Young Men and the Canvas Craft Adventure

[Dave]

Remember when you were 16?!

My younger son, Adam, and his buddy, Michael, really enjoy the outdoors. Hunting, fishing - soft water or hard water - they've been doing what many young guys dream about. True, they each have a dad that loves the outdoors, too, and have handed down gear, knowledge, lessons and experiences the best they can but, now that the driver's license stage has hit, and getting good grades at school, it's time to allow them to also experience the work and responsibility that's involved with an outdoor adventure.

Today was another day that both young men were put to the "test". They handled joint responsibility from making plans, packing lunch, getting gear together and loaded, driving to the lake, unloading, finding the spot and getting set up for an afternoon and evening of fishing. Even though temps hovered around 10° and the wind was brisk, they were troopers and hit the road with smiles from ear to ear.

Almost like fishing in the family room, the new Canvas Craft Norpac Double-Flip shelter provided tons of room and kept the young guys comfy. They selected a Mr. Heater Buddy heater to keep them toasty, packed sandwiches and snacks to keep their stomaches from growling and had the Itunes cranking to fill the silence between watching their flashers and laughing.

Each having their own side of a shelter gave each of them their "space" and really helped them setup just how they like it. With the heater and snacks in the middle, the setup was perfect.

When the bite slowed down, they'd drop down the camera to learn more about the "mystery" of fishing. They even had the comforts of battery powered lights and more.

When us dads compared notes the other week, we realized these two young men really learned a lot about the outdoors themselves, too, because they're not afraid to try and learn. They both enjoy adventures, they learn from each other and are great at sharing the duties. And, as they get older, what better way to experience the outdoors, than with a good friend. You know the feeling, just like when you were that age. I think, when they get to be my age, they'll still go fishing together.

Note: The complete trip was accomplished by them. I drove out to snap a few photos and see if there was room for me but, they gave me the boot. I was very impressed and to tell the truth, very proud of these young guys. Great job!

[cavalierowner]

There should be a Facebook "Like" button here! Congrats to your son and his friend on their accomplishment. This is the kind of thing they will remember all their life. You absolutely should be very proud of them.

[40creekonice]

That's great! I remember when I was sixteen and my dad let me and a couple buddies take his truck with a 14 footer and a 9.9hp on the back. We went to a remote lake. Had to haul in the boat by hand. Then the motor and all of our camping gear. It was a great time.

Our kids learn so much from us on our outtings, but they really learn about things when they have to rely on themselves. As long as there is a good foundation to start with, they will do fine.

In short time, those boys will be taking you out on some new found lake or a new hotspot on a current lake that you never thought of trying.

Good on you for letting those boys venture out on their own and good on them for embracing the opportunity to show how responsible and mature they are.

[lakevet]

Outstanding job Dad!

Good chance they will do the work to haul you out fishing when the time comes you can't do it yourself!

lakevet

[Gordie]

Great stuff Dave and I know from experience cause I have a 15 yr old that is really into it and he has 2 other buddys that love the outdoors.

Makes me proud to know thats something I got him intrested in and he keeps wanting to do more of it.