Posted March 22, 2015 l Updated May 29, 2017

You have probably noticed as I have, that we live in such a discombobulated society that even family gatherings are a thing of the past for many of us.

As we spread our wings we tend to spread ourselves further and further apart, it's easy to blame the disconnect caused by TV, movies, the internet, and anyone or anything else in general for these short comings. But I have a suggestion to share that may help change that.

FAMILY IS IMPORTANT

NOT ONLY IS FAMILY IMPORTANT

IT IS EVERYTHING TO US

We pledge to exercise and eat better around midnight every year on New Year's Eve, and the world tells us to always think about ourselves, remember number one, and stay focused on number one. But I would like to ask you to make another pledge altogether that has nothing to do with losing weight but it is an encouragement to not think about number one, but about someone else, instead. This is between you and you, I really have nothing to do with it, but here goes:

Will you consider taking a family member to a Virginia State Park this year?

I know the Commonwealth of Virginia has strong traditions that run deep; most communities have those who eagerly hunt and fish, those who are recreational enthusiasts who hike and bike, those who seek to spend time in the great outdoors as much as they can. But overall, it is becoming a thing of the past for too many of us, shamefully our inside time has replaced our outside time.

WE USED TO ONLY SPEND TIME INSIDE

WHEN WE COULDN’T GO OUTSIDE

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

We are only as strong as our weakest link. We have been known for generations as strong people here in the United States and little by little layer by layer it has been peeled away and left us vulnerable. Remember the saying "I got your back!" Well that is what family is all about, and something still found at a Virginia State Park:

You may see the wise old grandfather teaching his grandson how to tie a fly, or how to cast in the perfect shady spot where all the snags are to catch that monster fish (and then spends hours trying to get his fishing line uncaught).

You may see the proud young mother who races around behind her giggling toddlers trying to clean the grime off their dirty hands and faces. She tries to corral them long enough to sit them down at the picnic table which sits under an old oak tree, protecting them from the hot summer sun.

Sure these things happen all over Virginia, but at Virginia State Parks family is our middle name and you are one of the family, so when your immediate family visits the extended family then it is one big happy reunion. Sure there may be the crazy uncle or ditzy aunt who shows up too, but I think you will agree that is part of the fun and all a part of being in a family.

Camping bonds us closer together as a family at Kiptopeke State Park

Fishing is family fun and You can catch just about anything when you go fishing, including seagrass

Exploring the park together is always fun

Making discoveries together like this pod of dolphins near the concrete ships

HERE IS AN IDEA

We can agree that bringing the whole family to a Virginia State Park is a terrific idea. But I am not even asking for you to bring your entire family out to a Virginia State Park, even though I think that is always a wonderful,idea, I am suggesting you to bring just one family member. If you are a grandpa bring just your grandson or granddaughter, not all of them, just one of them for some value-added time together.

I think getting back to nature as the saying goes, getting back to those quiet moments without distractions are the best moments we can share. Going to a state park as a member of a troop is important and has a place in our lives too. But this suggestion is about quality time with one family member and making discoveries that just the two of you share, demonstrating that this one person is important to you, and special.

Spending time together is invaluable when it is not about me, but all about you, showing love and kindness and a little bit of patience (if you are fishing then you may need a larger helping of this) is what being part of a family is all about. Virginia State Parks wishes to be your extended family; we've got your back and we are ready for you to come for a visit.

Virginia State Parks are all about family, friends and fun, but we have another middle name and it begins with an "M" it's called making memories. On this Memorial Day we think memories are paramount. Today we remember those who gave all and their families, so we can enjoy these freedoms like state parks.

BRING THE FAMILY OUT 

MAKE SOME MEMORIES

AT A VIRGINIA STATE PARK

 

Editor's Note: Since we ran this article back in 2015, nothing has changed, we are still all about family and look forward to meeting yours soon.  Here is a map of all 37 Virginia State Parks, for camping or cabin availability or reservations call 800-933-7275 or click here.

Posted March 22, 2015 l Updated May 29, 2017