Kelly Olson Creative

Every year since I was about four or five my Dad has taken me on camping trips.  It all started with our neighbors and dear friends who invited us years ago.  We were hooked. We usually take at least two a year. A fall trip and a summer trip.  Since being away for school and now working, the fall trip is really hard for me to make.  The summer trip though, I try so hard to make happen.  This trip is a summer staple.

For as long as I can remember, camping was always Dads and kids.  We had the best group of Dads that took us hiking, showed us the best spots for stargazing, enlightened us on the ‘Campers’ Code’, and taught us the fine art of s’more making. Days grilling and long nights spent around the fire singing and story telling.  Now, I should mention, our style of camping is a special one.  It is less of the primitive, hike-in, camping, and more of the electrical hook-ups, bathroom/shower camping-but it’s perfect for us.  We always have a TV playing the classics.  Once the sun sets, we pop in episodes of The Honeymooners, and in the morning with breakfast, we watch The Three Stooges.  Does it get any better?

Here is a short video we made from the trip.

These camping trips will always have a special place in my heart.  I have so many memories from camping.  This year was no different.  I joined the crew for the summer trip to Michigan, and it did not disappoint.  We assembled tent city, went to the beach, cooked delicious meals, and enjoyed the company of friends and family.  Getting older, I realized how much of camping is really ‘working’.  You are always setting up something, cooking something, packing up something, or fixing something. My Dad said it best, that though it is a lot, it is worth it and he wouldn’t have it any other way. I sure wouldn’t either.

Kelly