From One Place To A Better One
In “Ted Lasso,” my favorite television show, Ted (the main character) tells a story about his dog, Hank. It goes like this:
The Power of Adventure
I stood at the base of the wall, looking up at the handholds and wondering if climbing them was a good idea. My daughter checked my knot and carabiner and then told me to say, “Climbing.”
Water Ways
Here in central Idaho, we’re surrounded by water—literally. We’re home to some of the world’s best whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers.
“You Can Do This!”
I checked my watch. It was 3 a.m. I was still tossing and turning. At wit’s end, I eased out of bed, trying not to wake my wife, walked into the bathroom, and started doing pushups.
Holiday Magic
We woke up yesterday to snow. It started slowly and by the time we made breakfast and jumped in the car for the ride to school, it was absolutely dumping.
The Happy Place
My niece and nephew were supposed to visit us for a week to do some whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, boating, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. It was an active vacation for active kids.
Sounds of Summer
Sitting on my paddleboard with my legs dangling in the lake, I watched a bald eagle float by, gently circling a spot on the end of the lake no doubt looking for food. As I daydreamed and relaxed, I noticed another noise.
Applied Science
After six months of in-person classes, tests, practical exams and more, I was finally, officially, a ski patroller. And yet, for the first two years, every day I walked into the patrol room to start my shift, my head was walking through scenarios, reminding me what to do if somebody broke a bone, sprung a leak, stopped breathing, stopped moving, over-dosed, went into diabetic shock and on and on and on.
The Importance of Being YOU!
I was on the road with my oldest daughter—chasing the elusive soccer scholarship—when my phone rang. On the other end, my second-oldest daughter was in tears.
Call Me Mike
For more than 20 years, I’ve waited patiently in line for my turn to receive communion from Father Ron at Holy Name of Mary in Ellicottville, N.Y.
Change of Direction
I looked up from my laptop screen and noticed something unsettling. Arranged around me on the couch and floor were all five of my kids on their phones or tablets—texting, watching YouTube videos and playing games.
Tis The Season
“Jeannie!” The older woman turned around and, seeing my wife, Carol, smiled. “Hey, Carol! Good to see you. How are you?” “Great,” said Carol. “Ready for ski season, as always.” Jeannie smiled, knowingly.
Likely Story
The sun was shining. The paddleboards were loaded. We were ready to go—a day on the lake to celebrate the last little bit of summer break.
Room For Growth
About a year ago, I sat down with the Camp Business team to talk through the new things I was contemplating for 2015. As we riffed off each other, we quickly focused on two ideas.
Relationship Glue
Hallie, my youngest teenager, was riding in the front seat on the way to school. She turned around and said the twins, “Do you guys have all your pennies?”
Publisher’s Note -- Culture Shift
You can see how part of this re-thinking process might include valuing getting outdoors and slowing down over constant competition.
The Difference Diversity Makes--Guest Editor
When I was nine years old, my mother accepted a summer job as a camp counselor. Since she would be working full-time, my sister and I were allowed to attend the summer camp for free! My sister and I
Risky Business
Late last week, my wife called to let me know our insurance agent had given her the inside scoop on exactly how to insure our first teen driver and that it wasn’t going to cost nearly as much as she h