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Can you hear me now? On a recent family vacation, we took an eco tour to experience how dolphins behave in salt marshes – you know, how they hunted and interacted with each other.  The zodiac boat held 10 people, and while it was sturdy, I wouldn’t have been surprised if we were bounced in … Read More

Camping is dirty.  There, I said it. Close your eyes, and think about camping with your kids.  Do you envision the adventure unfolding neatly before you?  All the camping gear is exactly where it’s supposed to be stored, making packing a breeze.  Your family gets to the campground when there’s still plenty of light to … Read More

Don’t let kids have all the fun! SUMMER!!  Summer!  Summmmmmmmer.  Does your level of summer break excitement start to turn to shades of panic when you realize those long lazy days aren’t quite so lazy (but they sure can be long)?  Do your kids are stare at you, waiting for one of your brilliant ideas … Read More

Make way for play! Summer or not, our days are usually hectic, sometimes over-scheduled, and always filled with things to do.  So, how are you going to fill your child’s 70 (give or take) days off from school this summer?  Don’t.  Yup, you heard (errr, read) right.  Don’t.  Instead, open the door, step back and … Read More

Have a “pawsome” time! Is there anyone who gets more excited to go outside than we do?  Say, someone of the 4-legged canine variety?  At the first sight of a backpack and hiking boots, does your furry friend get so excited he runs back and forth between you and the front door no less than … Read More

With so many choices, what should you find out about a summer camp before sending your child? All parents want to choose the best and safest experiences for their child. Here are ten questions that you should ask before enrollment:   Is this camp Accredited by the American Camp Association or other nationally recognized accrediting … Read More

Everything’s better by the water! I’m a firm believer that being in, next to or on the water is otherworldly.  Maybe it’s because I grew up near the ocean, and I think saltwater trickles through my veins and any activity involving water is medicinal.  I love reading a book with my toes wiggling in the … Read More

Biking fun:  Going beyond handlebar fringe and bells! You’ve made it past teaching your kiddos how to ride a bike.  You got beyond running awkwardly beside them, trying desperately to avoid even the slightest bump that would inevitably cause a tumble of epic proportions (at least in their minds).  They wobbled; you wobbled.  They fell; … Read More

Scaling a rock face?  Check.  Rafting through mild to wild water?  Check.  Conquering switchbacks?  Check.  You’ve already chosen Vela Adventures for your quests, and you know that growing, stepping out of comfort zones and trying new things in a safe environment is for everyone.  Kids shouldn’t have all the fun, right? So, what are some … Read More

Hikes don’t have to mean “YIKES”! I’ll admit it.  It wasn’t my finest mommy moment.  During a hike, our 6-year old sat down in the middle of the trail and refused to budge.  He said he was done.  He went on strike.  A hike strike.  He was too big to carry and too young to … Read More