Jennifer Levin

Jen Levin, mama of six, lives in St Paul Minnesota. Raised in the north woods of Michigan at a year round camp, she had a wild and free childhood. Jen and her husband ran an outdoor adventure program for college age participants for 7 years in Arkansas. They enjoyed helping others experience nature through canoeing, climbing, backpacking, and caving in the Ozark National Forest. Now Jen is figuring out how to nurture outdoor kids in an urban location. She’ll drive the extra miles for a clean lake and is happiest on, in, or near the water. Her family loves camping, swimming, canoeing, backpacking, and harvesting maple syrup at their family farm.

Gifts for Nature Lovers

Scenice view of the snake river with the Grand Tetons in the background

For those of us who love the outdoors, accumulating more “stuff” can leave us a little conflicted. When we receive gifts or give to our loved ones we hope they are items that benefit (or at least don’t harm) our planet. If those gifts can support our outdoor activity habits, that’s wonderful.  And if the … Read more

Urban Winter Adventures

I grew up at a year round camp in northern Michigan. It was a pretty idyllic setup for an outdoor loving kid. Whenever campers were around, there were activities to be a part of, gear to rent, and people to supervise.  I took full advantage of that: pond hockey, winter tubing, fishing, swimming, canoeing, archery, … Read more

Gifts for Outdoorsy Teenagers 2023

Teens have grown beyond their parents making all the choices for their outdoor gear and clothing. They have ideas of their own about what they wear and how to present themselves to the world. Often those ideas have more to do with fashion than function, am I right?!  Many times teens aren’t spending their own money … Read more

Best Daypacks for Women

Best Daypacks for Women 2023 Getting our families out into nature is the goal.  Ensuring our kids are comfortable, nourished, and safe requires us to carry a variety of gear through all kinds of weather and terrain. A well designed, thoughtfully packed daypack sets you up for a successful adventure, no matter your destination. Whether … Read more

Buoy Touring Tandem Kayak Review

Two women paddle inflatable kayak on lake

Buoy Touring Tandem Kayak Review We had a chance to try out Buoy Touring Tandem Kayak and wanted to share our thoughts with all of you! Buoy Watersports has two lines of kayaks, Recreational and Touring.  Both are well designed and functional, with the Touring series touted as more streamlined and comfortable, albeit with a … Read more

Maple Syrup Harvesting

Boy sits by fire at night cooking maple syrup

Maple Syrup Harvesting – Outdoor Parenting With Sweet Results Harvesting maple syrup in early spring is a fun and educational way to make it through the “dog days” of winter.  From toddlers to teens, everyone in the family can be involved. It can be done anywhere maple trees grow and equipment is widely available. You … Read more