Primitive camping has been around for thousands of years. If you think about it, many of our ancestors moved from place to place in portable shelters during parts of the year as a way of life. But the “hobby” of camping really didn’t popularize until the mid-1800s. Now in this COVID world, camping has become hugely popular.
Even though it’s popular, many of us miss out on camping because we’re engrossed in our “all-things-digital” world. If you haven’t considered making a camping trip in a while, remember here’s what you’re missing:
- Camping improves your mental health. Research shows there’s a direct connection between time outdoors and good mental health. Why not boost your mental health by spending a few days outside camping?
- Camping forces you to do a digital detox. We spend countless hours in front of a screen every day. But when you’re out in nature, away from electricity and most devices, you’re forced to focus on what’s important.
- Camping strengthens your relationships. When you camp with the people you love, those relationships blossom in a brand-new light. You get more face-to-face time and share valuable life-long experiences.
- Camping connects us to creation. What a great opportunity to connect with sacred spaces–lakes, rivers, hills, mountains, fields. You’ll feel spiritually awakened and refreshed.
But here’s the greatest benefit for our people–camping lets you pass on valuable traditions to the next generation. When you go camping this year, try incorporating these traditional living techniques:
- Build a fire: As one of the four elements, and an integral component to our way of life, let’s continue to pass this skill onto the next generation.
- Set up a tent: Interestingly, the modern camping tent was directly modeled after the tipi. So whether it’s a buffalo hide tipi, or a canvas camping tent, teach it to the next generation.
- Cook on a fire: Connect young people to their roots by showing them different campfire recipes. Many even prefer food cooked over a fire.
- Conserve water: There are many ways to conserve this precious resource while camping. You can even show young people the best ways to purify it.
- Survive the elements: As you overcome adversity in nature, this builds the next generation’s confidence and self-worth, which carries over into so many other aspects of their lives.
- Preserve your surroundings: Leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out. These phrases are essential for teaching young people the importance of environmental preservation.
- Tell stories around the fire: Life’s fondest memories are built around the campfire. Pass along those one-of-a-kind legends this summer at your favorite campsite.
