Last weekend the Saskatoon Secular Family Network hosted its annual Freethinker Family Camp, and had about 10 families come out for the event, held at a provincial park. Our weekend was full of campfires, canoeing, swimming, nature hiking, star-gazing, and hanging out with like-minded families — a great time!
Our camping trip this year was quite a bit different from last year’s inaugural camp. For one, it was WAY more laid back (which meant much less stress for this organizer!). Last year, I think I tried too hard to fit in activities and a schedule — which, while fun, wasn’t necessary.
The longer I’m involved in the smaller communities of the larger atheist movement, the more value I’m finding in the non-programmed, friendship-building moments. For this camping weekend, the best times for me were the ones when the parents were able to chat by the fire and the kids were free to run around and play together.
So while we had to dodge a few raindrops and brave a couple chilly SK nights, I think this weekend’s camping trip can be marked a success.