Episode Recap: Embracing the Adventure with Carlie Duquette

In this episode of Paddle Like a Girl, I had an amazing conversation with Carlie Duquette, an outdoor enthusiast and adventure mom who shares her journey of embracing the outdoors with her kids. Carlie didn’t grow up camping but found her way into outdoor adventures as a single mom looking for a new way to connect with her daughter. Since then, she has built a life around outdoor experiences, learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the joy of imperfection along the way.

Meet Carlie Duquette

Carlie is a passionate advocate for family camping, outdoor empowerment, and adventure parenting. She encourages families to embrace nature without feeling pressure to have a perfect experience. Through social media, she shares both the triumphs and challenges of outdoor life, helping others see that adventure is possible no matter your background.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• You don’t need expensive gear to start camping—budget gear works just fine!

• Kids thrive in the outdoors, building resilience and adaptability through adventure.

• Outdoor experiences don’t have to be perfect—embrace the messiness and unpredictability.

• Mental health transparency helps create a supportive and authentic online community.

• Social media can create comparison struggles for parents, but being real about challenges helps break the illusion of perfection.

• Camping mishaps can turn into great stories—like Carlie’s adventure of losing her van key on a road trip.

• Women are taking up more space in outdoor recreation, and it's important to support each other.

• Starting small is key—you don’t have to go on a huge trip right away to enjoy the outdoors.

• Community makes outdoor adventures more enjoyable, and finding the right camping companions can make a difference.

• The journey matters more than the destination—it’s about making memories, not just reaching a goal.

Q&A Highlights

Q: What advice do you have for parents new to camping?

Carlie: Start small and don’t overthink it. Even just a night in your backyard or a local campground can be a great first step. You don’t need fancy gear—just get outside and learn as you go.

Q: What was your biggest camping mishap?

Carlie: Definitely losing the van key on a road trip! We searched everywhere, unpacked everything, towed the van… only to find it inside the tent days later. It was stressful at the time, but looking back, it’s one of our funniest stories.

Q: What’s your best tip for balancing personal adventures with family time?

Carlie: Plan time for both. Solo adventures help me recharge, and family adventures help me bond with my kids. It’s important to make space for each.

Where to Listen & Connect

Catch the full episode on Spotify and follow Carlie’s adventures at @WithLove_Duquettes on Instagram.

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