Outdoor Hunting Tent

- What is a good age to introduce your kids to the outdoors???
The real basis is safety. I will wait a while for hunting, but at what age did you guys take your sons on their first outdoor camping, hunting, or fishing trip? When did you feel comfortable tenting with them so that they wouldnt get sick or where less likely to get hurt or lost or something? I am dying to get my kid out in the woods but he is a bit small at the moment and our trips are limited to short 1 or 2 hour jaunts for now. Any ideas or input are appreciated. Thanks This is truly more quality input than I ever expected. I spend a majority of my free time out of doors in some form or other (yesterday it was a 12 mile hike "hunting" for squirrels!). I see some lonely places and my fear was bringing my son into these places pre-maturely. Armed with the input I have here, I am pretty certain I can take the steps needed to do it right. We definitely need more examples of good role models. I am really tired of hearing the same old crap the inevitably makes us think that no matter what we do we are horrible parents. I, for one, hope that more questions like this raise themselves in this forum and we take it as an opportunity to ignore the drama and focus on the things that are really important in our lives. I am goning to leave the question open for a while, I really appreciate the input. You people are awesome!

A I do not think there is a “one age fits all” determination. And glad there is not! Children progress at different ages. Some crawl then walk sooner than others. And at a young age trust is most important to them. If/when they fall they know loving parents are there for their safety. And when tired-sleepy they are use to the comfort and security of their home. Instill that trust by starting them with “campouts” in their familiar surroundings. Backyards. Tenting. Staying out all night. Just you and the little one. Gives them the needed since of security. And also let’s them become acclimated to another environment Then progress to doing the same farther from home. The overnight campouts in the backyard now are extended to a weekend campout. And always make it enjoyable. Keep them involved. Sitting up camp. Gathering firewood. Preparing meals. Enjoying a campfire together. Just my thoughts as an outdoorsman and a loving father-grandfather.

- I am a guy looking for sewing ideas and resources.?
I learned to sew tents and custom work from a bunch of guys at a job I had. Since then I have made, outdoor gear, backpacks and duffels , hunting and camping gear, archery quivers and targets, etc. I like that it saves me money rather than buying them and I get to custom make things to my needs or modify items I already have. The problem is I run out of ideas. I can never find a website or book that isn't about making curtains or handbags and girly stuff. I guess not many guys are into this sort of thing. I would never have been either if it wasn't for my job. They were all rugged guys that made me feel stupid for not knowing how to sew since you can do so much. They made kites and backpacks and all sorts of stuff cheap. Its nice to be able to look at army surplus stores for ideas on how to construct something useful, but other than that I don't have many places to go. Sometimes it takes seeing something to realize I could make it. Any ideas? A website would be great. yeah, backpacking.net is awesome. I got some good ideas from there back awhile ago. Thanks for the recommendations. Whenever I search for the words guys ans dewing I get a lot of mens clothing patterns and stuff that is still geared towards the ladies. Im not really into sewing clothes per se...

A You might take a look at Nancy Restuccia's book Hold it! It's got a number of "manly" projects in it, and more that could be considered "male". Or consider upholstery or boat fittings (try http://www.beaconfabric.com). Or learning to sew airplane wings, which is how my grandfather learned to machine sew... Or look at motorcycle touring bags, dog boots, horse mud sheets, chaps... Or turn your attention outward... there are a number of sewn products that can be customized for disabled people, and few who do the work. Wheelchair cushions and upholstery, body slings, brace leathers, positioning cushions.... You might also get some ideas from Penny Schwyn's website, http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com, though she primarily makes clothes and gear.