Chapter 1: The Surprising Truth About Camping

Have you ever wondered why some people have never gone camping? I recently shared a post on social media and was taken aback by how many individuals admitted they had never experienced camping. It was a mix of surprise and familiarity for me.

Camping can take on various meanings, and numerous factors can influence the statistics regarding how many Americans engage in this activity. According to a 2019 report from the Outdoor Foundation, nearly half of Americans refrained from any outdoor recreational activities, including camping, in the preceding year.

To be honest, many friends and family members of mine have never set up camp, which is unfortunate, as I believe everyone should have the chance to experience the great outdoors. My own journey with camping began with my grandparents, who were instrumental in my upbringing. My grandmother, a devoted Seventh-Day Adventist, took me to an outdoor religious event known as Camp Meeting each year during my teenage years.

This gathering was hosted at a Christian college, where we slept in tents equipped with wooden floors and cot beds. While it differed from traditional camping, it still offered a unique experience. Occasionally, if finances allowed, my grandparents would rent dormitory rooms for those who preferred not to camp in tents. Eventually, they invested in a pull camper, which became our cozy sleeping space.

Between our various religious activities, we would draw with chalk on the concrete and create our own games. We enjoyed jumping rope, playing French and Double Dutch, and participating in various outdoor activities that fostered fellowship.

As I transitioned into adulthood, I moved away from organized religion but discovered a deeper sense of spirituality. I also became an enerologist—someone who studies energy—further nurturing my love for camping and the natural world.

Camping brings me immense joy, especially when I’m living on wheels (see my adventures HERE). On beautiful days, the worries of life seem to drift away like leaves on a river. While they don't vanish completely, they become manageable and easier to confront.

Nature inspires my creativity. The vivid blue skies, lush greenery, and serene waters spark my imagination. While walking in nature, I feel free to dream big and explore possibilities that often elude me when I'm stuck indoors.

When camping with friends, I feel a sense of control over my surroundings, as we choose our "neighbors" in this freedom-driven lifestyle. We spend most of our days doing our own activities, and at night, we gather around a campfire for food and meaningful conversations.

Camping offers incredible benefits, including:

1. Reconnect with Nature: It allows you to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the outdoors. Waking up to the sounds of birds and rustling trees is far more refreshing than the noise of traffic and alarm clocks.
2. Recharge and Relax: The fresh air, stunning scenery, and slower pace of camping help rejuvenate the spirit. I’m all about those "R" words!
3. Unplug from Technology: Camping presents an excellent opportunity to take a break from screens. Instead, you can read a book or engage in activities that you might overlook in a tech-centric world. However, there's no pressure to disconnect completely if you prefer to stay connected.
4. Try New Experiences: Whether you are a novice or an experienced camper, there are endless opportunities to explore new activities. Recently, a friend of mine shared her experience riding a scooter bike, while I've enjoyed paddle boating, hiking, fishing, and stargazing—stars take on a whole new beauty when viewed from nature.
5. Work on Personal Projects: Camping can be a fantastic time to tackle that project you’ve been meaning to start. In nature, you might find that time feels more abundant.
6. Cultivate Resilience: If you can manage a camping trip, you can handle just about anything life throws at you.
7. Stay Active: Being in the great outdoors encourages movement and play, providing a fun way to get exercise without even realizing it.
8. Savor Delicious Food: Cooking over an open flame or camping stove adds a unique and hearty flavor to meals.
9. Budget-Friendly Option: Camping is an economical vacation alternative, especially if you choose to stay in a van or RV.
10. Foster Creativity: The camping experience is a tremendous catalyst for creativity.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

In the past, I often heard excuses from friends and family about why they didn’t want to go camping. One excuse frequently mentioned was hair management, particularly for those with tightly coiled hair who worry about the impact of warmer temperatures. Thankfully, many of my friends now embrace protective hairstyles or shorter cuts, which seem to have alleviated this concern.

Some individuals shy away from camping due to fears of getting sunburned or darker skin tones. However, many are starting to embrace their natural skin color, understanding that sun exposure offers essential vitamins that darker skin tones require.

While I understand that heat can be uncomfortable, I can usually manage temperatures in the low 80s. It's worth noting that some people are apprehensive about bugs when it comes to camping. Although I've encountered a few campgrounds with pesky flies or mosquitoes, those situations are rare, and I simply relocate or bring insect repellent.

I like to remind everyone that camping is very similar to hosting a backyard gathering. You can dance, listen to music, play cards, or grill—everything you do at home can also be done while camping.

If you find yourself thinking, "I can do everything at home that I would do while camping, so why bother?" consider this: camping allows you to escape your usual environment. No matter how comfortable your home is, a break from familiar surroundings is essential.

Camping is an affordable getaway, often free if you choose Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. It offers a chance to step away from the everyday grind and return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated—those "R" words that I love!

Have you ever had the chance to go camping?

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Chapter 2: Embracing the Call of Nature

The first video, Escape to Nature: Discover the Hidden Joys of Camping, explores the many ways camping can enrich your life and reconnect you with nature.

The second video, How To Get Started Camping, provides beginner tips to help you embark on your camping journey with confidence.