Hi everyone! I'm Mahsa, and I'm so grateful to be part of this amazing community of adventurous families. I wanted to share a little about how our hiking and camping journey began, and how it's completely transformed our family life.
Never "camping people"
As a city girl, the outdoors was never really part of my world growing up. My husband Mehdi and I both lived pretty urban lifestyles, and honestly, we never imagined ourselves as "camping people."
But during the pandemic, like many families, we craved open space, fresh air, and something different from the screens and stress. We started exploring local parks and trails, and that's when we discovered this group.
Our first campout
We began with hikes, slowly gaining confidence. Then came the big leap: our first camping trip with Miranda's team, when our son was just 8 months old. None of us had ever camped before: not me, not Mehdi, not even the kids. We packed way too much, forgot things we actually needed (like a lighter and enough food), and fumbled our way through setting up a tent.
But what we got in return was incredible: our daughter pretending the rocks were treasure, the quiet joy of early mornings in nature, and the connection we felt just being outside together. That trip lit a spark.
A new family rhythm
Fast forward a couple of years, and camping and hiking are now part of our family rhythm. Our 5.5-year-old daughter can hike 6 to 7 miles without a single complaint, thanks to the motivation and excitement she gets from being part of this amazing group. Our 2.5-year-old son is right behind her, always ready to chase butterflies or climb rocks.
For us, nature has become a place to reset, reconnect, and grow as a family.
My work life is full of decisions and deadlines, but being outside with my kids grounds me. It reminds me to slow down, observe, and find inspiration in the simple things, like how sunlight filters through the trees or how a trail curves through the hills.
Looking forward to more trails, tents and shared memories with all of you.
— Mahsa, Family Adventure Squad member