Commando Dad Mission Adventure is the latest book by ‘Commando Dad’ Neil Sinclair. It follows on from his earlier successes in the series titled ‘Basic Training’ and ‘New Recruits’ which focus on training new Dads to be ‘elite carers’.

The books are written in a fun style with military language (Sinclair is a former Royal Marines Commando). I’ve been a fan for years – Basic Training got me through some tough times as a new Dad. I, like Neil, believe the military has a lot to teach you when it comes to being a parent.

This latest book has one mission aim: To get you and your kids more active indoors and out. Keep reading to find out what I thought.

commando dad mission adventure book review

How to Make Outdoor Play Great Again

If you’ve been reading the site for a while, you’ll know that I’m an outdoor play advocate. I grew up in love with the outdoors and the wild hills and this has carried on well into my adult life. The experiences I had as a child and a teenager (attempting long, solo treks as a 19 year old) have shaped who I’ve become.

But these days, kids have less and time away from screens and in the wilds. A recent study showed that prison inmates got more fresh air than most children.

I recently wrote about how to build resilient boys which has been an inspiration for Sinclair in writing this latest book:

“[Kids] need to know that failure is a key element of success at any endeavour…. Encourage and help them with a challenging task, but don’t do it for them. Let them experience the challenge and how sweet it feels to finally conquer something that was once too difficult. It will help them build resilience.”

It’s time for us to be the generation that breaks the cycle and resurrects our love and connection with adventure and the outdoors. Commando Dad Mission Adventure will give you a whole dugout canoe-load of ideas of how to get the most out of outdoor adventures to get you started.

The book is divided into nearly 50 ‘missions’ that can be done both indoors and out. Indoor adventures include building an indoor camp, treasure hunts and some wacky science and cookery experiments.

However, the most exciting part of Sinclair’s book are the outdoor adventures. Particularly tantalising are:

  • How to track and find woodland creatures
  • Build a natural lean-to shelter
  • How to make a rope swing
  • Build a dam

And much more…

All of the adventures are graded for cost and age appropriateness – it’s clear that the book is aimed at kids and Dads of all ages!

commando dad mission adventure outdoor play

Commando Dad Mission Adventure Gives Hundreds of Hours Worth of Ideas

I’ve only had my copy of Mission Adventure for a few days but it’s already given me some great ideas for new outings with my son. Reading through the different missions, there are clearly hundreds of hours worth of outdoor adventures just waiting to happen.

All of this is available for just £6.99 on Amazon (less for Kindle) which is great value. Many of the activities need minimal kit and equipment so can be done on a tight budget too.

Final Thoughts

In a world of constantly softening of our sons (and our daughters!) it’s time for us to take back control of how they are raised and the experiences that will one day make them into men.

If we don’t teach our sons about life, someone else will.

That’s why I’m pleased to see guys like ‘Commando Dad’ Neil Sinclair bearing the torch for outdoor play and building resilient kids. If we are able to follow his example and create these adventures, our relationships with our kids will strengthen and improve as will our health and skills for life.

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

 

P.S. If you’re a new Dad, you’ll love the earlier Commando Dad books. I even contributed some tips to ‘New Recruits’. Neil was good enough to send me a review copy of Commando Dad Mission Adventure, for which I’m grateful. Cheers Neil!

P.P.S. Enjoyed this? I’m constantly adding new articles on loads of subjects including outdoor play and raising resilient boys (and girls!). If you want to stay up to date, the best way is via my twice monthly news letter. Sign up here.

About Neil M White

Neil has been writing for a number of years. He has worked as a freelance writer both in the UK and internationally and has worked on a number of high profile media projects. Neil spends his spare time hiking, in the gym or hanging out with his family.

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