My grandson Blake is really into the outdoors. He was raised fishing and playing outside. As soon as he was old enough he started hunting. If you can’t find him, and he doesn’t answer his cell phone, it’s a good bet that he’s out in the field somewhere, hunting for whatever critter it’s the season for.

He does a lot of hunting on his other grandparent’s land and that whole side of the family heads to deer camp once a year. He also fishes, and hunts with a bow. He’s just an all-around outdoorsman.

I’ve bought him duck calls, and turkey calls. I’ve bought him flashlights and hunting vests. I’ve driven miles to find the ‘right brand’ of outdoor clothing. I’ve bought heavy duty coats and caps, and hand warmers and thick warm socks. I’ve even bought him a compass! Don’t want him getting turned around out in the wilderness. I’ve bought fishing poles, and lures, and reels. I’ve contributed to his arsenal of outdoor supplies over the years in a myriad of ways, but I just had to top myself.

So for Christmas last year I bought him a beginner set of camping equipment.

I found a highly rated low-temp sleeping bag, some battery powered lanterns (safety first), lots of batteries, and an easy to set up, four person tent.

You should have seen his face. He was absolutely thrilled with a tent of his very own!

He’s since used it in back in the woods at this paternal grandparents for fun and to get a head start on early morning hunting, just him and his cousin following the animal trails headed for their stand, or their blind. He carts it between their house and his Dads and I bet it won’t be long before he hauls it down to Texhoma, where his girlfriend lives.

I for one, am glad that I found a gift befitting a teen outdoorsman. But, how will I top that this year?