As an average outdoorsman, I know that I can't spend every waking moment fishing, hiking, hunting and taking in nature. I can only dream of making a living by doing the activities I enjoy the most. There are always other responsibilities such as working a full time job, taking care of the animals, working around the house and spending time with my wife and two children doing other things they enjoy. Yes they like the outdoors and spending time with me there, but there are times when they have other things they want to experience.
Royals Stadium KC MO
This has been one of those days. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. Today my wife and I took our kids to a Royals Baseball game. Throughout the game it seemed as though it would be a loss for the Boys In Blue. Starting the bottom of the ninth inning with the White Sox in the lead seven to one, there seemed to be no way our hometown heroes could win. However, we found out that when you don't give up, there is always a chance to come out on top.
Spending Time With My Kiddos
During the final at bat for the Royals, we watched as they brought in one run after another and went on to gain the lead for the first time winning the game eight to seven.
This game provided me with the opportunity to explain to my children that "in life there will be times when things seem impossible, but with persistence you can win in the end." I believe this is a life lesson that should be taught to every child. Obviously you will not be able to come in first at everything you attempt every time you try, but if you don't give it your best you will definitely lose.
Being Silly With Emilee
This lesson can help in the area of teaching our children about hunting and fishing as well. You will not always get the animal you are hunting. You will not always bring home a boat load of fish. Sometimes your camping trips may get rained out. However, with patience you can increase your odds of pulling off a successful adventure.
The Beaver Dam State Park is located seven miles to the south and west of Carlinville in Macoupin County in west-central Illinois and offers an abundance of recreational activities. Named for the beaver dam that actually created the parks lake, The Beaver Dam State Park encompasses 750 acres and offers camping, fishing, hiking and numerous other exciting activities.
Archery:
There is an archery range located inside the campground allowing individuals to brush up on their hunting skills while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. This archery range does not allow the use of broad heads so be sure to bring your field tips.
Camping:
The Beaver Dam State Park offers both camper and tent camping sites. Most of the campsites offered here are first come first served, however there are 40 pads which may be reserved by visiting the Reserve America website.
Fishing:
The Beaver Dam State park offers fishing in its 59 acre lake. With 1.7 miles of shoreline, a free public boat launch and dock there is plenty of space for visitors to sprawl out and catch some fish. This lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish and blue gill. Boats powered by gasoline motors are not permitted; however, you may use a trolling motor. This would be an excellent place to do some kayaking for fish!
Hiking:
There are nearly eight miles of hiking trails circling the lake and sprawling throughout the vast wooded areas within the park. Be sure to avoid dehydration while hiking with your Sawyer water treatment bottle.
Hunting:
The Beaver Dam State Park offers spring turkey, squirrel and archery deer hunting as well as furbearer trapping during the allotted seasons. For more information on the west-central hunting and trapping seasons check out the Illinois DNR website.
Winter Activities:
Weather permitting, the Beaver Dam State Park offers the opportunity for ice fishing, ice skating cross country skiing and sledding.
Whatever you preferred outdoor activity, you are sure to find the Beaver Dam State Park suitable for your next adventure.
