This past weekend I tried something entirely new...I took three kids camping. Before children I camped all over and loved it. Once I had kids it seemed overwhelming just entertaining that thought. So I chose not to think about it.

As my kids got older they started asking when we were going camping. I kept putting them off, knowing the work involved in undertaking such an adventure. Well, their consistency paid off and I found myself paying for two nights at Jellystone Park in Waller, TX.

As a single Mom I try to give my children opportunities that not only build a sense of family but foster adventure and activity as well. Camping seemed to fit those criteria well.

Fortunately, I had three other single parent families that were willing to sign up and try camping for the first time with kids with me. We were all excited but hesitant. In fact, I told my children we were only staying one night and if things went well we might stay for another. How's that for having an escape?

The weekend turned into one of the best mini-vacations I've ever done with my children. Jellystone offers so many activities that literally everyone (including myself) had opportunities for fun. Putt-putt golf, hiking and biking trails, basketball, fishing, nightly movies, karaoke, waterpark, giant waterslide, dragon jumpy slide, petting zoo, hayrides, icecream social, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and ceramics were all activities offered at Jellystone. Of course we also enjoyed smores and hanging out with our friends.

Jellystone is a 30 minute trip from Katy. Tent camping was hard work but my children were happy to help, which was appreciated. Fortunately for us the weather was perfect for tent camping. I would not recommend it in the summer for obvious reasons... you may melt to your tent!

On the way out my children asked if we could do it again sometime. I assured them that we would... and that next time maybe we'll try out the cabins :)

There are lots of camping options. Check out AllCampgrounds.com for a list of camping spots all over the U.S. or Texas Parks and Wildlife for a list of state parks in Texas.

Trying something new can be scary but if you don't try it you won't know if you like it... and it could lead to some of the best memories your family has of spending time together.

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written by The Main Freckle , May 19, 2011

Tiffany, I don't know if you'll come back to read this but I was with the single parent group from 2nd Baptist I invited 3 of my friends to go with me and we had a blast!

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written by Tiffany , May 18, 2011

Didn't know this site was run by a single mom....just an FYI Second Baptist has a large Single Parent Ministry that was also at Jelly Stone this past weekend. They are also going to Disney in July. Check us out.

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written by Lisa Herrera , May 18, 2011

What a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing that. We haven't been camping since before our oldest son was born...almost 6 years ago. Just been too afraid to try it. Jellystone sounds perfect.

Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were camping with my father. I long to share that with my children too. Glad you took the plunge!

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