By Randle Ferrari
Normally I wouldn’t even consider taking four kids under the age of 8 camping, nor would I ever suggest it to anyone. My wife is a doula though, and her client was past due. I was planning on just taking the older 3 to Fisheating Creek. It’s a close campout. Relaxing, low-key, we do a nature walk; it’s not a big nation event. Just a couple of tribes. Besides, I’ve known the Cherokees now for 3 years. I knew of worse comes to worst, these 9 other guys at the campout in our tribe would be there for us, and it was not some huge group.
Maybe I was a little nervous, but it was amazing. I’ve been taking the other girls camping for their whole lives. It is a tradition I value greatly, and luckily the other tribe was on cooking duty. Our third girl has been camping specifically with this group for almost a year already. It is amazing how her confidence has grown so fast; and the trust and bonds I’ve grown with these 9 other dads in our tribe over these few years.
We do a lot together. Our tribe does a monthly dinner. Recently we even had Cooking With Enid come to the house to do a lesson on the patio and a bonfire out back instead of a nearby restaurant. It’s nice to get local dads with their kids together. We all immediately have some common denominators, some common ground: our kids, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of spending time outdoors. So great to get the kids outside, off screen time, hanging out with their friends.
Not doing it alone. Building community is so important. As a dad of four, I can’t pretend that it’s always easy. It’s these moments—building relationships with other dads—that make the experience even better. The kids get to play, build friendships, and learn new things, all while we connect and support each other.
My eldest daughter has been on over a dozen campouts with our tribe, and she loves every minute of it. The camping trips, cook-offs, and dinners have become highlights in her life. It seems like the younger 3 love it just as much. I’m glad too because it is not easy to wean a baby from nursing. Very appreciative of my backup, I could not have wished for a better crew to count on. Having a strong support system of fellow dads who understand and are there to help makes it so much easier. It’s not just about camping trips—it’s about building a community that you can count on and knowing your kids are surrounded by positive influences.
If you’re a dad with children aged 5-10, in Broward or Palm Beach counties , please check out www.seminolenation.org or email big5@seminolenation.org. The experiences, the support, and the memories you’ll create will make all the difference for you and your kids.
