June 28, 2013

How Dad's Are Improving Their Kids' Lives - Stories in Photos

How Dad's Are Improving Their Kids' Lives - Stories in Photos

We asked Alpine Shop customers to send us photos of dads who have introduced their children to the outdoors for our Great Dads and the Great Outdoors photo sweepstakes. We received more than 100 entries into the contest, and more importantly, received more than 100 stories of fathers making an impact on their children's lives through outdoor activities. Here are just a few of the types of stories you'll find if you go through the entries we received: [caption id="attachment_2050" align="alignright" width="139"]Alpine Shop Fathers Meg's father teaching her selective forestry.[/caption] Read about a dad who trained his daughter to maintain the land using selective forestry. She now works for the department of conservation and is making plans for a 2014 Applachian Trail Hike. Discover a Dad who has brought his family to over 15 national parks and over 50 state parks helping his family create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Or even a multi-part entry which featured a father helping his daughter on her first rappel off a cliff. We received more than 100 stories told that all lead us back to our vision: "Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors." However, as with any sweepstake or contest, eventually a winner needs to be selected. This year's winner of a $250 Alpine Shop Shopping Spree was chosen randomly from all the entries. It was posted by Arthur Larson and features Arthur and his father Dave at Philmont Scout Ranch. [caption id="attachment_2045" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Grand Prize winner: Philmont Fun - Climbing Mt. Baldy by Arthur Larson Grand Prize winner:
Philmont Fun - Climbing Mt. Baldy by Arthur Larson[/caption] Here is what Arthur wrote about his father:

In 2011 my father and I made the trip out to Philmont Scout Ranch in NM and Climbed Mt. Baldy. This picture was taken on Father's Day at the top of the mountain. Winds were blowing hard and it was really cold but it was worth it. In January my father was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He is only 48 years old. His hope is to be able to go one more time and bring my younger brother. ALS is a disease that attacks your motor neurons and the muscles they control become weak and paralyzed. The ALS St. Louis walk is Saturday, June 29th in Forest Park. Come out and meet my dad! Cheer him on!! His name is Dave Larson.

Three $75 gift cards were also given away to Dennis Maddock, Andrea Kirkpatrick and Cori Kline. Their photos follow below along with the stories they shared with us. [caption id="attachment_2048" align="aligncenter" width="300"]While hiking down the Havasupai water falls, my wife and I spent a lot of time building up the kids confidence to climb the waterfalls, one of which is 200 feet. Some of the falls are short enough and have deep pools so you can jump from the top of the fall to the water below. By the fourth day, one of our daughters, ten at the time, had built up the courage to jump from a 20 foot fall with me. There was a time, several years ago, that while rock climbing, she was afraid to let go of the wall after reaching the top to be lowered, but all of the time we spend building up their strength and confidence in their abilities allowed us to share this moment. While hiking down the Havasupai water falls, my wife and I spent a lot of time building up the kids confidence to climb the waterfalls, one of which is 200 feet. Some of the falls are short enough and have deep pools so you can jump from the top of the fall to the water below. By the fourth day, one of our daughters, ten at the time, had built up the courage to jump from a 20 foot fall with me. There was a time, several years ago, that while rock climbing, she was afraid to let go of the wall after reaching the top to be lowered, but all of the time we spend building up their strength and confidence in their abilities allowed us to share this moment. By: Dennis Maddock[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2043" align="aligncenter" width="199"]Every summer our family takes trips to different National Parks around the U.S. The year Ada turned 3 and our boys were old enough to cover some distance on their own, we started taking longer day-hikes. That summer, we went to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Ada’s dad carried her in a backpack carrier on many hikes at the Grand Canyon and up Walter’s Wiggles at Zion (21 switchbacks). It was amazing to watch her delight in her father’s toil. Two summers ago we went to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ada made her first trip to the top of a mountain-Mt. Pisgah, with a little help from her dad. Last summer we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Ada was proud because she was able to keep up on most of the hikes, getting a boost from her dad every now and again. Her crowning glory was making it to the Mount Chapin summit at over 13,000 feet. On a regular basis at home, we enjoy hiking and biking the local trails, as we disconnect from our busy lives. Ada has a tremendous amount of pride in her outdoor endeavors, and she looks up to her dad because he is so important in helping her reach her goals and gain self-confidence. These experiences are shaping her into a person with a real joy for life-excited to see new things, learn about wildlife, and marvel at the natural beauty of our world. Spending time with her dad and accomplishing such remarkable things are memories that will last a lifetime, and hopefully someday, she might pass this love on to children of her own. Every summer our family takes trips to different National Parks around the U.S. The year Ada turned 3 and our boys were old enough to cover some distance on their own, we started taking longer day-hikes. That summer, we went to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Ada’s dad carried her in a backpack carrier on many hikes at the Grand Canyon and up Walter’s Wiggles at Zion (21 switchbacks). It was amazing to watch her delight in her father’s toil. Two summers ago we went to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ada made her first trip to the top of a mountain-Mt. Pisgah, with a little help from her dad. Last summer we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Ada was proud because she was able to keep up on most of the hikes, getting a boost from her dad every now and again. Her crowning glory was making it to the Mount Chapin summit at over 13,000 feet. On a regular basis at home, we enjoy hiking and biking the local trails, as we disconnect from our busy lives. Ada has a tremendous amount of pride in her outdoor endeavors, and she looks up to her dad because he is so important in helping her reach her goals and gain self-confidence. These experiences are shaping her into a person with a real joy for life-excited to see new things, learn about wildlife, and marvel at the natural beauty of our world. Spending time with her dad and accomplishing such remarkable things are memories that will last a lifetime, and hopefully someday, she might pass this love on to children of her own. By: Andrea Kirkpatrick[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_2047" align="aligncenter" width="300"]A.J. and dad trying to catch a whopper. by: Cori Kline A.J. and dad trying to catch a whopper. By: Cori Kline[/caption] You can find the entire list of entries to the 2013 Great Dads and the Great Outdoors Sweepstakes on our facebook page. Thanks to everyone who entered and a big "Thank You" to all the fathers out there who continue to introduce your kids to a love of the great outdoors.

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