Natural Shelter (No tools)

[limaker]

We try to avoid as much as we can and use what is around us but we seem to still be learning as we go. The kids also have issues without having a real tent. For them it means the Boogeyman can not get through the zipper part. I love the idea though!

[Blueskyy]

Awesome job! I have never built one...yet...we will be taking some trips without the little ones in the Spring and plan to try our hand at building a shelter.I know what yuo mean Limaker...with mine it is the tent and a flashlight that stays on all night long. They have never seen anything scary so I am not sure what the deal is.

[LeadOperator]

+1 THIS is the kinna stuff I like to be involved with...stuff you just find layin around...adapting...overcoming. Love it!

[ppine]

The psychology of being in a tent is something most of us have grown up with. It is an enclousure, it seems secure. Being in a lean-to or under an open tarp, is expansive. You can see out, it puts you more in touch with what you came to see. A fire can be used to warm it up, but there is no enclosure. I encourage anyone who has only camped in tents to try an open shelter, and in good weather, no shelter except for some trees for thermal protection.

[Michael]

Originally Posted by ppine

I encourage anyone who has only camped in tents to try an open shelter, and in good weather, no shelter except for some trees for thermal protection.

This summer, I'm planning to try a hammock with nothing but a bug net. Sleeping under a tarp was a real eye opener, so I imagine that not having anything block my view at all is going to blow my mind.

[ChadTower]

Originally Posted by limaker

For them it means the Boogeyman can not get through the zipper part.

Heh. My grandfather taught us that we were the Boogeymen to the things living in the woods. They are more afraid of us than we are of them. You can't fear the Boogeyman if you are the Boogeyman.

[ppine]

Chad,

You have demonstrated a way to empower kids. It is the way to give them confidence that they control their own destiny. They can react appropriately to whatever is thrown at them in the outdoors.

[ChadTower]

Or at least not freak out every time a chipmunk runs by in the dark.