Why Camping Is an Important and Sustainable Skill
What do you think about camping as a sustainable skill? For many, it’s one of the best types of recreation in the world, and they can’t wait to get out into nature—rain or shine—and experience the wilds. If you are one of those people, you probably already have your camping gear ready to go for the summer.
Of course, others don’t like to camp for one reason or another. Some of these non-campers might even be in your family. Why don’t they enjoy camping? A lot of times, it’s because they had a bad experience in the past. Maybe they’ve never had the pleasure of going, or they don’t know a tent pole from a hot dog stick.
Below, we’ll be looking at some of the best reasons to go camping and why it is an important and sustainable skill to have.
Camping is an Affordable Vacation as well as a Sustainable Skill
How much money do you have to spend on a vacation each year? You likely have better things to do with your money than spend it on hotels and amusement parks. Camping is a perfect, cheap vacation. You can sometimes find free places to go camping. There are also plenty of campgrounds that are affordable when compared with other vacation spots.
The only thing you will need to do is pay for the initial camping gear you need, along with any replacements, food, gas, and perhaps the price of a campground. Keep in mind that you can use camping gear like a tent and sleeping bags for several years before they need to be replaced in most cases.
Connect with Nature
When out camping, you and your family have the chance to get back to nature. Even if you are in a campground where there are other people around, you are going to be away from the town and city life. You get the fresh air, and the sound of nature, and you might even get to see some of the wildlife.
Learn About the Woods, the Stars, and More
Getting out into the woods to camp is a great learning experience for campers of all ages. It’s the perfect time to learn some new things, such as the names of the different plants and trees where you are camping. Learn about the animals that make their homes there and the names of constellations. Learn to tell directions by the stars. Yes, camping is definitely a sustainable skill – one that can be passed on to future generations…
The woods can provide plenty of learning opportunities, and it is a fantastic classroom. If you are going to teach your kids any woodland skills, you need to make sure you have those skills first, or that you are learning together.
Learn to Collect Wood and Start a Fire
One of the skills that you and others should have is the ability to start a fire using primitive tools. You don’t have to go quite as hardcore as using the friction of sticks to cause a spark, but you should learn how to use a flint and steel. It’s fast and easy, even for beginners. You also need to learn the different types of wood you need to get your fire going including tinder, kindling, and firewood. Teach the kids what each of these is and how to find them.
Learn to Cook Over a Fire
This is a lot of fun, and it’s something that just about everyone can enjoy. Whether you are making foil packet meals, or you are doing the classic of roasting a hot dog on a stick, there’s just something about camp food that makes it better. Learn to cook the basics first, and don’t forget about marshmallows. Then, as everyone’s camping skills grow, learn some other camping recipes.
Reconnect with the Family
Camping is a fantastic way to reconnect with the family. You get to talk with one another for longer periods. You can learn more about what’s happening in everyone’s life. Gather around the campfire and tell funny or scary stories.
Reduce Stress without Screens and Constant Pressure
Let’s be honest, we are far too attached to our screens today. If we aren’t checking emails from work or texting with coworkers, we’re sucked into social media, games on the phone, etc. It can often seem as though you are staring at a screen more than the world around you. It seems like this because it’s often true for both you and the kids.
The constant screen use, along with the other pressures of modern life, wears on us and causes stress. Being out in the woods or beside a lake camping helps to release that pressure.
Getting the Family on Board about Camping as a Sustainable Skill
Maybe you love camping, and you are still having a hard time getting certain family members on board with your idea of fun and adventure. While you can’t force them to go camping, you can entice them with a nice and easy camping trip to get started.
On Saturday, April 29, we’re holding a campout at Stoney Creek Farm. You can arrive at 6 p.m. on Saturday and check out at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The family can spend the night on the farm. Teach the kids to put up a tent, play some games, have some s’mores around the campfire, and relax under the stars. There is even going to be a presentation about nocturnal animals that make their home in Tennessee, which should be a lot of fun!
The cost is $25 per family. Keep in mind that dinner and breakfast won’t be provided, but there will be drinks and snacks to buy. Also, you will need to bring all of your own camping gear. Check out more about the event here.
Will everyone fall in love with camping and embrace the skills you can learn? Unfortunately, no. There will still be some who would rather be in the confines of a house than out under the stars. Still, giving them the experience can help them to appreciate everything that the great outdoors has to offer. When you work toward making it as fun as possible, you’ll find that the kids are going to be much more excited about the idea of a camping trip and learning all these wonderful, sustainable life skills.
