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Editor'sNote

Hello, and welcome to the very first “unofficial” issue of the Run Wild My Child digital magazine, exclusively curated for members of our new Adventure Up community

When I started Run Wild My Child back in 2017, I never imagined the impact it would have; on me (personally and professionally), on my kids, and on the outdoor parenting community as a whole. I definitely didn’t expect that I’d be here, welcoming you to a space dedicated to helping moms level up their adventures. I’m usually the one who needs a little extra convincing to do anything outside my comfort zone!

But as I talked to many of you about this membership and what we wanted it to be, the concept of “new” adventures kept coming up. So many of us are craving something new, something exciting, something fun, that pushes us past our limits (and maybe even scares us a bit).

New adventures, whether in business or real life, can be scary. But, I’ve found that sometimes doing the scary things are the things that move the needle. Those are the ones that get us to the next level

And all adventures are a little less scary when you’re doing them with friends I’m hopeful that you’ll be able to find new friends in this space that will encourage you, push you, inspire you to adventure up

I chose the word “NEW” as the theme of this first season of adventuring together because there’s so much benefit from trying new things. I hope you’ll embrace the challenge to try a few new things over the course of the season, make some new friends, and discover some new things about yourself and your family.

SARA MCCARTY FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Falling in Love With New Adventures

by Sara McCarty @sara mccarty

why try new things

For both moms and kids, embracing new experiences is an essential aspect of personal growth and development Trying new things ignites a spark of curiosity and courage within us It fosters confidence and independence. It challenges our preconceptions and pushes us beyond our self-imposed limits.

For children, trying new things provides powerful lessons in adaptability, vulnerability, courage, and the value of an open mind. For moms, trying new things can lead to self-discovery and help find/maintain a sense of identity outside of motherhood. Because, In the course of raising babies for years, it’s easy to forget who we are or even what we enjoy.

parenting is a masterclass of trying new things

For me, parenting has felt like a non-stop roller coaster of trying new things - and by "trying new things," I mean diving headfirst into situations that range from mildly terrifying to full-on panicinducing. From the moment we brought home our first tiny bundle of joy, everything was brand new (and yes, absolutely terrifying). And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out with kid number one, along comes the second (and third) to remind you that, nope, what worked for the first kid probably won’t work for the next Cue the inevitable need to adapt and try, you guessed it, something new

Every stage of parenting has dumped a fresh load of new things to learn in my lap Sometimes, the stakes were high, like figuring out how to breastfeed or surviving that first night alone with a

a newborn (why didn’t anyone tell me babies were nocturnal?). Other times, I was learning new things on the fly, just to keep up with my kids, like mastering the art of downhill skiing, or tackling mountain biking without ending up as part of the landscape

every new thing is scary

You’d think that after more than a dozen years of this, I’d have the whole “trying new things” thing down to a science. Spoiler alert: I don’t. Every new thing still feels just as scary and overwhelming as the last. Trying new things has this magical ability to make you feel inadequate like the time I fell off my paddleboard into the lake half a dozen times in front of my children. Nothing like the sound of your kids’ laughter to really hammer in the humiliation and defeat Trust me, I’ve been there

find yourself through new adventures

Trying new things isn’t just about surviving parenthood; it’s also an opportunity to rediscover yourself As moms, we pour so much of our time, energy, and love into our kids that it’s easy to lose sight of the things that once made us feel alive

But by stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new, you might just stumble upon a forgotten passion or find a new hobby that reignites that spark within you. Each new thing has the possibility to turn into something special. How would I ever know how much I now enjoy paddleboarding without those first embarrassing tries.

Whether it’s finally picking up that paintbrush again, learning to play an instrument, or trying a new outdoor activity like kayaking or water skiing, these moments

moments of exploration can be a way to reconnect with the person you were before kids or even discover a new version of yourself that you never knew existed.

learn from your kids

Kids are natural-born adventurers, unafraid to experiment, fail, and try again They remind us that life isn’t about getting everything perfect on the first try; it’s about the joy of learning and growing through experience.

So, why not channel a bit of that youthful bravery, inherent curiosity, and lack of selfjudgement and give yourself permission to try something new, too. Who knows, you might just find a piece of yourself that you didn’t even know was missing

TrySomethingNew

You may have noticed that each issue of our magazine has a theme for the season We’re also throwing in a seasonal challenge to go along with it one that’s designed to nudge you out the door and into the great outdoors with your family

And wouldn’t you know it, this season’s challenge is to try something new

This season, we want to challenge you to try new things together as a family, which will create shared memories, traditions, and stories that connect in meaningful ways. These shared new adventures not only foster strong family bonds but also instill in children a sense of security and belonging, which is critical for their emotional development.

Facing the unknown can be scary, but that’s precisely why this challenge is so important. It’ll build resilience and be empowering reminding us of our capabilities Each new endeavor, whether it's conquering a challenging hiking trail or making it through a corn maze, contributes to our personal growth, fostering resilience and confidence

I get it trying new things can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially when your kids are involved

But I’m here to help, with a few tips, tricks, and bits of advice to make the process a little less daunting and a lot more fun.

“I realized something...if I wait until I’m not scared to try new things, then I’ll never try them at all.”

- Marie Sexton

start small

When you're dipping your toes into something new, start small and stick to the beginner-friendly options. Think of those green runs, easy paths, and gentle trails as your training ground. They're designed to ease you in, giving you the chance to find your footing (literally and figuratively) Taking your time and starting slow isn’t about limiting yourself it’s about setting yourself up for success When you begin with something manageable, you give yourself the space to learn, adapt, and grow at your own pace

Starting small also means you’re more likely to experience those little victories that build your confidence and keep you motivated to stick with it. Each small step forward, whether it's making it through a short hike without feeling winded or successfully staying upright on a paddleboard for more than ten seconds, is a win worth celebrating. By gradually increasing the difficulty level as you become more comfortable, you'll build both the skills and the confidence you need to tackle more advanced adventures

When you’re venturing into uncharted territory, one of the best ways to get started is by signing up for a local class or finding a friend who’s already an expert in what you want to learn. Most people are more than happy to share their knowledge and passion, especially if it means helping someone else discover a new love for the same activity. Whether it’s a yoga class, a pottery workshop, or learning how to mountain bike, being guided by someone who knows the ropes can make all the difference It takes the guesswork out of where to start and allows you to focus on soaking up all that new information Plus, having an instructor or mentor means you’ve got someone there to answer all your questions no matter how basic or silly they might seem.

Sharing the experience of learning something new can be a great way to bond with others, whether it’s fellow moms in a local class, a friend who’s mentoring you, or your children who are learning alongside you These shared experiences often lead to deeper connections and a sense of community, which is something we could all use a little more of So, d ’t b h b t hi t d ki f

The first time you try something new, it might feel like you’re stumbling in the dark, unsure if you’re even doing it right. But here’s the thing: the magic happens when you keep going back for more Whether it’s biking, skiing, hiking, or anything else that sparks your interest, the more you practice, the better you’ll get

It’s easy to feel discouraged after that initial attempt, especially if it didn’t go as smoothly as you hoped But don’t let that stop you repetition really is the secret sauce to success Each time you try again, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve absorbed from the last attempt and how much you’ve improved. Progress might feel slow, but it’s happening, and before you know it, you’ll be tackling those trails with newfound confidence.

And here’s the best part: every mistake you make along the way is a valuable lesson, not just for you, but for your kids, too. By sticking with it and pushing through the challenges, you’re modeling resilience and grit for your little ones You’re teaching them that it’s okay to struggle, to fall down, and to get back up again because that’s how we grow These moments of perseverance aren’t just about mastering a new skill; they’re about building character, for both you and your kids

Trying new things can be an absolute blast, and there’s no better time than the crisp, colorful days of fall to dive into something fresh and exciting This season is a perfect opportunity to discover something new about yourself, explore the world around you, and even learn something surprising about your kids Whether it’s tackling a new outdoor activity, picking up a creative hobby, or just trying a different way to connect with nature, the possibilities are endless The beauty of trying new things is that it brings a sense of adventure and curiosity back into our lives, reminding us that we’re never too old to learn or too busy to have fun.

So, I challenge you to take a moment and think about what new thing you’d like to try as a family this season Maybe it’s something you’ve been curious about for a while, or perhaps it’s an activity your kids have been begging to do Whatever it is, make the decision to commit to it put it on the schedule, make a plan, and take the first step Don’t let the busyness of life push this opportunity to the side By making it a priority, you’re not only creating memories but also setting the tone for a season full of discovery, growth, and, most importantly, fun. Now, go ahead and embrace the adventure you’ve got this!

“Try new things, step out of “Try new things, step out of your comfort zone, take your comfort zone, take risks, do things in ways risks, ways you've never done them you've never done them before, ask for help, before, ask for help, surround yourself with self- surround yourself with selfactualized people, become actualized people, become obsessed with the fact that with fact that you have one go-round on you have one go-round on this planet as the you that is this planet as the you that is you, and realize how you, realize precious and important it is and important is not to squander that.” not to squander that.”

Jen Sincero

Dosomethingnew!

There are a myriad of reasons why fall is the perfect time to get outside for a new adventure Fall's pleasant weather, visual beauty, and unique activities make it the perfect season for adventuring in a new way Maybe that means trying something you ’ ve always wanted to do just once Or maybe it’s trying something that you hope becomes a new family tradition.

We’ve curated a list of outdoor activities specifically meant to be enjoyed in the fall Whether you choose one (or many) of the activities from our list or create your own, we can’t wait to see how you uncover the magic that awaits your family this season! Be sure to share your new adventures and wins in the membership site.

Camping

Hayride

Pumpkin patch

Horseback riding

Backpacking

Bike ride

23. Outdoor “friendsgiving”

24. Train ride

25. Outdoor movie night

26. Random acts of kindness

27. Stargazing

28. Corn maze

29. Cider tasting

16. Road trip

17. Botanical garden

18. Turkey trot/fun run

19. Clean up hike

20. Hunting

21. Pumpkin carving contest

22. Ghost tour

30. Haunted house

31. Amusement park

32. Frost flowers

33. Backyard cookout

34. Geocaching

35. Trunk or treat

36. Costume parade

37. Leaf crafts

“If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.”

– Richard Branson

Leaf crown

Cut a 3-5 inch wide strip of scrap paper in a length that will fit around your child’s head Tape it together to create a crown Line the leaves up and use a stapler to adhere the leaves on the paper crown Tuck the bottoms/stems under the crown, and staple to secure!

Leaf masks

Leaf dipping

Melt plain beeswax over low heat until its liquified Carefully, dip colorful leaves into the wax, and let the leaves dry on a piece of wax paper Use the leaves for garlands or other craft projects

Search for big leaves and simply cut eye holes into them to make a mask! You could also use a marker or paint pen to create facial features (whiskers, eyelashes, nose, etc)

Fall leaves are perfect for making allnatural DIY biodegradable confetti! Hand your kids some fall leaves, scissors, or a hand-held hole punch Let them cut up and punch holes in the leaves to their heart’s content without the harmful impact to our planet

GEAR GUIDE

fall favorites

COTOPAXI ALLPA 60L GEAR HAULER TOTE DEL DIA

DARN TOUGH WOOL SOCKS

YETI HOPPER SOFT COOLER

NUI ORGANICS MERINO WOOL LAYERS

HYDROFLASK TUMBLER

ENO LOUNGER CAMP CHAIR

RUMPL BLANKET

REI RAINWALL KIDS RAIN JACKET & RAIN PANTS

adventure NEWADVENTUREUNLOCKED:

first time backpacking

interview with Stephanie Hampton @expl

WHAT INSPIRED THIS “NEW” ADVENTURE?

My husband and I love nature, we love camping, and we love a good challenge We have always wanted to take our kids backpacking, but until recently, it seemed too daunting Particularly with three kids (ages 5, 3 & 1) What if we forgot something important? What if there was an emergency? What if what if what if

But then, we started thinking what if we did it?!

HOW DID YOU GET PREPARED?

We prepped and researched as much as we could to get us to a point where we felt very comfortable taking this leap Leveling up our outdoor adventures isn’t new to us We started cabin camping before progressing to car camping, then primitive camping Backpacking felt like the next logical (albeit much more challenging) step, and we couldn’t wait to give it a try!

One of the first things we did when we were ready to go backpacking was start researching backpacking campsites near us When you ’ re choosing a backpacking site for a family, there are several factors to consider, including safety, accessibility, and amenities We searched our state park website for sites that offered backcountry camping within an hour of us We chose to stick a little closer to home for our first time because those are the trails and areas we ’ re most familiar with Plus, if we needed to bail for any reason, we’d be relatively close to home

DID YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS (WORRIES/FEARS) ABOUT GOING ON THE ADVENTURE? AND IF SO, HOW DID YOU GET PAST THEM?

Yes! I was most nervous about two things: (1) getting to the campsite and it being occupied; and (2) not having enough water

As for the first point, some backcountry campsites are first-come-first-served, while others allow you to make reservations to reserve your location If you ’ re a serious planner or backpacking during peak season, I’d recommend starting with a campsite that you can reserve so that you ’ re guaranteed your space The campsite we chose did not take reservations in advance However, it was available when we arrived, and we were so thankful the site was open!

As for the water, we had to carry in all our own water because the campsite was not close to a running water source Because of that, we chose a site down a trail just 1 5 miles from the trailhead It was a great distance for all of us with what we were carrying and doable for even our youngest child We left extra supplies (food and water) in the van (which was only 1 5 miles away), just in case, which gave us peace of mind

WHAT WAS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE ADVENTURE?

My biggest takeaway was just how great (and easy) it was to unplug, live simply, and have fun One of the most unexpected benefits of backpacking is how you realize just how simply you can live and that you really don’t need that much stuff We could only bring the most absolute essentials on our backs, so we didn’t have the option to overpack And it was wonderful!

It was so neat to see the girls’ imaginations blossom when playing in the woods without any toys: a huge fallen tree became the Polar Express train, and a pile of leaves and sticks became a chef’s kitchen.

WHAT WAS THE WORST/HARDEST THING?

My husband and I both went into the trip knowing that we would probably not get much sleep, and that helped (because we didn’t). Our youngest was very excited and had a hard time sleeping. This meant she was climbing over us and all through the tent all night long. At one point, she went over to her older sisters, tapped their sleeping heads, and said, “Sisters, awake?!”

In our previous tent camping experiences, we brought a pack n ’ play to keep her contained and provide some familiarity With all the space (and us!) in the tent, she didn’t know what to do with herself! Lowering our expectations about sleep helped because the experience was so worth the limited sleep! And we made sure not to plan anything the next day, so we could go home and all take a nap, if necessary!

HOW

DID YOU GET THE KIDS INVOLVED IN THE ADVENTURE?

Our kids helped us choose our backpacking site and how we got there. They had fun looking at the park map together to find which route we should take to get to our campsite, how long the trail was, where to park, etc. They were in charge of finding the trail markers, which is always a fun “I Spy” game. Once we arrived, we let them help pick the spot for our tent and where we’d set things up. Giving them choices throughout the process made them more excited about the adventure and invested in it.

The girls also helped us choose our weekend meals. They each brought their own hiking backpack that carried a family meal, their spork, and their water bottle. This added to their excitement, as they had more responsibility and helped our family. We usually bring a large cooler with us when camping, but were not able to when backpacking, so this was a different experience. We all felt empowered by carrying everything we needed on our backs, including our food and water.

IF YOU DID THE ADVENTURE AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

Next time, we’ll search for backpacking campsites that we can reserve ahead of time to eliminate the worry about the site being occupied I didn’t realize that would make me as nervous as it did We had a back-up plan, but knowing the site is ours will take one thing to worry about off the list Also, next time I think we’ll try to choose a location near running water so we don’t have to pack as much water Again, just one less thing to worry about

ADVICE FOR OTHER MOMS THAT WANT TO TRY A "NEW TO THEM" ADVENTURE?

There is something for everyone in the outdoors, whether it is a family walk in the neighborhood, hiking in the woods, or camping Trying new things can be scary, because what if you fail? Consider all the “what if’s” and work out a plan to get yourself comfortable Then, think about what would happen if you did it! Start small, one step at a time, until you ’ re ready for the next adventure Just give it a try! The family memories are well worth it!

LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

NEALE DONALD WALSCH

family mindset: We try new things!

by Jen Barnes of @gofamilyadventure

As parents, we want our children to grow up to be confident, adventurous, and open-minded about the world around them. One way to instill these qualities in our kids is by teaching them the importance of (and benefits from) trying new things Children (and adults) often shy away from unfamiliar activities, foods, or experiences out of fear of the unknown. However, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and try new things can lead to a world of possibilities!

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

As the mom, I set the example for my kids. And while trying new things isn’t always at the top of my priority list, I don’t want my kids to be fearful or unwilling to try something new I want them to be excited to discover, explore, learn, and embrace the unknown I want them to be curious and up for a challenge

But that means that I have to practice what I preach! If I’m going to encourage my children to give something new a try, child

I’m going to have to do it too I need to show them that it’s never too late to learn new things…even in your 40s. They need to see that it’s hard for me, too. They need to see me struggle. They have to see me nervous. And they have to see me get through it and feel the experience is worth it

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT A RECENT “NEW” ADVENTURE

A few months ago, I reached out to a local crabber to see if she could teach our family about crabbing and share her experiences on the docks of Charleston, SC with us. I thought it would be a great idea for the kids to learn how to do something new and quintessentially coastal! The combination of outside time, sea life, and spending quality time with my teenager was going to make for the perfect adventure

And it did! We learned about the various species and habitats, tossed the nets, and caught some crabs. And while we absolutely loved our crabbing experience, I’m sure it won’t surprise you that we are not quitting our jobs and school to start our own crabbing business! Who knows we may never go crabbing again

The best part about trying new things is that you get to test out what you may (or may not) become genuinely interested in for future hobbies or passions. How would you ever know whether you like doing something (or don’t) if you never try it? Your biggest passion in life may be out there, just waiting for you to try it Your child’s future career might be determined by something they tried (and loved) as a child. You never know, unless you try.

USING TRAVEL AND TRIPS TO TRY NEW THINGS

We love using travel as a way to put our “ we try new things” mindset work! There’s always something new and interesting to try when you ’ re in a new location. Sometimes it takes a bit of research and planning to find those things, but it’s always worth the extra effort.

On our travels, we ’ ve tried other new things like surfing, food tours, walking tours, snorkeling excursions, fishing charters, art tours, museum tours, cooking classes, and others We love finding experiences that are unique to the location we ’ re in. Each experience we try leave an impression, teaches us things, and provides us with amazing memories.

Every time we try new things, we build up bravery and confidence in our children We give them the courage to realize that trying new things, while sometimes scary, is also really fun

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LOVE THE THINGS YOU TRY

Just because you try something new doesn’t mean you need to love it and continue doing it. You can try fly fishing without it needing to become your next hobby You can try surfing and decide it’s just not the sport for you!

I often think about some of the interests my kids and I have had over the years. Those interests developed because we tried new things and gave ourselves a chance to experience something new. And there are plenty of things that we ’ ve tried once and never feel like we need to do again! But we ’ re still glad we tried

The biggest lesson, though, is that you are not stuck. You’re not too old to try new things. You can try new things at any point in life, so why not teach your kids early in life to have this mindset?

fall funnies

It's tradition in my city for kids to tell jokes on Halloween to earn their candy when trick-ortreating Helping your child pick a joke and listening to them retell is a hundred times (and laugh every time) is such a fun way to get to know a little bit about your kids' sense of humor Here are few of our favorite fall jokes for you to share with your little jokesters

Q: What is a tree’s least favorite month?

A: Sep-TIMBER

Q: What is a rock's favorite month?

A: Rock-tober

Q: Why was the robot couple’s anniversary in the fall?

A: They were autumn-mated.

Q: What kind of vest do you wear in the fall?

A: A har-vest

Q: Where do apples like to go hiking?

A: Mount Fuji

Q: How are you supposed to talk in the library in the fall?

A: With your in-cider voice.

Q: How do you mend a broken pumpkin?

A: With a pumpkin patch!

Q: What do you get when you drop a pumpkin?

A: Squash

Q: What is the cutest season of the year?

A: Awww-tumn

Q: What is the ratio of a pumpkin’s circumference to its diameter?

A: Pumpkin pi

By Leslie Alvis @c l allofus

OLD IS NEW AGAIN family

from old to new:

applebutter

As we seek a deeper connection to our roots, old-fashioned practices are experiencing a renaissance. The revival represents a fusion of tradition and new innovation. The skills of past generations used to be passed along verbally and through hands-on experience, but modern technology is enabling individuals to share their skills and experiences on a broader scale while preserving the essence of what makes these traditions timeless This blend of the old and the new is ushering in a reinvigorated appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and a reconnection with the wisdom of the past

Years ago, my husband’s grandparents would get together with a group of friends every fall to make apple butter. They peeled the apples by hand and gathered together for a full day of cooking, stirring, and canning the delicious results.

This past fall, we turned this timehonored tradition into a new family affair and got the kids involved in the process It gave our children time to spend with their great-grandparents and make memories together while learning something new With practical wisdom, special traditions, and a lot of laughter, they taught us their way of making apple butter.

GETTING EVERYONE INVOLVED

Making apple butter over an open fire is a slow process. It takes hours of stirring and cooking, not to mention the peeling and the canning. It took us the better part of an entire weekend, but that was the beauty of it. One of the most important parts of the experience is the gift of spending time with friends and family, working and visiting together

We had four generations involved with our apple butter-making last year, and everyone played a part Even though making apple butter involves a lot of sharp knives, hot fire, and boiling liquids, our children found plenty of ways to be involved. The little ones peeled apples (with careful supervision) and helped chop. Our bigger kids helped make the fire, stir the apple butter, and join in on the canning assembly line All of them helped add the cinnamon to the apple butter as it cooked The grandparents told stories, and the parents supervised It was beautiful to see it all come together

THE PEELING PROCESS

The process of making apple butter begins with peeling the apples the day before. We bought several bushels of “seconds” apples from a local Amish orchard Nanny taught me to get several different varieties of apples to give our apple butter the best flavor Several family members came over and helped us peel apples all afternoon I found my children out peeling apples while I

made supper, and they filled half a bucket of apples by themselves. Then my sister-in-law and I picked up our paring knives again that evening and peeled until late into the night

The apples can sit in covered pans or buckets in a cool place overnight Nanny assured me that it wouldn’t harm the apple butter if they browned a little. A few of us took some apples home to pre-cook before putting the apples in the big copper kettle. This cuts down significantly on cooking and stirring time over the open fire.

We worked off an old photocopied recipe with Nanny’s handwritten notes and instructions on it.

APPLE BUTTER EQUIPMENT

You don't need much to make apple butter, but a copper kettle is essential because it conducts heat evenly and helps keep the apple butter from scorching on the open fire. You can buy a new copper kettle if you have several hundred dollars for it. They’re a major investment. If you’re really interested in making apple butter this way, I’d recommend watching farm auctions or antique stores. Or go in together with some friends and begin your own apple butter tradition together!

You'll also need a long-handled paddle (with holes drilled through it), since the apple butter has to be stirred constantly Nanny got hers at a local hardware store that specializes in old-fashioned equipment.

FIRE IT UP

You'll also need a fire. We had a hard time getting our fire the right temperature at first. Too much flame and the apple butter will bubble right out of the pot. When it’s really bubbling, you also need to watch out for it popping out. It can burn if you stand too close!

APPLE BUTTER TRADITIONS

One of my favorite parts about the experience was incorporating the grandparents' traditions into the process Grandpa’s tradition is for the children to toss a couple of silver dollars into the kettle to help keep the butter from sticking to the bottom of the pan (Nanny says they use two because only rich people can afford to throw more money than that into a pot )

After putting in the silver dollars, our kids raced off to get their own pennies to add to the kettle. At the end of the day, they had some shiny, clean copper pennies to remember the day by. They washed off Grandpa’s silver dollars, and he slid them back into his pocket for next time

Nanny's tradition is to add some cinnamon red hot candies to the mixture for color and flavor The kids munched on candies while tossing them into the pot by the handful I think that may have been their favorite part.

FINISHING TOUCHES

After the cinnamon candies comes the sugar. 15 lbs of it! (That’s about 1 lb per gallon of finished apple butter, so that’s not quite as alarming as it sounds!)

We stirred it in gradually, then cooked it for a couple more hours The apple butter will appear “set up” when you dab a bit onto a glass dish and turn it from side to side No water runs out from the edges and

turn it from side to side. No water runs out from the edges and it holds its shape. At that point, you add cinnamon oil and stir for another half hour while preparing to can it.

CANNING

Hot apple butter can be canned with the hot seal method. We set up our assembly line, and Nanny assigned us jobs before we moved the kettle off the fire. Then, as fast as we could, one person ladled apple butter into clean jars, and the next wiped the rims. Another person pulled canning lids out of hot water and set them on top, and the last one screwed the rings on You have to work quickly to can the mixture while it’s still hot The apple butter will create a vacuum and seal itself in the jars as it cools

WRAP IT UP WITH WARM BISCUITS

When the whole process is done, hot biscuits are how we clean out the copper kettle and enjoy our hard work The kids broke off pieces of biscuit and wiped the kettle clean. It was a perfect way to end a long day of work on a chilly fall day. We all enjoyed the experience, the apple butter, the memories we made together, and the new tradition we hope to carry on over the years.

FALL ESCAPES

The crisp weather and the colors of fall beckon ilies to step outside and embrace the son’s natural beauty. It’s the perfect time ack up your adventurous spirit and set out new destinations that offer more than just hange of scenery they offer a chance to something new together

ether you’re seeking the thrill of mountain entures, the serenity of coastal exploration, he charm of a bustling city decked out in umn colors, these five fall destinations are ect for families ready to make memories, over hidden gems, and embark on new entures that will leave you inspired and eshed.

Ashville, NC

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the perfect fall destination for families. With its scenic hiking trails, including the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, families can explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views. Fall is the ideal time to try something new, like ziplining through the colorful canopy or going on a llama trekking adventure

Sedona, AZ

Sedona’s striking red rock landscape offers a unique fall desert experience The cooler autumn weather makes it an ideal time to hike the stunning trails, such as Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock, where you can witness the vibrant contrast of red rocks against the golden fall foliage For something new, consider a jeep tour to access some of the more remote, offthe-beaten-path areas, or try a guided stargazing experience, where the clear desert skies provide an unparalleled view of the cosmos

Acadia NP, ME

Montreal, CAN

Montreal offers a mix of urban charm and natural beauty The city’s parks, like Mount Royal, come alive with vibrant fall colors, providing a picturesque setting for a family hike or picnic The cooler temperatures make it a great time to explore the city’s outdoor markets and festivals, or take a leisurely bike ride along the Lachine Canal Go apple picking in the Laurentian Mountains, or try fishing in the region’s pristine lakes

Acadia National Park in Maine is a fall wonderland With its rugged coastline, granite peaks, and dense forests, Acadia provides a perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and exploring nature The park’s famous carriage roads offer a safe, scenic route for family bike rides, while the hike up Cadillac Mountain provides an unforgettable sunrise experience Try sea kayaking along the coast or consider a ranger-led night hike to discover the nocturnal wonders of the park’s wildlife

Aspen, CO

Aspen is famous for its stunning fall foliage, with the golden aspens creating a breathtaking contrast against the evergreen forests and snowdusted peaks This mountain town offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking trails that wind through the colorful groves to scenic drives along the Maroon Bells Try horseback riding through the high country or taking a guided fly-fishing trip on the Roaring Fork River

Snap the Season

By Crystal Sanchez @exploringadventureland

From the kaleidoscope of autumn colors to the playfulness of pumpkin patches and the warmth of family gatherings, fall is a special time of year Capturing the essence of your little ones (and this gorgeous season) through the lens of your camera (or phone) is a must for many parents

farms

We visit our local farms every year One thing that is a must with each visit is seeing and saying hello to all of our furry and feathered farm friends When it comes to photographing these experiences, there are so many fun angles that you can take I love to pull back and capture photos of the kids and animals from a distance to include features of the farm, like the barn I also love a good overhead shot that includes a nice close-up of children closely interacting with the animals

Fall offers a unique (and beautiful!) backdrop for your kids to shine, and documenting these special moments lets us relive our favorite fall memories Here’s a list of must-have photos to capture this fall, as well as some helpful tips to make your fall images stand out

pumpkin patch

It’s not fall without a visit to the pumpkin patch! As your child explores and searches for a pumpkin, try to stay a little behind and capture photos of them walking through the fields Then when they have found the perfect pumpkin, come in closer for those details shots Photograph your little ones trying to carry a pumpkin too heavy for them, or a photo of their proud faces while holding “the best” pumpkin in the patch

apple picking

Exploring apple orchards with children can be a really fun and educational experience Not only do children get to learn about where their food comes from, but they also get to enjoy fresh nutritious snacks during and after their visit When photographing my children at an orchard, I prefer to choose areas with red apples to add that pop of color to my photos To add more layers to the images, I will position myself in an area where branches from a nearby tree can hang in the foreground of my images

corn maze

Another one of our favorite fall things to do at the farm or pumpkin patch is exploring the corn maze I love a good corn maze, and I love documenting my children as they explore it For these photos, I prefer using mid-range lenses like my 85mm lens To add more layers to your images, you can try standing behind some of the corn to allow some of it to sit in the foreground of your images

leaves

A colorful landscape typically means colorful leaves are in abundance There are many fun ways to photograph leaves You can create a huge pile of them and capture fun photos of your child playing in the leaves An overhead shot of your child lying down on them could also make for a great portrait One of our favorite ways to photograph leaves is to find a large one and play peek-a-boo with it

“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.”

– Marc Riboud

# daily reminder

“DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU.”

- ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

snow goose

On average, a snow goose goes to the bathroom every four minutes! With millions of snow geese in existence, these super poopers leave tons and tons of droppings

armadillo snakes

Bobcats have white spots on the backs of their ears. Biologists speculate that the spots help kittens follow their mom in the dim light If a kitten falls behind, mom can raise her tail to display even more bright white fur s t r a n g e b u t t r u e

Each time a snake flicks out its forked tongue, odors stick to it Sensitive organs inside the snake’s mouth detect which side of the tongue collected the stronger scent This helps a snake pinpoint where the smell is coming from

Although it’s perfect for predator protection, a nine-banded armadillo’s armor is heavy! To cross wide rivers, an armadillo gulps air until its stomach inflates, then it floats across For narrow streams, an armadillo will simply sink and walk across the bottom

bobcat

new adventures

We love featuring YOUR adventures! Here are a few “new” adventures from our Ambassadors and members of the RWMC Creative Team We hope these will inspire you to try something NEW this season!

new adventure planner

Use this planner at the beginning of the season to choose the “new” adventures you’d like to try this fall. This is mainly for brainstorming purposes - throw it all out there! Then consider what you need to do to make a new adventure happen, and which ones excite you (and/or scare you). And what does that say about those adventures?

NEW THINGS TO TRY THIS FALL:

What do you need (or need to do) to make these happen?

What are you most excited to do/try?

Which one(s) scare you or intimidate you?

adventure review

Which adventure(s) did you enjoy most?

What needs improvement?

What didn’t work out so well?

What are you most proud of?

Which adventures would you do again?

What's your next adventure goal?

As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.

celebrate outdoors

Sometimes, you just need a reason to get out the door! Here are a few fun "holidays" and observances you can use as a great excuse to get outside and do something NEW! We can't wait to see how you'll interpret these days and pair them with an adventure!

September

September 2 - National Hummingbird Day

September 6 - National Read a Book Day

September 10 - Grandparents Day

September 14 - National Coloring Day

September 16 - Collect Rocks Day

September 19 - Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 22 - National Ice Cream Cone Day

September 23 - Fall Equinox (first day of Fall)

September 28 - National Neighbor Day

September 29 - National Coffee Day

October

October 1 - International Music Day

October 4 - National Walk to School Day

October 9 - Indigenous Peoples Day

October 10 - National Face Your Fears Day

October 14 - National Dessert Day

October 21 - National Apple Day

October 26 - National Pumpkin Day

October 28 - Make a Difference Day

October 31 - National Knock Knock Joke Day

November

November 1 - National Family Literacy Day

November 3 -National Sandwich Day

November 5 - Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes Night

November 8 - STEM/STEAM Day

November 9 - Go to an Art Museum Day

November 12-20 - Get Outdoors WEEK

November 13 - World Kindness Day

November 17 - National Hiking Day

November 19 - National Have a Bad Day Day

November 24 - Black Friday / Opt Outside

November 28 - National Day of Giving

Curious

by Todd B. Kasdan

This book explores the idea that curiosity is a key factor in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life Kashdan, a psychologist and researcher, argues that cultivating curiosity an eagerness to explore, learn, and experience new things can enhance happiness, improve relationships, and foster personal growth.

The book delves into the science behind curiosity, explaining how it drives us to seek out novel experiences and challenges, which in turn can lead to greater psychological well-being. Kashdan discusses how curiosity helps us navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and adapt to changing circumstances. He also offers practical strategies for embracing curiosity in everyday life, encouraging readers to step outside their comfort zones, ask questions, and explore the unknown.

52 Uncommon Family Adventures

by Randy Southern

When you dreamed of having a family you pictured outings, adventures, laughing around the kitchen table But then the kids actually came and most of the time you’re too busy trying to keep up to figure out how to create a magical, screen-free environment where everyone feels loved, is having fun, and can connect. That’s why 52 Uncommon Family Adventures was written, it helps you do just that, without all the hassle and stress

Whether it’s a family pillow fight, a lip-sync competition, or Toilet Paper Olympics, give your family the gift of lifelong memories while having fun, connecting spiritually, and speaking each other’s love languages Enjoy all the benefits of the quality time you dreamed of without all the pressure of advanced planning.

“You can only grow if you're willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”

Brian Tracy

tips, tricks, advice

ASKED & ANSWERED

Q:

megan

I'm a mom of two boys (3 and 5) who are wild! I know the importance of letting your kids take healthy risks and try new things, but I'm also very nervous about them getting hurt and then being scared of trying things again How do I get comfortable letting them try new things and assert their independence without freaking out or hovering over them?

ellen

My boys are always pushing the boundaries, which can be really nerve-wracking What’s worked for me is realizing this is normal and letting them do some risky play while I’m close by For example, when we went rock scrambling for the first time, I let them lead the way and choose their path, but I stayed two steps behind and kept a watchful eye Yes, they got bumps and scrapes, but I could literally see their little minds working through their path and I think it helped build their confidence.

lora

I used to hover over my kids, worried that something might go wrong if I wasn’t right there, but I realized that I was holding them back when I noticed kids smaller than mine managing on their own just fine I didn’t want them to be so dependent on me, so, I started by letting them try new things in small doses when we went to the playground I encouraged them to tackle the ‘big kid’ equipment, like the climbing wall, while I stayed nearby At first, it was nerve-wracking, but I found that by giving them a little more space each time, they got better, and I became more comfortable with their abilities

I get it! I wasn’t raised super outdoorsy and I was an only child, so my kids rough and risky really scared me at first One day, my oldest wanted to climb a tree and I was so nervous! But instead of stopping him, we talked through it how to hold on, where to step, and what to look out for Seeing how proud he was made me realize that giving him that small, manageable risk was was important It also gave me the confidence to step back a little and parent with reason and not fear.

bethany

Over the last couple of years, I’ve tried so hard to let my kids take more risks I’ve had to physically stop myself from saying, “Be careful!” a million times Instead, I try to help make them more aware of their surroundings and encourage problemsolving for whatever they’re doing. While they practice risky play, I practice deep breathing and patience It’s definitely something I’m still working on, as I almost always want to swoop in and save them or micro-manage how they’re doing things It’s so hard!

behind the scenes meetthecontributors

STEPH HAMPTON

Steph (@explorestlparks) is a former teacher living in St Louis with her husband and their three daughters Steph is a NICU mama (her 2nd daughter was born 3 months early), who’s found the outdoors has been healing for her and her family, not to mention fun! Since 2020, their family has visited over 175 parks and hiked over 200 trails around St Louis They also love to tent camp, canoe, and bike Steph helped start a free, weekly nature playgroup, and loves sharing adventure tips with others

JEN BARNES

Jen (@gofamilyadventure) is a mama to 3 teen who, although they have busy and independen love to adventure in the outdoors Jen is a na Chicago, but now calls South Carolina home always planning the next adventure for herself friends, whether near or far Hiking, kayaking, with her family, or traveling the world is all the experience and the journey She’s on a m to show other busy families that traveling teenagers is possible and fun!

E ALVIS

@c l allofus) is an Ohio farm girl and chaser of hildren, and sometimes chickens She’s a hooling mom of four wild rascals who love the utdoors as much as she does As a family, they king, camping, fishing, and just about any activity She and her husband are building a ead from the ground up, doing most of the emselves Leslie has a lifelong obsession with and capturing everyday life from behind the

Y LIEBEL

@inclusivelibrary) and her family have moved the US multiple times, and the best things each state are the outdoor adventures and the libraries! Now living in Utah, Emily explores ountain and city spaces weekly with her three d leads a local story time Emily is passionate children’s literature and uses books to e, promote inclusion, understanding, and and inspire adventure and creativity

CRYSTAL SANCHEZ

Crystal (@exploringadventureland) is a photographer (Philadelphia/New Jersey) who homeschools her two young boys alongside running a newborn photography business If she’s not photographing babies, she’s out with her family photographing their adventures together Together they enjoy hiking, exploring nearby cities, biking, camping, going to the beach, amusement parks, and, of course, gathering with friends and family Getting out and exploring with loved ones is their favorite way to spend their days

SARA MCCARTY

Sara (@sara mccarty) is the Founder of Run Wild My Child, a resource website, community, and podcast all about getting kids off screens and outside, one adventure at a time She’s a mom of 3 (ages 11, 9, and 5), a wife, and a former corporate securities lawyer She grew up in the country but now lives in St Louis, Missouri, and is determined to raise her city kids to be as feral as possible You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes...you're Doing Something.”

- Neil Gaiman

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