Building Teepees on the Farm
One day this week, the farm felt especially busy.
PJ and I were both glued to our computers, trying to power through work, emails, and a never-ending to-do list. After a few hours, PJ decided he'd had enough screen time for one day. While I stayed behind to finish working, he rounded up the kids and headed for the woods.
And when he got there, his mission became clear: teach them how to build teepees.
It's something he used to do all the time on his family's farm when he was growing up, and I love the idea that little piece of his childhood was being passed down to our kids.
Each child picked their own spot in the woods and started gathering sticks. PJ showed them the basics and helped get them started with each one.
They all focused on building sturdy structures that looked like they could survive just about anything, and they all took turns designing their own little “homes.”
Anna created a little kitchen area complete with pinecones for salt and pepper shakers, an office space for conducting important woodland business, and several other rooms that only made sense to her, which made them perfect to us.
Watching her imagination run wild as she showed me what was what was my favorite part of the whole afternoon.
Adeline inspecting Anna’s teepee
And so by the time I finished working and made my way out to the woods, they were all giving me tours of their creations.
"This is my kitchen."
"This is where I sleep."
"This is my office."
Every teepee had a little story.
As parents, it's easy to get caught up in sports schedules, school projects, and screen time limits. But afternoons like this remind me that some of the best childhood memories are often the simplest ones. A few sticks, a pile of pine straw, and a dad sharing something he loved as a kid. This is why our time at the farm is so important for them, and frankly, for us as well.
I have a feeling they'll remember these teepees long after they've forgotten whatever PJ and I were working on that day.
How to Build a Teepee
If you're looking for a fun outdoor activity with your kids, here's how we did it:
1. Gather Tall Sticks. Find several long, sturdy sticks to serve as the frame.
2. Build the Structure. Lean the sticks together into a cone shape, leaving an opening for a doorway.
3. Add Smaller Branches. Weave smaller branches between the larger sticks to create walls and strengthen the structure.
4. Insulate with Pine Straw. Cover the outside with pine straw to help fill gaps and make it feel cozy inside.
5. Decorate. Add pinecones, leaves, rocks, flowers, or anything else you find around the woods. This was everyone's favorite part.
6. Make It Your Own. Build a kitchen, create a clubhouse, start a pretend business, or do none of those and just enjoy having your own little space in the woods.
It's amazing what kids can create when you give them a few sticks and a little freedom. And if you're lucky, you might end up with a woodland office and pinecone salt-and-pepper shakers, too.