What started as meeting some random guys I met on the internet in the middle of the woods with no cell phone reception has grown to become so much more. Dads Go Wild (formerly 5DadsGoWild or Five Dads Go Wild) is an annual (or even more frequent) tradition where us content creator dad types meet up for deep conversations, fun adventures, and a well-deserved escape from the struggles and challenges and responsibilities of everyday life.

That tradition continued earlier this month with Dads Go Wild at Manning Park Resort. We switched the name from “Five Dads Go Wild” since we had six dads with us this time. We actually expected eight, but two of them couldn’t make it. This also allows us to be more flexible with numbers as we continue to plan future gatherings. Here’s SocialDad James Smith with his recap of our most recent outing.

Manning Park Resort Premium Cabin Video Tour

When we first started 5DadsGoWild back in 2018, it was also at E.C. Manning Provincial Park, but it was proper tent camping in the middle of the forest. A couple of years after that, we had our first stay at Manning Park Resort’s premium cabins. For the 2024 trip, we returned to these cabins for a more comfortable and relaxing stay. It’s certainly freeing not having to worry about pitching tents and staying warm.

I didn’t get around to shooting a proper tour video the last time we were there in 2020, so I put together a walkthrough video this time around. It’s a really nice place to stay with a fully-equipped kitchen, multiple flat-screen TVs, plenty of sleeping areas, and a cozy fireplace for the puppy (and us) to enjoy.

Thank you to Manning Park Resort for generously hosting us in these exceptional premium cabins!

Bonding With Other Dads Over Topics Big and Small

There is a certain vulnerability with going on a trip with random people you’ve met on the internet, but we all share the common role of “dad” and we all strive to set a positive example of what modern fatherhood should look like. Scott joined us for this first time in Sooke back in the spring, and we were joined by Rory and Brendan for this wintry trip to Manning Park.

We very quickly got past the initial pleasantries and inhibitions, cutting through the small talk to dive deep into much heavier topics. Yes, given recent world events, some of our conversations turned to the current political landscape, but it ultimately tied back into our perspectives on modern masculinity. As dads, we opened up about raising sons and daughters given everything that’s been going on.

No, we don’t have the answers. But, we’re asking the questions and talking our way through them. Together. Occasionally over hot pot, hot coffee, or ice-cold Steam Whistle pilsners. (Thank you for your support, Steam Whistle Brewing!)

Viking Wood Splitters Swordplay Fun

The idea of combining a dads’ camping trip with sponsors who align with our core values goes all the way back to our first 5DadsGoWild camping trip. Along with Manning Park Resort and Steam Whistle Brewing, this most recent trip was also supported by Viking Wood Splitters, a Canadian company based in Alberta.

They’re called “wood splitters,” but these are really epic Viking swords (that you can use to split wood). They come in three different sizes and have considerable heft to them. We certainly had a lot of fun playing them as we went for our little hike around Lightning Lake, passing our old stomping grounds at the Lone Duck group campgrounds.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Men’s health consists of a lot of things. We’ve got our mental, emotional, and social health, but especially as all of us get a bit longer in the tooth, our physical health is becoming increasingly important too. While I didn’t participate, Stephen and Scott went for a couple of morning trail runs. Meanwhile, I think Brendan and Rory may have taken advantage of Manning Park Resort’s pool and gym.

That’s not to say I just lounged around the fire reading my book (though I did do that too). Remember back in 2019 when my tent collapsed under the snow? Thankfully, that wasn’t a concern for our cabins, but we did want to go in search of a winter wonderland while we were there. Our explorations took us up to Strawberry Flats where we were joined by some local whisky jacks (also called Canada jays or grey jays).

Of course, as content creators (it’s not completely accurate to refer to us only as “dad bloggers” anymore), we took plenty of photos and videos along the way. Scott captured some behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage of Stephen in action.

You Must Disconnect to Reconnect

Bad dad jokes and silly humor aside, I really look forward to these trips, because they give me a valid excuse to put my phone (and computer) away for a few days. I can temporarily ignore my “day job” work responsibilities, spend less time on social media, and spend more time immersed in nature. That’s what it’s all about.

So, where should we go and what should we do next?