campermom

We've day tripped HC a few times before. Have you day tripped anywhere close to home yet? Since you are in San Antonio, maybe try Perdernales, Guadalupe, Enchanted rock, even Bastrop is fairly close. See where her interests are. When you do those day trips, have her invite a friend for the day. We've done that a few times. The neighbor boy would never have been taken out there otherwise.

The trick to a great outdoor experience is to be prepared. Get a small toy of an animal you are likely to encounter while camping. If you have a book about wildlife, or central TX birds, or geology, or astronomy for her to look at BEFORE you go, she'll have a keen eye to notice upon exploration of the park. Give her a disposable camera to capture the things she likes. She can press flowers in a journal, and add the photos to it later. She can tell ghost stories at the campfire with you and make up games using sticks, rocks, and other found items.

My son likes building shelters, which isn't always a good idea to disturb a pile of sticks, but maybe she could take a few big sticks and a blanket to make a shelter to keep occupied while you are cooking, or whatever. Tell her some of the things you can do while there and let her pick. If she can't decide, then start with the less exciting and build up to the horseback ride. There is a building out there that is abandoned, right along the road. We explored that and talked about what it would have been like to live out there a long time ago. Then we crossed the road, by the pond and explored the cliff for arrowheads. ( never did find any but it was still fun looking).

You may want to try teaching her how a lady uses the restroom when the potty is 500 yards away. Drop your pants, tuck them tightly behind you knees, squat as low as you can, and there you go. Watch out for the shoes and cactus. Remind her to trash her trash.

A small fanny pack of backpack is a great thing for them to have. My son has water, a snack, a whistle, a happy meal toy, a pocket knife, flashlight, plastic bag, tissues, and a camera. During the hot months we also pack sunscreen, river shoes, and a small towel in case we get wet exploring somewhere.

Keep the meals simple and let her help. If you bring just enough for each meal, you won't have many issues throwing away the uneaten food, there won't be any.

Have fun and post up when you return.

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