by admin on November 29, 2011
We grandparents look forward to The Holidays as a time when we might have a few elusive moments with those teenaged grandchildren.
What to get them for Christmas besides a check or gift card stymies grandparents all over the world!
Here’s a suggestion: A river rafting trip.
My grandson at the helm!
My husband and I gave our grandchildren a rafting trip several years ago, and it is still a favorite topic at family gatherings.
We wanted an opportunity to get reacquainted with those young strangers who somehow replaced the cuddly adoring preschoolers who used to rush to hug us when we came to visit.
We scheduled a three-day rafting trip with River Dancers. It was a gift to our grandchildren, and also a gift to ourselves.
We spent three days on the Klamath watching those children build new river skills, and having the time of their lives.
We had hours every evening to play together at our lovely riverside campsites, and to catch up on their lives.
Having a host of young, experienced river guides overseeing the water play and making the delicious meals took away the stigma of “going on vacation with the grandparents.”
As our younger grandchildren grow up, we look forward to the time when there will be a river rafting trip in their Christmas stockings.
John or Chantal will be happy to get you a gift certificate, and then to help you plan your trip.
Click here to learn more and to order that certificate.
Guest post by blogger and internet marketing specialist, Joanne Steele. Joanne was not a river rafting enthusiast until she experienced river fun with her grandkids, and realized that gourmet meals would magically appear without her involvement 3 times a day… plus snacks… and fine wine. Really, grandmothers, yummy cookies are just as good when someone else bakes them!
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A great many online sources tell us about the benefits of outdoor play and recreation.
According to he English Outdoor Council “experience of the outdoors and wilderness has the potential to confer a multitude of benefits on young people’s physical development, emotional and mental health.”
The Early Child Development website says: “We know sitting in front of video games and TV are not health beneficial. Being outdoors helps our children to become creative. It is also known that children sleep better when they have played outdoors. Outdoor recreation increases quality of life. There is no limit to the experiences and curiosities that outdoor environments and activities can arouse. Participants frequently discover potential, abilities and interests that surprise themselves and others.
Richard Louv, author of “Last child in the Woods: Saving our children from Nature-Deficit Disorder“ says: “More nature can soothe body and soul.”
Get Kids Outside: Research has shown that children who develop basic motor skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, are more likely to grow into healthy active adults… Don’t just send your children outside to play–be a role model! Go outside with them and participate in games and other activities that require physical exertion!
So how can you get your kids outdoor more? Make it part of your family fun.
River Dancers specializes in family adventures. We understand that children need playful, unstructured time, so we create that kind of environment as part of our river trips.
Family rafting trips offer the wonderful opportunity to discover and enjoy the wilderness as a family. Parents and children interact in a relaxed, friendly environment. The obvious reward is pure fun but the bonding that takes place is the river’s true gift.
Let us help you get your kids outside having fun this summer. Check out our family rafting page.
Call us if you have any questions
800.926.5002
