Camping.

OK. So the other day we decided to sign up for an I Can Camp! camping class/adventure through the Minnesota State Parks system. These classes are supposed to be a great way to introduce you to camping so that you feel comfortable camping on your own. You pay one flat fee and they not only teach you the basics about camping for one night, but they provide the campsite, the tent, air mattresses, cookstove (including a coffee pot!), cookware and instruction.

After deciding we wanted to attempt camping this summer, we decided that this was probably the way to go for this year. While we've camped a couple of times, I wouldn't call us experienced campers. Nor would I even call us comfortable campers, for that matter! And since we don't have a tent, paying their flat fee for the whole experience seemed like a great idea. So, I hopped online to book one.

Only when I logged on, I discovered that at Gooseberry Falls (a park we've always wanted to camp at and a place we've always wanted to take the kids to) offered a two-night I Can Camp! session. Perfect, I thought! Two nights of camping at a place we've wanted to camp at, under their guidance and we get to use all of their equipment. I mean, all I have to do is bring our sleeping bags and some clothes; it just doesn't get any better than that! Or so I thought.......

The I Can Camp! session advertises that it's $50.00 for the night. So, when I started making the reservation for Gooseberry I figured it would be $100.00 for the two nights. Obviously a little more expensive, but still darned cheap when you think of what all we're getting for our money: a tent that sleeps 6 to use, air mattresses, a cookstove, cookware, their guidance and a whole state park to explore. It just seemed like such a great deal to me. Until I registered and discovered that.......

It was/is only $50 for both nights. Are you kidding me?? I mean, how awesome is that?!

Then, if all that wasn't enough, we got a huge package from the DNR in the mail yesterday. This package contained a list of what we needed to bring, a list of what they are supplying, a suggested grocery list, a map of the campground, a map of the state park, a list of other places to visit such as Split Rock Lighthouse........ and our itinerary.

Turns out in addition to just being taught the basics of setting up a tent and starting a fire, we will get to learn how to cook over a campfire and a campstove. The kids will have their own activity time provided by the park each morning and each afternoon. And each night they will set up a family style campfire where we'll make S'mores, sing songs and get some sort of presentation.

I am so excited for our camping weekend I can hardly stand it!