Wishing I had Better Arch Support for the Next Hike! #hiking #GirlGuidesofCanada

Girl Guides of Canada - annekimca, © 2025 thismomneedswine.com

I had an amazing weekend camping with some friends from Girl Guides of Canada a few weeks ago. It was our second camping trip for the 2025 fall season, with a total of 26 girls and 7 guiders. We had the pleasure of camping at Camp Wildman, which is a seasonal regular for our unit. The Pathfinders unit that have some of our previous guiders that graduated last year, joined in our adventure as well. My favourite part of every camping trip is when we go on a long hike, and I really wish I had better arch support for next time.

Camp Wildman is a beautiful 100 acre wooded wilderness in Simcoe County, roughly 40 km northwest of Barrie, Ontario. The camp has been used by Scouts since it was purchased from the Wildman family in 1937. Whether you're looking for the simplicity of camping with a tent, the beauty of the backwoods, the cozy comfort of a cabin, an adventure in an Adirondack, or to test your skills with a snow shelter, each option offers a chance for growth and learning. There's plenty of space and nature resources to explore, with plenty of hiking trails and wooded areas that will take multiple visits to be able to see it all. 

This trip we went on 2 hour long hike through the woods, as went off trail. There was lots of ups and downs, a lot of huffing and puffing on my part, but I'm amazed I was able to do it. I was still recovering from having surgery, so it really pushed my limits. Nothing better than being out in the fresh air exploring... see my previous post!

Hiking Made Easier with Arch Support Inserts! #hiking #GirlGuidesofCanada

Brianna, © 2025 thismomneedswine.com

I had an amazing weekend camping with some friends from Girl Guides of Canada. It was our first camping for the 2025 fall season, with a total of 18 girls and 5 guiders. We had the pleasure of camping at Matheson Creek, which is in Springwater, Ontario. They're also a registered charity known as the Communities Connecting for Children and they're a proud owner and protector of the 70 acres of prime natural habitat. 

We booked the Wendake Site which is known for 3 longhouses made of BC cedar. The site replicates the original homes of the Wendat, Ojibway, Iroquois, Mohawk and other indigenous people of the Huronia/Simcoe County area. I was super excited for this, but we were unfortunately disappointed in the site. Why? During the day the site was perfect, but as soon as the sun went down we realized it was known for having the most giant spiders. The cabins were infested with spiders the size of my fist... there was no way we were going to let the girls sleep there! We packed up our bedding and belongings, and moved to their Maple Plains site (tent site) and used their main building - Den and pitched 2 tents.

Matheson Creek is known for the gorgeous hiking trails, which we spent many hours enjoying. I have to say that hiking the trails was my favourite part of the weekend, especially since the leaves are changing colour with the autumn season.  Since I did so much hiking, I noticed how much my feet hurt. I might be a bit out of shape and rusty when it comes to hiking, but if I had arch support inserts for my running shoes, it probably would have helped. 

Getting Ready For My Annual Camping Trip & Bringing My New Flashlights From #brightoutdoors

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Cooking ribs on the campfire - last year... yum!

It's that time of year again when I start planning my annual camping trip. Every year on the August long weekend here in Ontario, Canada, my friends and I usually try and get away for a few days. Last year I wasn't able to get away, since my daughter had just been born. I debated going away this year with her only being one years old old, but I need a little mini vacation more than ever! Assuming mom and grandma will be babysitting, I will be heading to the woods for three and a half days of fun. I already have a nice collection of camping gear, in which I keep adding to on an annual basis. This year I have some awesome Safety Lights from the company The Bright Outdoors... and I can't wait to use them.

When it comes to camping, you can never bring too many flashlights. I find that everyone in the group is always looking for one, even if each have a couple. You never know when one might decide to crap out on you, especially when you're in the dark on the way to the washroom. Nothing creepier than your flashlight dying in the middle of the woods, on your way back to the tent alone. Yes, I've had it happen to me a few times. I have learned to carry two with me at all times once it's dark.

Loving My New LED Lantern This Summer By #GalacticLighting

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again when the summer is coming to an end, which means the children are heading back to school. This is the last long weekend of the summer, and many families are taking advantage of it and enjoying the end of their summer holiday season. If I didn't have  a newborn at home, I would be out and about enjoying the hot summer weather up north... camping somewhere. I usually go camping over long weekends, and have made it an annual thing. This summer I wasn't able to, but looking forward to enjoying it again next summer.

By now I have a nice collection of camping gear, and always seem to be adding new items every time I go camping. It never fails, there's always something that I can think of once I'm out in the woods camping, that would come in handy. I recently came across the company called Galactic Lighting, and was fortunate to get the opportunity of reviewing one of their lighting products. I received their LED Lantern, and have been using it daily ever since.

Outdoor fun for kids this summer

Image by Micheal Hickerson used under the Creative Commons License.

Summer is here, and there is no better way to share some quality experiences with your kids than by getting outside and enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. Sometimes it can seem impossible to come up with activities that will hold a child’s attention for more than five minutes, but here are six great activities that will bring the whole family closer together.

Image by Micheal Hickerson used under the Creative Commons License.

1. Gardening
Working in the garden is a great way to not only spend time with your kids, but to teach them the importance of respecting nature and preserving our green spaces. Try picking them up a wooden or plastic set of tools from your local garden center, and do fun activities like planting a tree, which they will be able to watch grow for years to come. 

Camping Checklist: Print Version!

A few weeks back I published a list, as I was going camping over the August long weekend here in Canada. It's a list that I created to help make sure that I didn't forget anything, and it helped make sure that everything was packed. I decided to go ahead and create a file for anyone wanting to print out the list, to help aid in their camping trip this summer.

Click to print your camping checklist!

Camping Checklist: Print Version!

A few weeks back I published a list, as I was going camping over the August long weekend here in Canada. It's a list that I created to help make sure that I didn't forget anything, and it helped make sure that everything was packed. I decided to go ahead and create a file for anyone wanting to print out the list, to help aid in their camping trip this summer.

Click to print your camping checklist!

Camping Checklist

Next weekend is the August long weekend here in Canada, Ontario, and I'm going on my annual camping trip. I've been planning it for months now, and I'm looking forward to some relaxation in the wilderness.

Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure. Having the necessary supplies and equipment can make a difference in your overall enjoyment and experience. Checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. Your camping list will vary according to the type of camping and activities you have planned, the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip. Add or remove items to suit your individual needs. Please email us with any other items that you would include in your camping checklist.


Shelter

__Tent
__Ground cloth/tarp
__Extra stakes
__Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes
__Axe or hammer
__Mat for tent entrance
__Dust pan/brush

Bedding

__Sleeping bag
__Sheets/blankets
__Pillow
__Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp
__Air pump
__Repair kit for air mattress
__Utility bags for storage

Cooking

__Large water jug & water bucket
__Coolers/ice
__Thermos
__Stove with fuel/propane
__Matches/lighter
__Charcoal/firewood/buddy burner
__Dutch oven/tin can stove/box oven/etc
__Campfire grill/BBQ grill
__Fire starters/newspaper
__Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips
__Plates & bowls/paper plates & bowls
__Silverware/plastic silverware
__Measuring cups
__Heavy-duty aluminum foil
__Paper towels
__Trash bags
__Dish soap
__Clothes pins
__Cooking oil/Pam spray
__Containers for food storage
__Potholders/oven mitts
__Pots and frying pans with lids
__Soap for outside of pots and pans
__Cook utensils-spatula, knife, spoon
__Tongs
__Skewers/grill forks
__Can opener/bottle opener
__Folding table
__Dutch oven
__Mugs/paper cups
__Mixing bowl
__Cutting board
__Ziplock bags
__Napkins
__Dish pan
__Dish rags/towels
__Scrub pad/brillo
__Seasonings/sugar/condiments
__Potato peeler

Clothes

__Shoes/boots
__Jeans/pant/belt
__Shorts
__T-shirts
__Socks/extra socks
__Hat
__Sweatshirt/jacket
__Underwear
__Sleep clothes
__Rain gear
__Swim suit/towel
__Laundry bag

Personal
__Shower shoes/flip flops
__Towels/washcloth
__Soap in plastic case/shampoo
__Tooth brush/tooth paste
__Deodorant
__Comb/brush
__Razor
__Feminine products
__Toilet paper
__Other personal items
__Personal medications – take extra

Miscellaneous

__Sunscreen/chapstick
__Lantern with fuel/mantles
__Extra batteries/bulbs
__Compass/GPS
__Bug repellant/candles
__Whistle
__Water filters/purification/treatment
__Camera/battery/film/video (see photo jigsaw puzzles)
__Books/magazines (a Kindle would be better)
__Candles
__Maps/directions
__Misc. tools
__Backpack/fanny pack
__Fishing gear/license/bait
__Radio
__Musical instruments/song books
__Camp chairs
__Sunglasses
__Hammock
__First aid kit
__Tissues
__Saw/axe
__Park map/guidebooks/trail maps
__Lantern pole or hanger
__Collapsible drying rack
__Popcorn
__Marshmallows, Graham crackers, Hershey bars (Smores)
__Flashlight/batteries
__Pocket knife
__Plastic grocery bags
__Binoculars
__Rope/clothes line
__Canteen/water bottle/coffee pot
__Bungi cords/straps
__Cards/games/toys/golf
__Duct tape/electrical tape
__Notepad/pen
__Reservations info./confirmation
__Cell phone/charger & 2-way radios/walkie talkies
__Small shovel
__Safety pins
__Money/ID/credit card/quarters
__Bikes/helmets
__Travel alarm clock
__Work gloves
__Umbrella
__Hand wipes
__Drinks/snacks
__Small sewing kit
__Fire extinguisher
__Hot chocolate/tea bags/coffee
__Scissors
__Watch



Tell someone of your plans – give details of where you are going and when you expect to return, give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Dept, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in.

Camping Checklist

Next weekend is the August long weekend here in Canada, Ontario, and I'm going on my annual camping trip. I've been planning it for months now, and I'm looking forward to some relaxation in the wilderness.

Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure. Having the necessary supplies and equipment can make a difference in your overall enjoyment and experience. Checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. Your camping list will vary according to the type of camping and activities you have planned, the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip. Add or remove items to suit your individual needs. Please email us with any other items that you would include in your camping checklist.