Question: What do you hope to gain from this camping trip?
Mom: The biggest hope is to have another leisure option for us to do as a family that is positive. Right now, we have a very limited subset of activities that we can all do and everyone can get at least a little bit of enjoyment from. So, we are just hoping that something in this camping experience works out. Maybe it will be the canoeing, maybe not. Maybe it will be hiking, maybe not. Just so that we can have another family outing option because we have so few. That is really the main thing.
Question: What do you hope that Donald will gain from the camping trip?
Mom: To hopefully build up his tolerance. Some more experiences. He is pretty limited. Maybe a little bit more independence. Coping skills.
What do you consider important for your family outing? Family fitness, seeing a historic/cultural site or a different part of the country, or maybe a short getaway from daily routines for some relaxation? Outdoor excursions and camping can provide adventurous opportunities for the family as a whole. It is highly likely that there will be a variety of capabilities and interests to coordinate. Some questions your family may want to consider when planning an outdoor adventure:
What is it you want to do? Hike, boat, bike, cross-country ski?
Where do you want to go? Local Park, County Park, State Forests, National Park?
When can you do it? Sunday afternoon, over a weekend, a week in the summer?
Who will be going on the trip? Immediate family, extended family, friends, and neighbors, personal care attendant?
Get input from all family members to brainstorm possible wishes and wants. Contact parks and tourism agencies for more information. Generating ideas of what your family members might like to experience can help meet expectations. Considerations include the distance from home, the distance from the car, and the distance from medical assistance your family is willing and able to travel. Also, think about the terrain, time of year, and the amount of time you have available.