s staff culture that I knew I was where I belonged.

As a camp director for the past 10 years, you can imagine how many times I’ve been asked "Is my child ready for overnight camp?" by prospective families thinking of sending their most prized possession away to an overnight summer camp. You are sold on the skill and personal development, making lifelong memories with soon-to-be lifelong friends, all while having a blast in the outdoors—but is your child really ready for sleepaway camp? This is a tough question to answer and it leads to a tougher one, which ultimately leads to the hardest one of all.

You may be thinking that you can’t do much as an individual to make a difference when it comes to protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Well, we invite you to think a little differently for a moment. What if the solution to the problem isn't actually to solve the problem? What if the solution actually lies in emboldening, motivating, and inspiring the future leaders, policy makers, and citizens of the planet to understand and care about the problem? That's not to say that we pass the dilemma off to our kids and say, 'good luck!' but if we aren't encouraging kids to be curious about, experience, and appreciate the natural world, the solutions to the problem will stop with adults. As a parent or an adult, you have the ability to create a ripple effect and it starts with your kids. It starts with leading by example through your own actions and priorities but also making sure your kids understand and care too.

 The advancement of technology has completely transformed our society in a relatively short period of time. Can you remember the last time you went a full day without looking at a screen of some sort (as I type out this article while staring at my computer screen)? It is now a significant part of our lives. Yes, technological advancements have helped improve and simplify communication, advance healthcare and generally make things easier in our day-to-day lives. However, there are also some important statistics to be aware of which make a great case for Screen-Free Week. While the goal is not to vilify technology, it's important to be aware of some of the consequences of too much screen time and consider taking the pledge to intentionally pause from it.

We've said it over and over: getting outside with your family is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body and spirit. That said, we also understand that camping—that age-old ritual of packing the car full to capacity with gear, food and reluctant kids and driving off to an outdoor paradise full of biting bugs, far-off bathroom facilities and, again, those reluctant kids—can be, quite frankly, the worst. Camping with kids can be challenging (to say the least) but it's so important to get outside as a family. Outdoor family adventures can be enjoyable with a just little planning.