Mother's Day at Cooper Lake State Park

We had the privilege of sponsoring the Turner Family for a Mother's Day weekend at Cooper Lake State Park with Texas Outdoor Family. One of the Turner girls was kind enough to write about her experience with her family. Read about it below and show them some love in the comments! For more pictures, visit the Texas Outdoor Family Facebook Page. 

Credit: Texas Outdoor Family

Credit: Texas Outdoor Family

Our Mother's Day camping trip at Cooper Lake was our first time camping at a state park and on Mother's Day. I loved our camping trip because my grandma got to come. She doesn't really like camping nor has she done it before but she came out to be with us. We had so much fun. Geo-cashing and kayaking where great. Geo-cashing was more of like a hunt. Kayaking was muddy waters but a good work out and my grandmas first time doing it.

My favorite activity was listening to the sounds of the night group. We found a scorpion there while listening to the teachers and learned that it turns neon when it's put under black light. While camping out we had a fire and at night when doing the marshmallows there was a raccoon that came up to our area from the woods.

Credit: Brenda Turner

My younger brother got a junior outdoor camping badge and we got a cool bag with stuff in it like reusable water containers. The next day we stayed longer to enjoy the lake where we got to see killdeer birds nest on the ground with eggs in it and tons of bird feathers all over the lake shore that we tried identifying.

I think this was the perfect weekend to camp outdoors because during the day it was hot and at night it was cold so you could sleep really well bundled up. Over all it was fun to be with our family and just have a good time outdoors while learning new things.

Natalia Turner 11 years old.

May 20, 2013

We think it looked like a perfect way to spend Mother's Day, Natalia! Do any of you have fond memories of a great Mother's Day? Do you have any traditions?

2013 Walk for Water

There are many opportunities for us to get outside, even when we live in the city. Tomorrow, Friday May 17th, you can get outside with your family and enjoy the Trinity River Audubon Center for FREE.

I will be there! Will you?

The Science Education Research Lab at UNT, led by Dr. Rudi Thompson, is hosting an event called Walk for Water. It is a celebration of the outdoors and the entire community is invited to come walk the trails of the Audubon center starting at 10am. This event is FREE, so make sure you go out and join them. This project was made possible by a grant from the Outdoor Foundation and CamelBak.

You can also get a FREE CamelBak Eddy water bottle, REI water bottle, and shirt!

You will enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails and learn about ways that you can save water in your home, because we all know that water is such a precious, precious resource that we don't want to waste! Summer is coming and Texas droughts can be brutal, so go get outside and learn how to save water tomorrow!

See you outside,
Victoria

5th Camping Trip - Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Our last camping trip for the 2013 season occurred on April 12-14, 2013 at Lake Mineral Wells State Park. This was our first 3-day, 2-night adventure and we had a great time.

The Texas Outdoor Family rangers are wonderful leaders. They teach you the basic skills you need to have a comfortable and relaxing overnight stay at a state park. We learned about outdoor cooking as Ranger Cassie  made a cake in the dutch oven that only took 3 ingredients! Who says cooking outside has to be difficult?

4th Camping Trip - Cedar Hill State Park

 On April 6-7, 2013 we attended the Texas Outdoor Family Workshop at Cedar Hill State Park! In our group we had 3 families that were about to set up camp, cook over an open fire, and go fishing for the first time! Our group of 14 learned how to set up the REI Camp Dome 6 tent, cook on the Coleman Dual Fuel Stove, and Leave No Trace during the weekend.

Let's G.O.! and reconnect families with nature

Our group members value family time and nature. We are a community of learners, helpers, and outdoor enthusiasts and have been able to introduce families to the outdoors during the month of April.

We have also been asked to share our stories with the Children and Nature Network Let's G.O.! initiative and are so grateful for the opportunity!

Do you think it's important for families and youth to get outside? Why is it important? Please read our thoughts on the matter and then tell us in the comments what your opinions are: 

http://childrenandnature.ning.com/group/letsgo/forum/topics/getting-outside-with-north-texas-kids-outside

All children deserve a connection to nature!

We hope you all get to enjoy the spring season and spend time outside with those you love! 

To see more photos from our Cedar Hill State Park workshop with Texas Outdoor Family, please visit our Facebook page and give us a "Like"!

See you outside,
Victoria

Yes, you can get outside if you live in the city!

We have been so fortunate to have been featured as guests on a  leading blog for outdoor families, Tales of a Mountain Mama! 

If you live in Texas, or want to visit, we've suggested some fantastic state parks that are within 1-2 hours of major cities in our great state. 

Read all about our favorite parks at: http://talesofamountainmama.com/2013/03/guest-post-the-great-outdoors-is-closer-to-the-city-than-you-think-take-your-family-outside-in-texas.html

Do you have any favorite places to take your family?

Tell us about in the comments below!

Her Story: Keeping Promises & Climbing Ice

Staying warm in First Ascent layers!

Victoria, our project leader, just got back from her first ice climbing trip!

Check out her story over at Chicks Climbing -
http://www.chickswithpicks.net/chicks-experience/keeping-promises-climbing-ice/

Thank you Chicks Climbing, First Ascent, Ivan Levin from Outdoor Nation, and Cassie Cox from Texas Outdoor Family for your support!

See you outside,
Victoria 

What's your favorite outdoor activity?

The Holloway Family's Recap of Their First Camping Trip!

Thank God for Camping!!!  Our trip took place on the weekend of December 8^th/9^th 2012 in Mineral Wells, TX.  I had never been camping before in my whole life.  This experience turned out to be very blessed because it was a guided tour.  Without the help of your North Texas Kids Outside project, and coaching, our crew would not have participated.  Now having done so, I realize it’s really great time spent together!!!

3rd Camping Trip: Lake Mineral Wells State Park

A sunny and calm weekend made for an awesome camping trip for the Holloway family, Steinkamp family and Matt, park rangers, and our NTKO volunteers! We were able to go rock climbing, geocaching, fishing, star gazing, and even got to enjoy some s'mores around the campfire as one big family. Words can't describe how much fun this trip was and how beautiful the scenery was.

Our youngest camper was under age 2 and he had a blast getting to experience the bugs, rocks, leaves, and sunlight. His Mom said that he also enjoyed a night of deep, peaceful sleep. If you are interested in getting outside for the day, one night, a weekend, or even a week long adventure, there's a state park near you! 

Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife site to start planning your adventure, today!

Family fun with NTKO!

2nd Camping Trip: Dinosaur Valley State Park

Three more families experienced camping in the great outdoors during a Texas Outdoor Family workshop at Dinosaur Valley State Park Nov. 17-18, 2012. This was the first time each of these families went camping and they had a great time! Our volunteers were asked to keep them updated on more camping opportunities. We can't wait to take more families and youth OUTSIDE!!

To learn more about Dinosaur Valley and schedule a visit, please click the following link:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/dinosaur-valley