When this book (which is beautiful to look at and totally caught this mama's interest) arrived in the mail, my "boys" (aged almost-7 and 35 and a half) instantly snatched it from my hands and began flicking pages, discussing ideas and all day since have been browsing the pages while hatching plans for their awfully big adventures. What I like about this book, and what also appeals to my husband, is that there is no talking down to the children - they are given full credit as small people (with caution to ask permission for the more dangerous escapades!). And every project, from the delicious recipes (for camp fire or kitchen) to the eco-friendly sewing projects which are simple yet manly and useful, are attainable by the kids (and use supplies that any home will already have or which are easily and cheaply available) and the photos of the boys actually doing things themselves makes it seem almost like a virtual scout group. As a Catholic family, we love the snippets of prayer, information on the saints, and the assumption that a boy really needs a holy medal on his penknife and a tenner for prayers on the go - but any child could get a lot out of this book, even if he or she lived in a non-Catholic family as nothing is pushed down anyone's throat, just gently shared. We liked how history of the brave men who have gone before us, as soldiers and explorers and sailors is slipped into the pages. It would definitely be great for slotting into place along a homeschool rabbit trail, or just as a great kickstart to a summer of living and playing outdoors. The photos and little watercolour illustrations in this book make it beautiful to flick through, the tone is faultless as the author opens up new opportunities and possibilities without lecturing, and I for one am really excited about watching my boys (and some other little friends) getting stuck into their own tin cups and tinder adventures.