Posted 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2014
“I hear about so many children and families that are so busy or tied up in electronics that they forget sometimes how important it is to go outdoors and enjoy life and each other. If I can bring that to other families, I think that would be my ultimate goal.” — Steve Newton.
[caption id="attachment_4503" align="alignright" width="375"]
UW-L Alum Steve Newton and his kids, Brody and Juliet, hiking in Devils Lake this summer. While attending UW-L, Steve Newton loved running up Grandad Bluff and enjoyed one-credit courses offering outdoor experiences from canoe trips to rock climbing. “That definitely impacted me in terms of making sure I get outdoors — even today,” says Newton.[/caption]
Steve Newton, ’02, was running one night after work and wondering how to find more flexibility in life. With a full-time job, two young children and a baby on the way, his days were becoming increasingly busy. He wanted to find more time to enjoy his family.
The thoughts that evening gave Newton the idea for a business venture — one that could bring both him, and other dads like him, more quality family time.
Newton started the company Adventure for Dads in July 2013. The online company sells all things to plan an adventure with your family from equipment to actual outings. His product line is geared toward dads.
“I hear about so many children and families that are so busy or tied up in electronics that they forget sometimes how important it is to go outdoors and enjoy life and each other,” he says. “If I can bring that to other families, I think that would be my ultimate goal.”
Check out Adventure for Dads products and experiences.
Steve Newton, ’02, majored in marketing. Newton and his wife, Laurie, live in Hartland, Wisconsin, with their three children: Brody, 6; Juliet, 4; and Jacob, 10 months. Laurie attended UW-L her freshmen year.[/caption]
1. Take the time
With our daily lives so busy, particularly as parents, we make a lot of excuses not to take a day to go out on an adventure. We have to decide it’s more important than catching up on projects around the house or whatever else we think we need to do. The first thing is to make the choice to go out and do it.
2. Find an experienced partner
It is important to find an experienced partner when you try something new, particularly if it’s a multi-day adventure. That partner should be knowledgeable and accustomed to working with children of the ages you are bringing and can tailor the adventure to your group.
3. Start small
Don’t bite off more than you or children are comfortable with. This is the start of something bigger and more special, so make sure your kids enjoy the experience and look forward to the next time.
4. Do your research
Understand the location of your adventure and make sure the time of the year is appropriate for that adventure. For example, Wildman Adventure Resort in northern Wisconsin has whitewater rafting on the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers. Generally, they are class I and class II rapids — kid-friendly for younger kids who have some experience on the water. But in April those same rivers have class IV or V rapids — some of the most-wicked rapids in the country. You wouldn’t want an 8-10 year old on those rivers in April.
5. Take time to prepare
Planning for an overnight adventure it is significantly different than a day-long adventure in terms of what you’ll need for a successful trip. Instead of remembering the sunscreen and hat, think about things like where you’ll store food overnight. Here is where planning your first outing with an experienced partner can be helpful.
UW-L Alum Steve Newton and his kids, Brody and Juliet, hiking in Devils Lake this summer. While attending UW-L, Steve Newton loved running up Grandad Bluff and enjoyed one-credit courses offering outdoor experiences from canoe trips to rock climbing. “That definitely impacted me in terms of making sure I get outdoors — even today,” says Newton.[/caption]
Steve Newton, ’02, was running one night after work and wondering how to find more flexibility in life. With a full-time job, two young children and a baby on the way, his days were becoming increasingly busy. He wanted to find more time to enjoy his family.
The thoughts that evening gave Newton the idea for a business venture — one that could bring both him, and other dads like him, more quality family time.
Newton started the company Adventure for Dads in July 2013. The online company sells all things to plan an adventure with your family from equipment to actual outings. His product line is geared toward dads.
“I hear about so many children and families that are so busy or tied up in electronics that they forget sometimes how important it is to go outdoors and enjoy life and each other,” he says. “If I can bring that to other families, I think that would be my ultimate goal.”
Check out Adventure for Dads products and experiences.
Five tips for a successful adventure with your child
— Steve Newton [caption id="attachment_4504" align="alignright" width="375"] Steve Newton, ’02, majored in marketing. Newton and his wife, Laurie, live in Hartland, Wisconsin, with their three children: Brody, 6; Juliet, 4; and Jacob, 10 months. Laurie attended UW-L her freshmen year.[/caption]
1. Take the time
With our daily lives so busy, particularly as parents, we make a lot of excuses not to take a day to go out on an adventure. We have to decide it’s more important than catching up on projects around the house or whatever else we think we need to do. The first thing is to make the choice to go out and do it.
2. Find an experienced partner
It is important to find an experienced partner when you try something new, particularly if it’s a multi-day adventure. That partner should be knowledgeable and accustomed to working with children of the ages you are bringing and can tailor the adventure to your group.
3. Start small
Don’t bite off more than you or children are comfortable with. This is the start of something bigger and more special, so make sure your kids enjoy the experience and look forward to the next time.
4. Do your research
Understand the location of your adventure and make sure the time of the year is appropriate for that adventure. For example, Wildman Adventure Resort in northern Wisconsin has whitewater rafting on the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers. Generally, they are class I and class II rapids — kid-friendly for younger kids who have some experience on the water. But in April those same rivers have class IV or V rapids — some of the most-wicked rapids in the country. You wouldn’t want an 8-10 year old on those rivers in April.
5. Take time to prepare
Planning for an overnight adventure it is significantly different than a day-long adventure in terms of what you’ll need for a successful trip. Instead of remembering the sunscreen and hat, think about things like where you’ll store food overnight. Here is where planning your first outing with an experienced partner can be helpful.