NJ > Pines - Kid Friendly Hang

**The Tree Frog** · 05-08-2015, 22:22

A group of us are planning a kid friendly outing. Car camping location to be decided shooting for the end of June. Near water/River access to take a dip. Must also have access to drinking water or water pump.

Group food sharing could include hot dogs, burgers, etc. we can discuss dates, meals, site locations but the emphasis for this one is kid friendly and prefer to include hangers bringing kids only. Kids so far are as young as four years old and up to young teens.

Let the discussion begin!

**Ratdog** · 05-08-2015, 22:41

The boys have soccer every weekend but I'm going to pull an "Uncle's prerogative" move to get them out on the appointed date. Just have to avoid a tournament conflict and I'm good.

Would be good to have a couple ideas for activities just in case. Normally they complain about not having an iPod for a little while then they finally get around to hunting frogs, gathering fat wood and generally wandering about.

I usually have them work their fire building and fire starting skills. I also have them use a tomahawk to process fire wood and use a knife to sharpen the marshmallow cooking stick. If anyone isn't comfortable with this, I can adjust accordingly. If folks are interested, I can bring extra gear to support a little project time.

The other thing is I work on having them setup their own gear, hang the hammock and tarp, stake it out, attach quilts, etc. They are all still learning. And knots, we are starting on knots.

Food wise I need to have something easy available at any given time. I plan dinner but if someone is getting grumpy, it's best to cook up a hot dog or something quick.

**mychal** · 05-09-2015, 06:04

This is great. My wife is driving my 4 around the country (mostly by herself) this summer, so there's a chance we won't be available. They are gone June 29th to August 2nd, so pretty much can't do it in July for us. Then there's the sports schedules...

**njsurfer** · 05-09-2015, 11:57

What would anyone think of doing Friday night through Sunday morning the weekend of June 20th?

**The Tree Frog** · 05-09-2015, 19:21

Father's day is on that Sunday. I think there are tentative plans for Round Valley that weekend. If not, I'm up for it.

Edit: looks like it is planned for that weekend.

**The Tree Frog** · 05-11-2015, 18:03

Not getting much traction. Do we want to look earlier or later on the calendar for the kids hang and join the Round Valley group hang? Anyone...anyone....

**Ratdog** · 05-11-2015, 19:16

I was thinking Round Valley because of the boating, fishing, hanging but not sure the 8 year olds are a match for the group dynamic. So I'm on the fence at this point.

**njsurfer** · 05-11-2015, 19:32

I think to be fair to kids and more so to the other hangers we should keep a hang dedicated to them. I'm pretty flexible on dates. I only have my daughters every other weekend because they visit their mother 2 weekends a month but I'm good otherwise. Id also be willing to drive up to catskills if anyone is game. There is a nice spot near the Neversink river. It's a level 1.5-2 mile hike in and the campsite is on a cool lazy river for playing in. Numerous dayhike opportunities too.

**The Tree Frog** · 05-11-2015, 19:36

Oh. I didn't mean Round Valley for the kids. I meant keep that weekend for the adults and pick another weekend for the kids. I agree we need to keep the kids from the adults and vice versa! Too many adult jokes etc for my comfort with the kids.

I could do an earlier weekend with the kids.

**Ratdog** · 05-11-2015, 20:27

I'm going to check on when school is finished and lock down sports schedule. Then I can say for sure.

And yes, I like a dedicated weekend for the kids as well.