Tips and Gadgets

AdventureDad’s gadgets and tips section is designed to present a variety of gadgets and “how-to” tips which we’ve discovered over the years and which have made our adventures more efficient and enjoyable. Our gadgets section will
highlight a variety of products that we personally like to use (No, we are not being paid to endorse these products!). While cost will vary, we try to present items that are affordable to most dads.

For tips postings, we will focus on techniques that will help make your adventures safer, more successful and more enjoyable for you and your kids. We hope you enjoy what you read and watch. Please share with us the tips you’ve learned or the products you and your kids like to use!

Family Support Line »

Posted on October 30, 2011

Need some parenting support?  Check out Family First’s, Family Support Line http://www.FamiliesFirstColorado.org.  They offer support, information and community referrals from 10 am – 10 pm for Colorado families.

1-800-CHILDREN Nov 2010

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AdventureDad’s 15 End of Summer Adventures »

Posted on October 30, 2011

Check out Mile High Mamas for my 15 suggested summer activities.  Writing the piece for them brought back a lot of great memories!

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Beginning Family Adventures – Part 2 »

Posted on September 8, 2011

Are you looking to take your kids on their first camping experience?  Just an hour from Denver is Al’s Pits at Geneva Creek Park just at the start of Guanella Pass.  They have a stocked trout pond where the fish bite on everything and you pay by the inch (all the equipment is available to rent), as well as, created camp sites right on the stream.  They have a large community shelter with tables and a fire ring as well as nice bathrooms.  Best of all, they have Al’s pit b-b-q on site where they will even cook your freshly caught trout!  The owners are an older couple, Al and Liz, who explained to us their dream of creating this unique, all inclusive space.  Just bring your tent and warm jackets for those cool mountain evenings.

 

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Beginning Family Adventures »

Posted on September 8, 2011

This past month, we did a short family reunion trip at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.  While it wasn’t as extreme as the adventures we typically like, I was amazed at the numbering of offerings which they have that are perfect for introducing younger children to the great outdoors.  In addition to amazing hiking trails for all abilities, they have a stocked fishing pond, horseback riding, all sorts of family sports and games, and plenty of indoor activities for when the weather is foul.  They have all sorts of sleeping accommodations including lodge rooms, beautiful homes and smaller cabins spaced nicely in the woods.  Most impressive was the rental fire rings available in the evening.  A nice big pit with wood stools, firewood and even s’more fixings!

 

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Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids »

Posted on September 7, 2011

Are you a dad with younger children who is wondering how you and your wife can maintain your active outdoor lifestyle and include your kids in the fun?  If so, check out Eugene Buchanan’s new book, Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids: A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors.  A fun and fast read, Buchanan covers all sorts of outdoor sports including camping, hiking, paddling, bicycling, fishing and climbing.  He’s got lots of practical tips and covers each section from the beginner to the more advance level.  At the end of the book, he has lots of great facts about our children and their need for activity as well as tons of on-line resources.  Perhaps my favorite part of the book was reading the many quotes he has at the start of each chapter.  Here is a sampling of my favorites:

“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.”  David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”  John F. Kennedy

“Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough.”  Earl Wilson

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”  William Shakespeare

“Backpacking: an extended form of hiking in which people carry double the amount of gear that they need for half the distance they planned to go in twice the time it should take.”  Unknown

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”  Albert Einstein

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Family Volunteer Opportunities »

Posted on July 29, 2011

Would you like you and your family to get more involved with volunteering but don’t know how to get started?  Perhaps you worry about the time commitment.  Fortunately, the Family Volunteer Program through Volunteers of America has the answer.  This monthly project program makes fitting volunteering into busy family life easy.  Their activities cover a variety of talents and interests from gardening at a nursing home to delivering meals to creating craft projects. 

 According to Youth Service America, kids who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.  When they donate their time with their parents, they are twice as likely to continue volunteering as adults.  Do you need any other reasons to get involved!

 To learn more about the program in Colorado, contact Rachel Dolgin at 303-297-0408 X 13310 or rdolgin@voacolorado.org.  Nationally, check out Doing Good Together, http://www.doinggoodtogether.org/

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Coloradodads.org »

Posted on July 24, 2011

I recently came across a website dedicated to dad’s called coloradodad.org http://www.coloradodads.com/.  Run under the Colorado Department of Human Services, the site has information on fatherhood programs and area events/activities for dads/mentors and kids.  They have an awards program called: Be There for Your Kids.  They also have a Help Line for dads where you can get all sorts of help with your fathering and kid related issues.

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Whole Man Expo »

Posted on July 22, 2011

AdventureDads,

Check out this flyer for the Whole Man Expo.  In addition to being a great day for men, it will also serve as the launch for Jim Sharon’s new book: Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives: Defining Moments.  I’m pleased to be one of the men featured in the book as I looked back at my experiences from the Columbine High School tragedy.

 Whole Man Expo to be Held September 10, 2011 at Sheraton DTC

WHAT:     The Whole Man Expo, presented by Energy for Life, will provide an opportunity to explore various influences that are shaping men’s lives in our nation today.  It will focus on trends contributing to the development of healthy, high-functioning and balanced men.  The Expo will feature interactive presentations, discussions, activities and entertainment that celebrate and honor men of strong character. Colorado vendors whose services and products relate to the Expo theme will have display tables at the event. At the Expo, one man will receive the Whole Man of the Year Award. The Whole Man Expo selection committee is currently seeking nominees to receive this award.

WHO:        Adults and teens of both genders are welcome to attend. The Expo is intended to honor men striving for balance and the women who support them.

WHEN:    Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:    Sheraton Denver Tech Center, 7007 South Clinton, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

COST:        $10 in advance; $12 at the door

INFORMATION: Jim  or Ruth Sharon, Energy for Life, (303) 796-7004 or docjimsharon@yahoo.com; http://mensanthology.com/whole-man-expo/

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Releasing a Trout »

Posted on June 24, 2011

If you are practicing catch and release fly fishing, the key is to help the trout off the fly as gently as possible.  I like to hold the line taught with my left hand while dipping my right hand in the water.  Now wet, I then take my right hand and gently but firmly support the trout by the belly.  I then slide my left hand down the line and grasp the fly.  An easy turn to the right or left is all it usually takes to remove the fly from the fishes mouth.  Then simply loosen your right hand and let the fish swim away.  A great moment for you with the least amount of trauma for the fish.

If you do want to take a picture of your catch, support the head and place your thumb over the nose with one hand.  Use your other hand to support its belly.  Gently hold the fish over the water (in case it wiggles away) and smile.  Never keep a fish out of the water for too long.  Remember, it’s a whole new world for the fish and is a bit like a human being dunked in the water without first taking a breath.


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Hanging Bear Bags »

Posted on June 24, 2011

One of my favorite memories with Alex was the first time we went backpacking when he was in preschool and then hanging our bear bag that evening.  You’ll hear the story on the video, as well as, watch the teen version of Alex hanging his own bear bag.  The key to a good bear bag is to get it as far out on a limb as possible.  That can be difficult in Colorado sometimes where the pine trees aren’t too tall in higher elevations.  Selecting a tree a good distance from your campsite is the most essential part as bears have a great sense of smell!


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