Like the Kilbys, many other Ozarks families have discovered that spending time outdoors allows them to learn about the natural world, hone new skills and draw closer.

But what if your childhood back-to-nature memories consist of campfire-charred hot dogs, fitful nights on a gravel-bar mattress or wet socks and insect bites on a long hike? Or what if you dream of leading your own family adventures, but don't know how, when or where to start — even with a guidebook, a watch and a compass?

Here's the good news: The Springfield area is habitat to plenty of experienced outdoorsy types who are happy to teach you and your children how to camp, fish, canoe, hike, geocache, kayak, cook in a Dutch oven, climb rocks ... the list goes on.

And spending time outdoors together is a way for families to learn together, says Melvin Johnson, outdoor initiatives community recreation supervisor for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. "In many cases today, some of the parents are out

via News-Leader.com

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