Camping tends to bring out the scientist in people – especially my daughter. After all, you’ve got the sky above you full of stars and galaxies light years away. Right under your feet is the ground – planet number three, EARTH, with its physical remains sometimes dating back to the beginning of time. What’s one of the first things to do after camp has been set? Explore and discover the world around you.

I’m always wondering what my daughter will be when she grows up, and adventurer/scientist ranks at the top along with artist, singer, Olympic swimmer and veterinarian.

No sooner than we set up camp, Harper is ready to hike the trails and get to know the lay of the land.  But first? Her mighty staff (or stick) provided by Mother Nature.  Finding the right stick to fit your hand, body size and personal “style” is a lot like trying on shoes.  You’ll know when it feels right.  Once several sticks have been “tried on” and one is selected, Harper and her trusty stick take to the trails to discover and uncover any great mysteries yet to be identified and documented by former campers at the site.  Rocks and stones provide the greatest amount of inquiry.  With her trusty microscope, she looks at practically every pebble, stone, rock and boulder within reach.  Will she stumble upon a prehistoric fossil? A precious gem? A meteor? A link to the past? Who knows. I’m just glad she’s looking. And wondering. And observing. And thinking.