Welcome to the Life at 9,318’ blog, where I share reflections on parenting, mountain living, community, and the questions that matter most. Here you’ll find long-form essays, stories from small-town life, and thoughtful insights on family, camp, and growing up in the high country.
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Recent Reflections
The Gift of Not Knowing: Raising Independent Kids in a Connected World
We want the updates, the photographs, and the reassurance. But what if giving our children more independence means learning to unplug ourselves, too? A reflection on childhood freedom, trust, and the gift of not knowing every detail.
The Moments We Don't Put in the Brochure
Outdoor adventure gives kids space to struggle, belong, lead, and discover what they can do. A reflection on raising confident, independent kids.
What Are They Missing Out On? Maybe Not What We Think.
They think they’re missing out at home.
But what might they miss if they don’t go?
In a world shaped by constant connection and comparison, kids feel the pressure to be everywhere at once. This post explores FOMO, the idea of JOMO, and why summer camp offers something increasingly rare: the chance to be fully present, build real confidence, and experience life without the noise.
When Your Child Leaves Home for Opportunity: The Resilience Parents Build Too
Watching my son ski into a crowd of teammates cheering him on reminded me of something every parent hopes for when a child leaves home: acceptance. A reflection on resilience, parenting, and the complicated beauty of letting our kids grow.