Author Archives: Craig
Failed Adventures »
Posted on May 15, 2011When I was a boy, I pleaded with my father to take us to Daniel Boone State Park in southern Missouri. It was a boyhood dream and the complete adventure as I studied the legend I learned about in school. Unfortunately, the drive home went down a freshly paved country road and my father’s impeccable T-Bird collected tar in the tire wheels and siding. For several hours, my father could only complain about the tar rather than focus on the adventure. While I had vowed not to make the same mistake with my son, my own obsessive discipline and goal-oriented nature has overshadowed many a moment together.
Several days ago, Alex and I embarked on an adventure to register his truck and purchase his first license plates. We searched for the closest DMV and headed out late on a Friday afternoon. After about a half hour of waiting, we realized that we would have to go to a Denver County DMV. A little frustrated, we searched on the phone for a location across town. After battling traffic for 45 minutes we realized that our next location was across the street in another county. Quickly, we searched again and found a Denver location clear across town. We also learned that we had to be there by 4:30 in order to get a ticket for the line. Probably 40 stoplights and numerous traffic jams later, we arrived at the DMV at precisely the moment the officer was locking the door. Shut out. Two hours of driving and we failed to accomplish our goal.
On the long drive back home, I had some of those fatherly thoughts about how some advance research and planning should have been done. Fortunately, I bit my tongue and instead silently reflected upon how I just got to spend two hours in mind numbing traffic with my son. We listened to country music, looked at cool sports cars and trucks and teased each other. While I could see it as a failure and loss of two hours of productive time, the peace of just being with my son seemed far more compelling. It was two hours that I will always remember.
Comments From The Grateful Dad »
Posted on May 2, 2011Dear Craig,
Just wanted to say how much both my wife and I enjoyed hearing your keynote talk at SMART GIRL yesterday. You offered such helpful, well-founded information and advice, punctuated by perfect stories and examples that added to your credibility and our learning the important lessons in your message.
Our son turned 12.5 the day before your talk and we are seeing some of the behaviors you highlighted. We left the luncheon in deep discussion and immediately began to apply what we’d learned. We also engaged him in conversation about some of the topics, with good response.
BRAVO! And keep up this good and important work.
Be well and enjoy your springtime adventures.
Gratefully yours,
The Grateful Dad
Thanks Doug!
We plan to have the keynote on our website: craigknippenberg.com.
Crunch It and Recycle! »
Posted on May 10, 2011Do you want to enjoy the outdoors and help the environment at the same time? The makers of the Jet Boil cooking system with their “Crunch it” tool make it easy. Simply drain your fuel canister of any remaining gas and then punch a few holes in the cylinder. This lets the folks know at recycling center that your canister is completely empty, thus it can be recycled. When using Coleman brand tanks, use their Green Key system for the same purpose.
King For a Day »
Posted on April 3, 2011Several months ago, my wife and I started down the road for adopting a sweet young pre-school girl. Our time with her increased with the frequency of our visits resulting in a play date in her territory this past week. What a great opportunity for adventure time.
We quickly went through books, dolls and the latest electronic toys for young ones. Eventually, we settled into a delightful adventure of the dressed up princess being held captive by the evil rubber snake. Dressed in my terra for a crown and yellow plastic bat for a sword, the King jumped into action to save his princess daughter and return her to her castle. Fortunately for the snake, he was changed into a worm with her magic wand and moved to the castle with her.
What a warm, tender and fun adventure in our path of bonding together. Sadly, we learned several days ago that the adoption process will not take place. Through my sadness, I’ve held onto that adventure and the joy of being King for one day. It’s a memory I will cherish. More importantly, it’s a lesson for all dads. Take time for adventures with your kids today. Then hold onto the memories of those moments as if they could be your last.
Shalom McKenna
Monster Time »
Posted on April 4, 2011I recently had a pleasure of being on Captain Coy Theobalt’s radio show, Man Alive! (http://www.castlerockradio.com). His guest for the day was the Grateful Dad, Doug Gertner. That day’s program was on creating adventures with your kids and I got to speak about the roots and programming of AdventureDad.org. Unfortunately, the sound didn’t transfer well, but I’ve attached a brief clip of the program 1Man_Alive_2_28_11.
One of my favorite parts of the show was when Capt. Coy was talking about the monster game he played with his kids every day when coming home from work. Upon entering, he would flop down on the hall floor and pretend to be asleep. The kids would run into the kitchen to get some of the monsters special wake up pills (M & M’s) and feed them to the monster. Upon waking, the monster would then spend the next ten minutes wrestling the kids in a big pile on the floor.
As he talked, I quickly recalled the many joyful experiences I have had with Alex and his friends, as well as, the countless numbers of group kids I’ve taken swimming as part of my work. At the lake, the monster lives in the water waiting to challenge the children. He starts out strong, but quickly tires with the hoard of kids on top of him. All clutching his arm to prevent what is going to happen next, the monster fights to bring his hand to his mouth and take the magic power pill he needs. The ensuing mayhem is one giant laugh and soaking as children fly through the air and struggle back for control. The best part for the monster, is knowing the physics of water and how much easier it is to wrestle those buoyant kids. My hat is off to you Captain Coy for doing it on dry land!
Resale Outdoorsman’s Equipment! »
Posted on March 26, 2011This past week I stumbled on a Denver shop on South Broadway, close to Army Surplus, that just opened its doors. The Outdoorsman’s Attic specializes in outdoor equipment sold on consignment. While the selection was small for their first week, I quickly walked out with climbing equipment, an old pair of crampons for my son to put up on the wall with his other classic equipment, a fabulous rescue shovel and a scuba bag. All were in great condition for about a third of the cost. What a great place for cleaning out your old gear and selling what you don’t need anymore. Even better, this would be a great place to pick up equipment for your kids and then resell it once they have jumped up in size. The Outdoorsman’s Attic can be reached at 303-781-3626 or via email: info@outdoorsmansattic.com. Those of you that are not living in the Denver area, let us know of similar outdoor consignment shops that we could visit.
Snowcat Adventures »
Posted on March 26, 2011This story was sent in by AdventureDad Doug and his son. Once again, the two of them have mastered the art of finding opportunities on the slopes!
An Opportunity to Ascend
“Hey Dad, can we ride the Storm King lift and make some turns in Spaulding Bowl?” That was the request of my son Jordy, a 12 year-old who likes to ski steep, ungroomed terrain, just like his dad. I agreed to his plan and we headed up the first lift, and then the second, only to learn that the surface lift was out of order. Bummer. But wait, it was Christmas weekend and the Copper Mountain Ski Patrol was not about to disappoint us or the rest of the eager skiers seeking this prime part of the area. To our delight, we found them running two snowcats up Spaulding Ridge, and we hopped in line for this rare treat of an enclosed trip to the top. When the huge machine showed up, we stowed our skis in the rack on back, and climbed in to the comfy seats for the five minute rocking ride. My smile and excitement fed Jordy’s, and we piled out, put on our gear, and skated to the cornice of a run called “Patrol Chute,” the steepest on the mountain, to celebrate our first-time up via a snowcat, and our first run of the day in honor of the crew who made it possible.
The 2002 Winter Olympics »
Posted on March 13, 2011Over the years, Alex and I have been privileged to experience some amazing sporting events. The Opening Ceremony of the Salt Lake Olympics however, ranks at the top for emotional intensity. From the thrill of seeing America’s past athletes, to the joy of seeing young athletes from around the world march onto the stage. Each aspect of the ceremony was filled with meaning and significance. The United States was a country in mourning after 9/11 and needed an emotional boost. On our home soil, we screamed with joy as the 1980 US Hockey team lit the torch. From the soil of the World Trade Center site, not an eye remained dry as New York’s finest fireman and police officers marched out with the Trade Center American flag; a moment which will live in our hearts forever.
We hope you enjoy the ceremony as well as the events which follow. Going to the Winter Olympics means 16 hours a day of clothes prep, travel, and waiting in line for security. Our four days were packed with activity but also packed with great memories.
Man Alive! Radio »
Posted on March 13, 2011Need some manly listening on the radio? Check out Man Alive! Radio (http://www.castlerockradio.com) with host, Captain Coy Theobalt as he discusses parenting with passion, joy, and gratitude. Last month’s topic was: “Adventure Dads: Family Fun with Our Sons and Daughters”. He and guest, Doug Gertner, Ph.D. (http://www.gratefuldad.org) talked about being playful men, being supportive of the interests of our kids, and how to make time to play and have fun.
A Simple Curve »
Posted on March 13, 2011Travis sent me an email about the movie, A Simple Curve. As a new father and past contributor to AdventureDad (http://adventuredad.org/236/adventures/a-father-and-son-go-ultra/) he felt that you would enjoy watching it (available on Netflix). Travis writes: “It’s about being a dad, woodworking, and the outdoors”. Thanks for the tip Trav!