Tag Archives: active

Teardrop Trailers vs. Pop-up Campers: Which Are Better?

Many people like to travel on the open road. However, with rising costs, they may find they cannot do so as often as they want. Investing in a camper is one way to avoid the high costs associated with frequent travel.

When buying a camper, one must choose from many styles. Two popular choices today are pop-up and teardrop campers. Each style has benefits and drawbacks. What should a person know when making this choice?

Teardrop Campers

Teardrop campers, such as the bushwacker camper, are easily recognizable by their shape. They look exactly as the name describes. Two people easily fit in these campers, and they come with an outdoor kitchen, storage solutions, and more. These campers are both cozy and practical.

People love these charming campers, which have been around since the 1930s. What they may not realize is that the shape is intentional. The aerodynamic design allows for better fuel economy.

The campers feature hard-walled sides so the occupants are secure and protected from the elements. Setting them up takes little time and effort, so there is more time to enjoy the great outdoors. Teardrop campers don’t weigh much, so they can easily be towed by a small SUV or sedan. However, they come with some drawbacks.

Teardrop campers cost more than their pop-up peers. Nevertheless, they last longer and are better built. However, they lack space, so some people will feel crowded. Don’t expect to spend much time in the camper, as it is mainly intended for sleeping.

Pop-Up Campers

Pop-up campers, known as tent trailers, collapse for storage and expand when set up at a campsite. They have features similar to conventional campers while allowing users to feel like they are sleeping in a tent. Certain styles expand upwards and outwards to maximize interior space.

Pop-up campers are cost-effective and easy to tow. When this camper style is selected, the driver can see what is behind them on the road. People who want the comforts of home will find a pop-up camper better meets their needs than a teardrop model. They have plenty of interior space and an interior kitchen. Many models also come with interior seating areas and other amenities. When not in use, the camper folds to take up minimal space.

Nevertheless, setting up and taking down this type of camper is time-consuming, and the owner must practice doing so routinely. Going too fast can damage the camper. The camper sides are made of fabric, so the occupants may be exposed to the weather. Pop-up campers aren’t well insulated, either, much like tents.

Users have limited access to the camper interior while traveling, so any items needed during the trip must be stored in the vehicle towing the camper. Furthermore, pop-up campers require more maintenance than their teardrop counterparts. Without this maintenance, mold and leaks are concerns.

Consider both options when choosing a camper. Factors that should be part of the decision-making process include comfort, convenience, price, and plans for using the trailer. Teardrop campers are ideal for those who want a sturdy camper that requires little setup. Pop-up campers are an excellent choice for those on a budget who need more space. People must decide what is most important to them and choose their camper accordingly. Doing so will ensure the proper selection is made.

I Can Be an Ultimate Ninja “Hit the Buzzer” – How All Kids Have Ninja Power Within

As American Ninja Warrior fans, we have been captivated by so many Ultimate Ninjas and learning about the obstacles they overcame to reach their goals. As parents, we love seeing how excited our kids are to watch people from all over and of all ages push through their hardships while supporting each other along the way. Some of our favorite Ninjas, Jesse Labreck and Mike Silenzi, along Jeff & Jackie Piejak, founders of Ultimate Ninjas, published a book, “Hit the Buzzer (I Can Be an Ultimate Ninja)”, to reach out to kids and let them know that they can follow their dreams too.

This is the description on the book’s Amazon page:

Ever thought about the incredible feats achievable with sheer determination?

Hit the Buzzer (I Can Be an Ultimate Ninja) is an inspiring journey alongside a young boy who dreams of becoming a ninja. Eager and determined, Liam dives into the world of ninja, only to discover that the challenges he faces are far tougher than he ever imagined.

With unwavering support from his mentors, Coach Jesse and Coach Mike, Liam learns that true strength lies not just in physical prowess, but in the spirit of resilience and determination. Through persistent effort, frequent training, and unwavering positivity, Liam begins to conquer the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his path.

This heartwarming tale is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of setting ambitious goals. Join Liam as he discovers his inner ninja spirit, teaching readers of all ages the invaluable lessons of resilience, optimism, and the limitless potential that lies within us all.

In this book, you will:

  • Witness the protagonist’s unwavering determination, showcasing the transformative power of persistence even in the face of daunting challenges.
  • Discover how optimism, even in the darkest of moments, can fuel courage and inspire remarkable achievements.
  • Learn the strategies to set realistic yet ambitious goals, and witness the incredible transformations that occur when determination meets purpose.

This book is a celebration of the indomitable human spirit and the extraordinary feats one can achieve with unwavering determination. Get a copy now!

Here’s a recent editorial quote:

“Treat yourself to an inspirational tale of overcoming the odds. With indomitable will, resilience, and perseverance, humans are capable of mastering whatever they set out to do. This message is beautifully incorporated in Hit the Buzzer — a picture book for young readers. Authors Mike Silenzi, Jesse Labreck, Jackie Piejak, and Jeff Piejak tell a heartwarming tale that showcases the power of the human spirit and how it gives us the strength to conquer our doubts and fears. Anyone who has ever played sports or participated in any athletic activity as a kid will be able to relate to Liam. As a reader, you can’t help but root for him. I also loved how coaches Mike and Jesse offered him the necessary support and encouragement to achieve his dreams. The illustrations by Alejandro Echavez make the story even more enjoyable for the young reader. This is a motivational book parents that should definitely introduce to their children. Highly recommended.” — Readers’ Favorite 5-star review

Give it as a gift, get it for your kids, or do both, but know that this will be a fun and powerful way to get kids to be more active and maybe set some of their own goals to work towards.

7 Outdoor Activities to do as a Family

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Spending time together as a family is so important. In order to create those lifelong bonds and memories, you have to get out there and make those moments. However, finding suitable activities for everyone to enjoy can be difficult, especially if age differences get in the way. To overcome these issues, here are seven outdoor activities that everyone in the family will enjoy.

1. A Family Hike

Get on your sneakers and head out for a fun-filled family adventure. Family hikes are a great way to spend quality time together while also exploring the sights and beauty of nature. Research the trails near you and set a date to embark on a family hike together. It’s important to encourage your kids to get outside!

Make sure to cover up in bug spray, bring water, and take a first aid kit with you. Adventure calls for safety! If you plan to stop for a home-packed lunch, make sure to pack up your food in an insulated lunch bag to keep things cool as you hike.

2. Family Picnic And Game Night

Start creating a list of board games that everyone in your family will enjoy. Once you’ve narrowed down some choices, set up a schedule to make time for family time with a routine game night at a park. Sit down at a picnic table and enjoy some friendly competition with the people you love.

Pro tip: Outdoor family game night is best spent over a barbeque, so get ready to grill and game!

3. Family Nature Walks

Find a trail nearby with plenty of natural scenery. Gather up your crew and head out for some family bonding with a family walk to collect interesting items found outdoors. Little kids might enjoy collecting pine cones or rocks, and older kids might like to collect flowers or leaves for their plant pressing kits. For the parents, look for the perfect walking stick to guide your family’s stroll.

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4. Geocaching As A Family

Download one of the many geocaching apps, locate your coordinates and head out on a treasure hunt! Make sure to bring a few items along with you to add to the treasure chest once you find it! Geocaching is an outdoor activity that is fun for all ages. All you need is a smartphone and a treasure-seeking spirit!

5. Watch The Stars

Find out when the best stargazing nights are where you live, and set up camp outdoors with the family to watch the stars. You might sit on the roof together or throw some knit blankets down on the flatbed to make stargazing more fun. Bring along some snacks, and don’t forget your binoculars! You do not want to lose those binoculars outdoors, especially if you want to pass them around for others to see the stars, so pick up some binocular straps for people to wear around their neck to stop them from getting lost.

6. Sit Around A Campfire

Grab a firepit and gather around the campfire in your backyard. Bring some marshmallows and smores ingredients for even more family fun. Tell ghost stories, listen to dad play the guitar, or look out for fireflies as they zoom through the night sky. Make it a night to remember!

7. Play Some Basketball

Whether you have a basketball hoop at home or a favorite outdoor basketball court, take the family out on the weekend and play basketball together. Some fun family games include Horse, Scramble, and Keep Away! You don’t even need to keep score to have a good time.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy doing together as a family. As long as everyone is having fun, the outdoor family adventures you choose are perfect! Consider the ideas above for inspiration, and most of all, think about the activities your family enjoys the most.