How Did This Crazy Adventure Begin? A Real Story of Family, Growth, and Nature

Hi everyone!

So... Ernesto asked me to start writing some blogs for Dare & Explore and to share a bit of our story. Honestly, it took me a while to remember how all this craziness began.

And I say “craziness” with all the love in the world, because this has been the kind of crazy that changes you. The kind that pulls you out of your comfort zone, helps you grow as a person… and brings you closer as a family.

For those who don’t know me, I’m a Family Coach. I work with parents, teens, and couples, helping them navigate everyday challenges. I love sitting down with families, listening to what’s really going on, and finding real-life solutions that work.

But one day, almost without realizing it, I discovered that many of those solutions weren’t only found in the office. They were in the forest. In the mountains. On a snowy hike or a camping trip in the rain. In other words — in the adventures we started living through Dare and Explore.

Because what happens in nature, especially when you go exploring as a family, isn’t just about fun. It’s about formation. Every adventure becomes an opportunity for growth, connection, self-discovery, and bonding.

So today, I want to tell you the story of our very first family adventure — the one where Ernesto and I realized this was the path we wanted to take. Well… he realized it before I did, to be honest! He’s way more athletic and way less scared than I am.

Our First Adventure: Wild Beach, Little Kids, and Too Many Mosquitoes

We had been married for seven years. We had three kids: the oldest was six, the second was five, and our little girl was three. We were a young family, eager to do something different, but with little money and even less experience in outdoor adventures.

One day, Ernesto’s cousin Alex invited us to camp on a beach called Boca de Iguanas. It was a hidden, untouched place where, quite literally, there was no one else around. It sounded like paradise… and in many ways, it was. Just not in the way we imagined.

From the moment we arrived, the heat hit us like a wall. We set up our tent while the kids ran straight into the ocean. We had brought lots of bug spray — thank goodness — because the mosquitoes were out in full force.

That first day, we survived… and that felt like a win.

Crisis, Laughter, and Real Learning

The next day, we met a local guy who called himself “Tarzan.” He offered to take us on a boat ride through the mangroves. It was beautiful… though I have to admit I was terrified every time Tarzan dove into the water where crocodiles were known to hang out. He seemed confident though, so we trusted him.

As the hours went by, something started to shift inside me. I noticed that each of us — the kids, the adults — was going through our own little “mini crisis.” Whether it was dealing with the heat, the bathroom situation, or just being uncomfortable… we were all having to adapt.

And that’s when it hit me:Every real adventure has moments of crisis… and moments of glory.And both are necessary for growth.

In the moment, of course, it doesn’t always feel great. But when you look back and hear your kids telling the story over and over with laughter in their eyes, you realize that the hardest moments often become the most meaningful memories.

The Grand Finale: Tiny Monsters and Total Chaos

On the last day, just as the sun began to set and we were packing up, we were attacked by something called gengenes — tiny sandflies that don’t sting… they bite! In seconds, we were all running around, scrambling for the last of the bug spray, the kids were crying, and the adults were throwing tents and bags into the car like crazy.

We all ended up hiding in a small abandoned cabin nearby, and by 11 PM we were finally driving back home.

Three hours in the car… and so many laughs.Because in that moment, surrounded by sand, bug bites, and kids half-asleep in the backseat, we realized something in us had changed.

What Do Outdoor Adventures Really Give Us?

Looking back now, I’m so grateful Ernesto had the vision and insisted on taking that trip. That was the very beginning of Dare & Explore, even if we didn’t know it yet.

Our kids — and the kids of our friends — began to grow in incredible ways. They didn’t just learn about nature; they learned about life. They learned how to deal with discomfort, overcome fear, adapt to change, ask for help, and support each other. They became stronger and more empathetic. More patient. Better problem-solvers.

And as a Family Coach, I can’t help but connect the dots.The very same life skills kids need to succeed — resilience, empathy, teamwork, emotional regulation — they naturally develop during these adventures.

Tips for a Successful (and Fun!) Family Adventure

If you ever decide to join a Dare and Explore experience (and I really hope you do), here are some practical tips from a mom who’s been there:

• Don’t expect everything to go perfectly. The surprises are part of the magic.

• Bring way more bug spray than you think you’ll need. Trust me.

• Let your kids take the lead. Let them pitch the tent, carry their own backpack, make decisions.

• Don’t jump in to fix every problem. Give them time to try first.

• Make space for conversation. Some of the best talks happen around a campfire or while walking in silence.

• Celebrate the small wins. Climbing a hill, crossing a creek, staying positive despite the cold.

• Embrace your own moments of discomfort. That’s where the biggest growth happens.

At Dare and Explore, It’s More Than Just Adventure

Since that first beach trip, Dare and Explore has become something deeper. We don’t just plan camps or hikes. We create transformational experiences — where people of all ages can connect with themselves, with nature, and with each other.

We believe that the most important lessons aren’t always taught in classrooms. Sometimes they’re learned while slipping on ice, setting up a tent in the rain, or watching your child comfort another kid who’s feeling homesick.

Today, in addition to our family adventures, we also offer Spanish-speaking tours in Banff and Lake Louise, perfect for families who want to explore the Canadian Rockies with a local guide, in their own language, and with a deeper cultural experience.

And as a mom, as a coach, and as someone who’s felt cold, scared, exhausted, and incredibly proud on these trips — I can promise you: it’s worth it.

Want to Join Us on the Next Adventure?

If you’ve ever felt like your family needs a reset, a challenge, or just something new… this might be your moment.

At Dare and Explore, we help families build real memories, develop character, and strengthen relationships through the power of the outdoors. And as I often say in my coaching sessions:A strong family isn’t built just with good intentions. It’s built with shared experiences.

And if you want to go deeper and apply these lessons to your home life, I’d love to support you in a family coaching session, where we turn what you lived into tools you can use.

Because in the end, the greatest adventure of all… is raising a strong, joyful, and united family.

Did this story inspire you?Share it with someone who might need a little push to step into nature.And if you have a great family adventure story — I’d love to hear it!

See you on the next adventure,— Irene

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