Prize packs, awards and more! It's the second week of school for our daughter, now in fifth grade, and we still don't quite have the routine down yet. That's why I appreciated the article by Lara Krupicka this month on "Managing After-school Busyness" (p. 6). I especially like the "Reset by Resting" advice. Even 10 minutes to myself at some point in the evening can give me the boost I need to make it through to bedtime. Remember: Kids need this down time, too! Our giveaways this month are phenomenal. Back up to p. 3 to check them out. They include a Back-to-School Prize Pack of a backpack filled with DVDs, books and lunch containers! If you've never entered to win a prize from us, it's super-easy. with the name of the prize in the subject line.?Include your name, address and phone number in the body of the email (for contact purposes). No catches or hassle; and click on September Giveaways under Contests on the home page. I was thrilled to find out that our little magazine won second place in the special sections category at the West Virginia Press Association annual meeting in August.

It is always nice to get a little pat on the back for what we do here, even though I already get that from the VIPs - you - on a regular basis. I want to pass the "good on ya" to my regular readers, advertisers and supporters of OV Parent. Consider your backs patted!You are using a web browser we don't support. Please use the latest version of one of these browsers. Dual FlickLock mechanisms provide total adjustability to suit the terrain at hand Long Flex tips with low profile trekking baskets Rubber grips with rib patterns reduce vibration; nonslip EVA foam grip extensions give you options on where to grasp Variable-width nylon webbing straps with woven lining for increased comfort 3-section aluminum shafts with double FlickLock adjustability View all Black Diamond Trekking Poles 1 lb. 4 oz. We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase.

REI's guarantee doesn't cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents. If your item has a manufacturing defect in its materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time. See our limited warranty. At REI, we live and breathe the outdoors, and we're passionate about sharing our expertise with people of all skill levels. maxpedition pygmy backpackWhether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned explorer, we'll take the time to understand your needs and help you find the right gear for you.eceen backpack Anyone can shop at REI, but for a one-time $20 fee you can become an REI member and enjoy a lifetime of benefits. backpack bex targus 16These include an annual member refund, typically 10% back on eligible purchases.*arambol backpack

*10% is typical but not guaranteed. Your refund is based on eligible purchases, which exclude REI gift cards, services, fees, REI Adventures trips, REI Garage, and discounted items. I don’t think I will ever be sad about the fact that Will is from San Diego. We spent the past weekend in So Cal during a whirlwind trip – we flew out Friday night and came back late on Sunday. aggressor backpack vacuumTurns out, TWO of our friends were getting married on Saturday so we decided that a mini vacation was in order.myog backpack pattern We tried our best to attend both ceremonies, but could only do so much. As a result, we made it to the ceremony of the first wedding, left, and headed north in order to catch the reception of the second. It wasn’t perfect, but Will and I were both so glad that we were able make it for their big days!

As I was curating the internet yesterday, trying to catch up on must-read stuff that I missed over the weekend, I stumbled across an article shared by Semi-Rad. In a nutshell, the author poses an interesting question: Is backpacking dying? Upon reading the title, I grew indignant and irritated. Who wrote this thing?! Why would they even ask that question? Backpacking is alive and prospering, of course! {Because naturally, my hobbies are everyone’s favorite….} However, I kept reading and the well-written piece caught my attention. And then, I read some more and realized the author has some valid points. It got me to thinking: who do I see on the trail? Here in the 303, I feel like backpacking is alive, kicking and revving its engines. We always see other people out and about, tents pitched in far oft fields and rogue hikers scrambling along the ridgelines to towering peaks. However, the more I thought about it, I realized this: I’m definitely one of the youngest out there!

Sure, we see dozens of people on trail and many of them are in our age bracket. However, at 32-years-old, I’m not exactly the sprightliest of spring chickens, you know? I racked my brain, trying to remember the sight of teenage groups or even college kids. And you know what? I really can’t remember seeing too many of the sub-25 variety. As the author notes, the next generation is more interested in sports that involve obvious sources of adrenaline: hucking cliffs on skis, dirt biking across deserts, and rock climbing gnarly pitches all come to mind. Are those sports awesome? Of course they are {minus the dirt biking, but don’t get me started on my hippy, don’t-destroy-the-environment tendencies!} However, it does seem that the younger crowds aren’t as interested if a GoPro can’t snag sweet, puke-inducing YouTube footage.For the younger generations, I think the outdoor gene is sadly missing in its entirety. We’ve all heard it before, but video games and iPads are replacing that time when I used to be playing in the mud, creating “pottery” for my mom.

And for the college-age crowd? I think they are just misinformed! I hear so often that backpacking doesn’t have the “adrenaline payoff” that other sports do, and honestly, I think people are doing it wrong! Sure, the stereotypical backpacking trip appears relatively mundane: you shuffle a few miles into the silent woods, schlepping an insanely heavy pack, only to sit by your tiny tent, content with your own thoughts, while sleeping uncomfortably and singing kumbaya. Does that sum it up? Backpacking is so much more than that! Yes, the pack can be absurdly heavy but the sense of accomplishment you feel after lugging that behemoth up the side of a mountain is beyond comparison. And the wildlife you encounter? Nowhere else will random Grizzlies and coyotes and mountain goats wander up to your tent, solely for the sake of curiosity. And as for adrenaline? The sport offers it up in spades! Some of the best climbs, peaks and vistas can only be accessed from a remote basecamp. Sure, you can nab the easy summit with everyone else who drove up from Denver, but why not check out the views from somewhere that few have visited?