7 Lessons Learned While Living in a Tent for 6 Weeks • Holly Scherer
Yes, you read that correctly. This past summer, I spent nearly six weeks living in a tent on my property. That could sound like a piece of heaven to some of you. Others, on the other hand, are likely to believe I’m utterly insane. However, this is unimportant. What’s most essential are the lessons I’ve taken away from this life-changing event. Hayes Lake State Park is located in Minnesota. ” data-image-caption=”Home Sweet Home! Another breathtaking Minnesota State Park campground,” data-image-caption=”Home Sweet Home!” The data-medium-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” and the data-large-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” with a width of 600 pixels and a height of 450 pixels.
Because of a sequence of events that occurred in my husband’s family, I had been long overdue for a fantastic vacation.
My husband, Jer, has been urging me to venture out on my own for quite some time.
In addition, I enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences with my partner.
- As I considered embarking on a solo journey, I realized that, while my family and I had been working hard to achieve our next set of life objectives, I had failed to appreciate where I was right now.
- All it took for me to make the decision to accomplish something I’d always wanted to do was these two ideas.
- Alone.
- I had never tented alone before, and I was apprehensive.
- I still have more than 20 parks to visit, which I hope to complete by the end of 2018.
- The seven most essential lessons I acquired while visiting every state park in Minnesota are listed here.” data-image-caption=data-image-caption= “And I can’t wait to get back out there and continue getting to know my home state a little bit more.
It’s been a terrifying, demanding, yet ultimately gratifying journey.
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It’s been a terrifying, demanding, yet ultimately gratifying journey.
1 – I need very little to be happy.
Happiness, in my opinion, does not derive from material stuff. It is derived from personal experience. To be comfortable, we all require a few fundamental essentials to keep us going. And I have enough room in the rear of my Outback to accommodate all of my needs. Every state park in Minnesota is a good place to camp.” This is all I need to survive for a very long time. ” data-image-caption=”I could survive for a very long time with only these few items.” The data-medium-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” and the data-large-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” with a width of 600 pixels and a height of 450 pixels.
At no time did I miss any of my belongings that I had brought with me from home.
My sleeping pad and bag were every bit as comfy as sheets with a 1000 thread count.
2 – The best things in life are free.
I was telling some friends about the North Shore of Lake Superior after I finished the 2017 portion of my journey. “There’s nothing quite like finding the ideal place on the rocky shoreline,” I explained. Spending the rest of the morning listening to waves, drinking coffee, and reading a book.” The feeling I get while sitting on the shores of the world’s largest Great Lake cannot be replicated by any other experience I could pay for. Temperance River State Park is located on the shores of Lake Superior near Tofte, Minnesota.
The good are still alive.
src=” data-src=” data-src=” thematic description=”The finest things in life are free!” data-srcset=”” data-srcset=”” data-srcset=”” “ssl=1 450 watts, ssl=1 225 watts, ssl=1 768 watts, ssl=1 1152 watts, ssl=1 1536 watts, ssl=1 300 watts, ssl=1 1920 watts ” The data-lazy-sizes attribute is set to (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px.
data-lazy-src=” srcset=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAP/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRA “> Aaaaaaaaaahhhh! This is the good life. Solitude, water, rocks, and a good book are all things I crave.
3 – Life is perfect just where you are.
Jer and I like traveling together. We’ve had a wonderful experience traveling across Latin America, Europe, and Hawaii. But, other from a brief visit to the North Shore, we didn’t spend much time visiting our own state. As a matter of fact, Minnesota is just breathtaking. Lakes, rivers, woods, waterfalls, and animals may be found on almost every corner in this area. Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, Minnesota, is home to one of my favorite waterfalls in the state of Minnesota. ” data-image-caption=data-image-caption= “Not sure about you, but when I think of waterfalls, Minnesota isn’t the first place that comes to mind.
alt=” data-src=” src=” data-src=” “Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, Minnesota, is home to one of my favorite waterfalls in the state of Minnesota.
However, waterfalls may be found in plenty in the region of 10,000 lakes!
Everything about where you are right now is fantastic.
4 – Everything seems more daunting until you start.
I’ve been traveling alone for over twenty years, but this is the first time I’ve tented alone. If I’m being completely honest, the thought of that made me feel sick to my stomach. I went ahead and did it anyhow, and with each night that passed, I became more and more comfortable. The same may be said about the activities that I participated in while abroad. Some of the lakes I kayaked through appeared to be enormous and daunting. Although their size was intimidating at first, it became less so as I got on the water and began to move.
” data-image-caption=data-image-caption= “The most wonderful things in life are completely free.
Every money spent on renting a 24-hour-long kayak so that I could enjoy a sunset paddle was well worth it!” The data-medium-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” and the data-large-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” with a width of 600 pixels and a height of 450 pixels.
Alternatively, $25. Every cent spent on renting a 24-hour-long kayak so that I could enjoy a sunset paddle was well worth it! All that is required of you is the determination to take the first step.
5 – Don’t wait for conditions to be right.
Even though I’ve been traveling by myself for over two decades, I’ve never tented by myself. The thought of that made me feel like I was about to pass out. Even yet, I continued to do it, and I became increasingly comfortable with each passing night. Everything else I did while traveling was of the same nature. When I kayaked, some of the lakes felt enormous and intimidating. However, once I got on the water and started moving, their sheer enormity became less intimidating. Kayaking on Hayes Lake near Roseau, Minnesota, during the sunset.
Alternatively, you can pay $25.00.
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> Alternatively, you can pay $25.00.
The only thing you need to do now is summon the confidence to take the first step forward.
6 – Time is a precious gift, don’t waste it.
When I first began out on this journey, I had every intention of documenting my experience through Facebook live streams. I wanted to pass on the things I’d learned along the road. My wifi carrier, on the other hand, had other ideas. I was essentially cut off from the rest of the world the entire time. Each day, I would walk up to the park office and use their Wi-Fi to check the weather, send emails, post workouts to Strava and Instagram photos, and generally keep up with the Joneses. I kept my belongings to a minimal minimum because I was frequently sitting outside, sometimes in the rain.
- I spent 70 minutes on my phone, performing a handful of rudimentary functions.
- I reflected on how much time I was wasting looking at a screen rather than engaging with the world around me.
- When the sun rose over the Great Lake Superior, I took advantage of every opportunity I could to see it rise!” The data-medium-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” and the data-large-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” with a width of 600 pixels and a height of 450 pixels.
- When the sun rose over the Great Lake Superior, I took advantage of every opportunity I could to see it rise!
- Approximately five years ago, I switched off the alerts on my phone since it was difficult for me to notice that a new email had arrived and not open it immediately.
- Too simple to pick up when I have a minute of free time and get drawn into it for an hour or more.
Because life is brief, make the most of it. I’m not just trying to get through it. I’m trying to understand it. I’m attempting to find happiness in every day. And I don’t get any pleasure from looking at a computer screen.
7 – When the going gets tough and you want to quit, sleep on it.
Have you ever been so upset that you just wanted to give up and give up on life? That is how I feel from time to time, and it was how I felt once throughout my journey. When I woke up one morning, there was a torrential downpour that didn’t seem to be stopping. I had no option but to dismantle my tent in the midst of the storm. To do this, I planned to visit one park, then stay at another for one night before moving on to another park for the weekend. I came to the conclusion that it would be best for me to travel to the park I was planning on visiting for the weekend so I could dry out for a few days.
- It was achievable, but I needed to adhere to a strict timetable to succeed.
- Following that timetable, things was going swimmingly until.
- I was lost in the woods for about two hours and had to call for help.
- On top of that, it appeared like all of the roads came to a halt with No Trespassing signs.
- I finally get at the parking lot for my walk-in camping just as the sun begins to drop over the lake.
- Hayes Lake State Park near Roseau, Minnesota, offers breathtaking landscapes.
- I still needed to pull everything in and set up camp so that I could try to get my tent dry enough to sleep in for the night.” The data-medium-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” and the data-large-file attribute is set to “ssl=1” with a width of 600 pixels and a height of 450 pixels.
I still needed to drag everything in and set up camp so that I could try to get my tent dry enough to sleep in it the next night.
My tent looked like I had dragged it out of a swamp, which it had.
I erected the tent and draped the fly over it.
After I had completed my tasks, I returned to my car to collect the remainder of my belongings.
I wanted to weep because I was so frustrated.
However, it was 335 miles and 6 hours away from home.
I ultimately slept off and awoke to a beautiful day ahead of me.
Despite the fact that the prior day was as difficult as it could possibly be, I’m pleased I persevered.
It’s been a terrifying, demanding, yet ultimately gratifying journey.
I hope this motivates you to get out there and explore new opportunities, as well as to move outside of your comfort zone. Take a look at my Instagram feed to see where I’ve gone thus far. Look for the hashtag hollygoeswild on social media.
What you’ll learn about life by sleeping in a tent
With all of the hustle and bustle of our hurried lives, there is a simple solution for getting away from it all: camping. With a bag and a tent, there is nothing more straightforward than heading out into the woods. Forget about your cell phone, your laptop, and your social-media accounts. Other joys can be had under a tent, such as reading a book, admiring flowers, counting snowflakes, or engaging in conversation. It’s astonishing how little room a person actually need in this day and age, when so many of us consume so much of it.
- It’s possible that it’s even less.
- I’ve spent a significant portion of my life in a tent.
- Tents are required for both mountaineering and skiing on glaciers, which are both extremely popular activities.
- IN CONNECTION WITH: The Best Surf Camps on the Planet for a Surf Trip Carrying your entire existence on your back teaches you the actual meaning of what is valuable in this world.
- That flotsam and jetsam will soon find its way off a steep, high cliff, where you will giggle uncontrollably as it is smashed to pieces.
- So keep things as basic as possible.
- Liam Harrap provided the photograph.
The pitter-patter of rain, the creaking of branches in the wind, the howl of wolves, and the love song of a cricket will all be heard.
Associated: Here are the fundamentals of winter camping.
A muddy track, steep inclines, inclement weather, and dripping hiking boots are all possibilities on this adventure.
A tent can make even the most inhospitable location livable.
Through pain and adversity, appreciation and enjoyment can be gained.
Tents, on the other hand, make an outdoor enthusiast grateful: Some journeys would be impossible to complete without them.
Everest climbers would not be able to make it through the night if they didn’t have some cloth held up with aluminum poles waiting at camp to shield them from gusts of up to 60 mph.
The walls that surround the tents are constructed to provide shelter from the elements such as wind and snow.
Cody Pickens captured this image.
It’s crucial to go out of the tent once or twice a night because you could observe something that you’ll want to tell your grandkids about.
Tents, of course, look best when they’re used in groups.
Making memories while watching the clouds sweep in is a must.
Keep calm and go on with your novel while curled in your sleeping bag as the storm rages outside.
Liam Harrap is a writer and poet.
What to Bring on a Heliski Trip: A Checklist for Travelers Subscribe to YouTube to have access to unique gear videos, celebrity interviews, and other content that is not otherwise available.
11 Powerful Life Lessons I Learned From Camping in the Woods
Soon after graduating from college, I spent a year working as a hiking teacher and environmental educator. To put it another way, I was filthy on a daily basis and sometimes went for weeks at a time without taking a bath or shower. I also spent a significant amount of time with youngsters, many of whom had never before gone hiking or camping. I owe a great deal to those kids and that year, as well as to the innumerable days spent trekking through forests and nights spent sleeping in a tent that I spent during that time period.
Furthermore, practically everything I’ve learnt in the woods has had an impact on my life away from the woods as well.
1. No person is an island (but seriously).
You’ll never feel more connected to someone than when they’re assisting you in removing a tick that has lodged itself in your inner thigh cavity. In the woods, strange and embarrassing injuries can occur, and it’s wonderful to see how quickly and effectively outdoor enthusiasts band together to help one another out of their jam. What I’ve learned is that, in many circumstances, our own vulnerability is what permits relationships to develop. Never assume that claiming to be an island would be accepted simply because you are alone in your camping endeavors.
The mosquitoes and black flies will bite your face and body, and if you go camping often enough and in the correct spots, you will almost certainly come across a bear at some point.
2. Your individual actions affect a much bigger whole.
Every time you build a campfire, you eliminate the majority of the organic stuff on the surface of the earth and even several inches (or more) below the surface. Everything that grows there will take a long time to recover, so pick wisely when determining whether or not to start burning things down.
We all smell sometimes. We all poop. Grab your trowel, dig a little hole, and get to it.
I’ve occasionally wandered away from a campsite, deep into the neighboring woods, only to discover several miles into the walk that someone else had visited that seemingly wild place—and that they had taken the time to kneel in the dirt and construct a tiny house for fairies out of fallen twigs, fallen leaves, and moss. The behaviors of that individual will have an impact on you in a unique way that I am unable to describe. I believe there is a provision in the ” Leave No Trace ” principles that allows for the construction of little fairy dwellings to be excluded from the rules.
3. Take care of your sh!t.
The unpleasant reality is that you must always be responsible for your own actions and decisions. It doesn’t matter if you’re exhausted, drenched, or hungry; the goal is to complete the task. If you arrive at a campground by canoe but do not securely secure the boat, you are likely to have a miserable experience. The risk of being trapped under a widow maker (a dead or broken tree limb) increases if you don’t glance up when picking a tent site and wind yourself camping beneath one in the case of a severe storm or even just a gentle breeze depending on the branch you’ve chosen.
Pay close attention and take action when it is necessary. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that someone else will do it. After all, they’ve got their own problems to deal with.
4. You’ve gotta be comfortable with you (and that means every part of you).
If you’re camping for more than 12 hours (or at all), the chances are excellent that you’ll have to defecate in the woods at some point—possibly even without toilet paper, depending on who was in charge of remembering the necessary supplies. And if you’re out camping for many days at a time, there’s a high possibility you’ll be smelling rather strong by the end of it (more likely by day two). All of these things are OK. We all have a bad stench from time to time. We’re all feces. Grab your trowel and start digging a small hole to get to work.
5. Problems without solutions are just facts.
These are the realities if you are caught in the rain while hiking and your clothes and gear are fully saturated. and that’s the case. There is nowhere for you to go to dry off, and there isn’t even a dryer where you can throw your sleeping bag. Accepting the moment for what it is will make everything a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone. The good news is that you and everything you’re carrying will ultimately be able to go back to dry land. The second good news is that raincoats and pack covers are available specifically for the purpose of keeping people and their belongings dry(ish) when it rains.
6. Pack light (but know that you can always go home).
Carrying a lot of luggage can slow you down and make everything more difficult and exhausting. Of course, this is true on both a bodily and emotional level. Carry only what is absolutely necessary, and keep in mind that the majority of items aren’t necessary. That being said. You will ultimately return home, and it is OK if you continue to keep a Teddy Bear in your room and actually enjoy your queen-sized bed. We all require consoling, and we all learn to lessen our burdens in our own time and in our own way.
7. Playing is of utmost importance.
A rollicking game of fallen crabapple toss; putting down your pack and jumping into a cool, refreshing swimming hole on a hot, steamy day; or dramatic games of quiet hide-and-seek in the dark woods are all good reasons to say “Yes!” (But remember to bring a headlamp, just in case.). Making a pit stop to harvest your first wild blueberry is always recommended (For evidence, see photo at right). Similarly, timepieces are overpriced in today’s society.
8. Be grateful.
After traveling for twelve hours and pitching a tent in the dark, you will never appreciate food as much as you do the dry, overcooked rice and beans that were boiled over a small burner at 10:30 p.m. after a long day of hiking. Gratitude is a matter of perspective. Distribute it liberally across the room.
9. You are your greatest helper.
And, on occasion, you may be the sole person accessible to assist someone else—in which case, lend a hand. Sufficient self-sufficiency and resourcefulness are essential. Everyone should receive a basic first aid training course. As well as duct tape, bandanas, and sturdy rope, these are three of the most useful items available on the world.
10. Your mind and body can withstand more than you think.
The chance that you will have pneumonia a week before a major backpacking trip is high, and the likelihood that you will decide to go on the trip despite your illness is high since you care so much about your co-leader and the children you are guiding is also high. (This is not recommended, but it is conceivable that you will do it nonetheless.) Another possibility is that one of those children may have an injury, leading to a chain of tragic circumstances that results in you having to run many kilometers with a 30-pound pack on your back after having already trekked for several hours.
Your lungs will be on fire at this point. You could be a little concerned that you’re about to pass away. However, if everything else is equal, the chances of you making it through are good.
11. You need to be brave.
If you’re anything like me, crossing flowing water that’s more than ten inches deep and two feet across is a terrifying prospect. Unfortunately, this does not rule out the possibility of routes passing across bodies of water that exceed the specified depths. For example, every other week for the whole summer, I had to construct a river (which was considerably deeper than 10 inches and approximately 20 feet wide) in order to go back to camp, which required some effort. So I went ahead and did it.
But it was crossing that river, with all of its difficulties (heavy breathing, shame, trembling legs, and so on) that allowed me to go to where I wanted to go.
Lessons We Learned From Camping
Camping is more than simply putting up a tent, starting a fire, and sleeping in the great outdoors; it is also about learning new skills and meeting new people. Rather from being detrimental to children’s development, it may really be beneficial, assisting them in developing a passion for the outdoors, improving their self-confidence, and acquiring vital hands-on skills.
Find Joy in the Simple Things
Sometimes all it takes to get your thoughts back on track is a satisfying supper and a decent night’s sleep. Everyday life can be stressful, but spending time outside with your closest friends and family while sleeping beneath the stars can help to alleviate some of that tension. Doing something for yourself to reward yourself and allow yourself to relax isn’t always the most convenient thing to fit into your schedule, but every now and again, a little indulgence is precisely what you require.
Self Reliance
For many individuals, including children, today’s world is one dominated by technology and electronic devices. There are less opportunities to develop hands-on skills, such as starting a fire and preparing meals over an open flame, in this environment. When your children understand that they don’t even need a can opener to open a can, watch their faces light up with amazement. These abilities, as well as others, like as the ability to recognize edible plants and the use of a compass, demonstrate to youngsters that the world exists outside of the confines of modern technological advancement.
In this environment, people may push themselves both artistically and physically to their limits.
A Love for the Outdoors
Speaking of technological advancements, it appears that people are no longer as appreciative of the outdoors as they used to be. Camping has the potential to transform all of that. The following are just a few of the numerous enjoyable activities that you may expose your children to: hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Furthermore, a passion for the outdoors contributes to their development as well-rounded individuals. Following the intoxicating scent of fresh pine, gazing at the hundreds of stars twinkling in the night sky, or listening to the rush of a waterfall, they will never be the same.
Appreciation for Family and Community
When you go camping, you get to observe your family members in a different light. Perhaps your father, who is usually quite busy with work, is suddenly available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and so is your mother. In front of the campfire, that unpleasant sibling transforms into a fantastic storyteller. During a camping trip, the entire family works together to put up tents, make food, and even amuse one another. In the broad outdoors, where birds chirp and squirrels frolic, the silly aspects of your parents come to the surface.
Respect for Luxuries
There’s nothing quite like a drenched trek to make you realize how fortunate you are in your own backyard. Things like a comfy bed, air conditioning, and a luxurious shower are things that should never be taken for granted at a hotel. To be sure, children will always be children, and they may not always recognize or appreciate the universal lessons that camping can teach. When they’re grownups, though, and you see them charge into the world with incredible self-confidence and reverence for their surroundings, you know you’ve done a good job raising them.
9 invaluable life lessons you’ll learn on your first camping trip
That is, until the wifi signals were miles behind you and the allures of social media and email had receded well beyond the horizon. You, on the other hand, were anxious to disconnect. We are very adaptive animals, and technology has provided us with a plethora of tools. However, we were not designed to be plugged into technology all day, every day. When you take a break from the digital world and reconnect with the most basic and fundamental of things – fire, stars, rivers, trees, and mountains — you’ll discover that your body and soul have been longing for the natural solution that is nature’s medicine.
There will be no screen time.
Put your phone in the glove compartment and turn it off.
You don’t know when you’ll get another chance.
2. Camping builds and strengthens bonds.
Chaco Footwear provided the images used in this post. Carson Davis Brown is the photographer responsible for this image. DXTRTY is responsible for the styling. It’s a delightful and unexpected symbiotic relationship: When you camp with friends, you learn to rely on one another in ways that are critical to your survival. When you’re hiking to your camping spot for the night, the world is reduced to you and your other campers for company. Suddenly, your tribe has shrunk in size. Put the tent up; I’ll go get some firewood for you.
I’ll clean the fish, and you’ll open the bottle of wine!
Perhaps you’re automobile camping in the midst of a large group of campers, or perhaps you’re traveling through a mountain pass on a mountain bike.
In either case, you join a tribe of like-minded individuals who rely on one another for everything from safety to s’mores. Making camp, cooking, stoking the fire, and making music with your pals may reveal new layers of relationship that are just not awakened in normal, “civilized” living.
3. Nature does not have to be (and is not) scary.
Some people, particularly those who did not grow up in or were not frequently exposed to outdoors, have an inborn dread of nature. This shouldn’t come as a surprise; we have a natural dread of things we don’t understand, and nature can be ruthless and vengeful. Nature can appear to be a death trap to those who are not familiar with it — grizzlies, forest fires, starvation, and a million night shadows lurking just off the trail, outside the orange circle of firelight. One cannot be faulted for being concerned about one’s safety if one does not have access to electricity, double-paned windows, and all of life’s luxuries and amenities.
Although nature should be respected and revered as the awesome and mysterious entity that it is (an entity that we are mysteriously a part of), we should reexamine our instinctive fear of all things wild and dangerous.
Yes, it is possible that we will be caught off guard.
4. You’ll always be tempted to bring too much stuff.
Chaco Footwear provided the images used in this post. Carson Davis Brown is the photographer responsible for this image. DXTRTY is responsible for the styling. Bringing much too much stuff is a continuous reality of vehicle camping, where you are not required to carry everything on your back for hours and miles. The inexperienced camper is prone to overburdening themselves with unneeded accouterments, gadgets, and equipment. But keep in mind that “simplicity is happiness.” Carry only what you’ll need, leaving room for a few little extras such as a flask of scotch or an electric ukulele.
Prepare ahead of time, pack lightly, and relish the absence of unnecessary items in your possession.
You’ll also appreciate the sound of a creek and the scent of wood smoke seeping into your skin.
Leave the clutter at home and focus on the items that will allow you to be as comfortable as possible.
5. Cooking with fire is primal and awesome.
Camping cuisine is frequently limited to foods that can be prepared over an open fire. In our everyday lives, we may order food from a team of culinary pros who will assemble and prepare it out of sight, or we can purchase in a sterilized market and afterwards use an arsenal of kitchen devices to create our meals at home. To put it another way, our daily routine is worrisome. Much of our food procurement and preparation is a long cry from roasting or grilling over an open flame, which is the only tool we really need to prepare food properly.
Cooking over an open flame taps into the evolutionary forces that molded us as a species.
It’s a pleasant sensation. It has a pleasant scent. It warms our skin and casts a pleasant orange and golden glow across the night sky. Soul food is the flavor of charred meat or a softly toasted marshmallow that has been cooked over an open fire.
6. The best conversations happen around that campfire.
A bottle of wine is passed around and a stick is poked into the ashes of a campfire when your closest buddy relates a story that you haven’t heard in the ten years that you’ve known each other. Hopes, anxieties, and the nature of reality are all discussed. The significance of one’s existence. The topic of nostalgia is brought up, and the conversation detonates into laughter as a result. In many cases, the talks and interactions that take place while camping are more introspective, fun, and soulful in their tone.
Why can’t things continue to be this way indefinitely?
7. Sleeping under the stars is everything.
Cities are devoid of one of the planet’s most distinguishing characteristics: the night sky. The night, when there is no artificial light to interfere, is a wonderland of infinite possibilities. Unfortunately, even many non-metropolitan areas are affected by light pollution, and the constellations that have surrounded our ancestors’ heads since the beginning of time are being smeared away one by one as a result. Restoring one’s connection to nature might entail reconnecting with one’s connection to the night sky as it actually is: a marvelous, inspirational, and beauty-filled expanse that boggles the mind while stirring the spirit.
While you’re camping, take time to appreciate the night sky.
Spread your sleeping bag on the ground and gaze into the glittering lights of the Milky Way.
8. You’re out of touch with your circadian rhythm.
Spend many consecutive nights in nature, away from artificial sources of illumination, and you’ll notice that your internal clock begins to follow the natural cycles of light and darkness. Instead of waking up when the alarm clock goes off, you’ll wake up when the sun comes up. Instead of being fatigued after finishing Game of Thrones, you’ll become tired when the stars come out to play. With the artificial input of a thousand devices and the glare of a thousand light bulbs removed, you’ll notice that your circadian rhythm has begun to kick in once more.
It didn’t take long until we were falling asleep a few hours after sunset and waking up as the sun rose over the horizon and warmed the interior of our teeny-tiny tent.
Initially, it appeared that we had no choice but to follow the natural cycles of light. Humans recognized the sun, moon, and stars for what they truly are: our original timekeepers and the sole source of light that we truly require.
9. Being a little (or a lot) uncomfortable is good for you.
We moderns are not willing to put up with even the smallest stone in our shoe or a cramp in our style. It appears like the entire machine of modernity has been engineered to eliminate even the smallest amount of suffering and replace it with an endless procession of amusement and pleasure. In the same way as rats fled a burning ship, we flee impending boredom and suffering. Camping should not be a painful or unbearably uncomfortable experience, but you may have to adjust to life outside of your cushioned walls for a few hours if you want to go.
There’s no need to suffer, and your sleeping arrangements don’t have to incorporate a memory-foam mattress to do this.
You could be feeling a little chilly, so move closer to the fire.
Give thanks for even the tiniest of discomforts, and they’ll melt away in the warmth of the campfire’s light.
17 Life Lessons You Learn From Camping
ByPriya Sahaon on December 15, 2015*Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, which means we may get a compensation if you click on a link and make a purchase after doing so (for example, if you book a flight) (there is never any extra cost to you for using these links). With our regular obligations and an abundance of chances, we have somehow lost sight of our own potential. We have somehow lost sight of the importance of living a life with few possibilities. It’s as if we’ve built a protective shell around ourselves and are refusing to come out of it.
Image courtesy of bestquotes123.com My life has been blessed by what I refer to as a “blessed-in-sin” situation.
If you ask folks who like camping, they will almost certainly tell you about some amazing life lessons they have learned.
Let’s have a look at what’s going on:
1. Giving Up On Technology
When you’re camping, simply disconnect yourself from the constant buzzing of your cell phone. Please believe me when I say that you will most certainly appreciate the world around you rather than becoming enslaved by a smartphone. Getting away from the modern world is a rare chance, and one that should be taken advantage of. So, why not take a break from electronics and recharge your batteries?
2. Living On The Basics
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com Would you want to enjoy some French fries with your evening cup of coffee? Well! When you’re camping, such comforts and conveniences take a backseat in your life.
Eventually, you stop making a big deal about things like not having well cooked meals or not having comfortable mattresses to rest down on. You begin to realize that life is possible even with the most basic of things. Not even the desire for a posh restroom comes to mind when we think about it.
3. Experiencing Nature
Pixabay.com is the source of this image. For some reason, living in a concrete jungle for a long period of time has conditioned us to accept the absence of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, we have lost our ability to wake up to the sounds of birds singing or smell the aroma of freshly blooming flowers. If you are absolutely compelled to see such a momentous occasion, go camping with your family! Live among the trees, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
4.Going Back To Age Old Days
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com Camping without a campfire would be unthinkable. Aside from that, with 9 to 5 employment, it is nearly hard to enjoy a campfire in a metropolitan environment. What should you do in that case? When you go camping, make sure to have a bonfire! The experience will undoubtedly transport you back in time to a time when people used to prepare food over open flames.
5. Hard Work Pays Off
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com Camping is a physically demanding activity. There are several tasks to complete, such as selecting a campsite, erecting a tent, gathering wood for a fire, searching for water, and so on. A camping trip can quickly turn into a nightmare if these preparations are not made. On the other hand, it helps you understand that you are capable of completing hard labor that would otherwise be buried behind the luxury of cosmopolitan living. Leave luxury behind and travel the Hobo way with a trip planner from Asmart!
6. Shedding Of Inhibition
Picture taken from pexels.com / Camping may be a physically demanding experience. You’ll have plenty of tasks to complete: selecting a campsite, erecting a tent, gathering firewood, searching for water, and so on. A camping trip might turn into a nightmare if these preparations are not made. The other side of this is that it helps you understand that you are capable of undertaking hard work that would otherwise be buried underneath the luxury of cosmopolitan living. Leave luxury behind and travel the Hobo way with a trip planner from Asmart.com.
7. Developing Trust
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com We are trained from an early age not to engage in conversation with strangers. However, when you are camping and encounter a difficulty, a stranger who is willing to assist you turns out to be your ‘friend in need.’ In reality, camping allows you to meet many new individuals from a variety of various backgrounds who are willing to share their own tales. Believe me when I say that such friendships survive the test of time and continue to exist outside of the “Facebook” world.
8. Team Work Matters
Pixabay.com is the source of this image. If you believe you are intelligent enough to go camping by yourself, you are mistaken! Camping is not a game that is simple to master. It will take a great deal of thought and work to make it a successful endeavor.
And in order to do this, collaboration is essential. Even if you are traveling alone, don’t be afraid to join groups with strangers who have turned into friends. Working in a group helps you develop a more positive socializing attitude.
9. Sharing Is Caring
Pixabay.com is the source of this image. These are no longer the days when you were taught that “sharing is caring.” Nowadays, everything revolves around myself, me, and I! However, if you arrive at your camping vacation with such a mindset, be prepared to be excluded from the group. When camping, sharing is a crucial component of the experience. In reality, sharing facilitates the process of making new acquaintances. It’s worth a shot! I’ve tried, and I’ve made some incredible friends that I intend to keep for a lifetime.
10. Discovering Yourself
Emily’s Quotes is the source of this image. Camping not only allows you to relax and enjoy your holiday, but it also provides you with adequate space and opportunity to reflect on your life. Camping does not make you feel bored because of the slower pace of life that you experience. Instead, it allows you to discover your own identity. Because of this, you come to terms with your true self. It could even open your eyes to your genuine life’s purpose and passion.
11. A Tent – Only Shelter To Stay In
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com You can lose track of time when walking through the woods or going up a steep route for hours on end, completely forgetting about your furnished bedroom at home. At that point, a tent with a bed roll seemed to be sufficient for lying down and getting a good night’s sleep. Camping instills in you the ability to endure even in the most adverse conditions.
12. Going Light
Pixabay.com is the source of this image. Keep in mind that when camping, you must transport your own belongings. Are you considering bringing a trolley bag? You require a practicality assessment! Carrying expensive luggage might actually make your vacation more difficult. Camping, as a result, teaches you how much you should bring with you on your trip. Amazing Camping Hacks to Make Sure You Have the Most Fun on Your Next Adventure Continue reading
13. Appreciating Little Things
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com Camping teaches you that even the most basic of necessities may not be available during your vacation, so plan accordingly. As a result, making peace with the minor inconveniences is the finest thing you can do for yourself. After a long day of exertion, even a simple meal tastes good and seems to satisfy your hunger sufficiently to make you feel satisfied.
14. Improving A Sense Of Direction
Photograph courtesy of pexels.com The act of camping does not take place in a planned park or inside the municipal limits. While camping in the outdoors, you’ll need to have a good sense of direction in order to stay on track. To find your fundamental requirement, you must recall the road you took to get there. As a result, your sense of orientation improves as a result of this.
15. Realising Some Problems Are Unavoidable
Quotefancy.com is the source of this image. Do you have a problem? Getting away from a difficult circumstance is something that we all desire. But what exactly are you planning to do while camping? It is possible that many unanswered problems may arise. For example, you could be confronted with natural disasters such as significant rainfall or a hurricane. Is there a way out of this dilemma, or do we have to stay here? Without a doubt, this is not the case! It is an unavoidable aspect of existence.
Yes, it is correct. We humans are not incapable of devising a solution to each difficulty that we may encounter. Rather of avoiding the problem, confront it and seek an alternative. So, the next time you hear the phrase “impossible,” keep in mind that it actually implies “I am possible.”
16. Becoming Your Own Hero
The image was obtained from quotemaster.org. When you’re camping, don’t expect for a hero to cheer you on. Instead, take the initiative and be your own hero! Prepare to make decisions, confront danger, seek a solution to a problem, and do whatever it takes to safeguard your own safety. Have self-assurance and belief in your abilities. That is the only way you can transform yourself into a competent person.
17. Realizing Life Is Indeed Beautiful
Pixabay.com is the source of this image. “Happiness is not dependent on what you have or who you are; it is totally dependent on what you believe,” says Albert Einstein. Buddha Yes! Camping allows you to get away from your worries, improve your mood, and increase your confidence in order to confront new difficulties. Because of this, you will come to know that there are much more essential things in life than simply meeting monetary demands. So, what are you holding out for now? Take a break from the man-made world and embark on a wonderful journey through the natural world, which is considered to be God’s greatest gift to mankind.
12 Invaluable Life Lessons Your Child Will Learn from Camping
It is possible that this content contains affiliate links. It is possible that I will receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I receive a commission from qualifying orders. – Camping is a favorite activity for youngsters without a doubt. Unquestionably pleasurable are the wide-open areas, entertaining activities, and prospects for new adventures that may be found around every turn. However, this isn’t the only reason that camping is beneficial to children.
- The best thing is that these skills are learned in a natural setting while your youngster is having a good time in the great outdoors.
- The lessons we acquire via life events are considerably more lasting than the lessons we gain when studying for a test.
- The good news, on the other hand, is that children continue to learn even after they have left the classroom.
- Please have a look at the following list of 12 vital life skills that your child will acquire while camping.
1. Environmental Conservation and Protection
A child’s comprehension of the need of maintaining and protecting nature is enhanced as a result of an increased respect for its beauty. The opportunity to discuss methods in which we can help maintain our world clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone should be taken advantage of whenever possible when camping. When helping to clean up each day, youngsters may think about how they can leave the campground in the same condition as when they arrived, or even how they can make it better if previous campers have left rubbish behind.
In the same vein, it is an excellent moment to bring up the subject of all of the resources that we consume in our daily, contemporary life.
While you are out in nature, brainstorm ideas for ways that your family may decrease waste at home. Simple things like saving water and decreasing excessive electrical consumption are excellent topics to discuss with one another.
2. Importance of Family
Camping is an excellent opportunity for family bonding. We have the opportunity to just enjoy one other’s company when we are not at work, school, doing errands, or attending to other normal tasks. This gives us everyone the chance to pause and consider our connections with one another, as well as to embrace the simple pleasures of simply being together.
3. Self-Sufficiency and Survival Skills
In previous centuries, learning how to catch a fish or cook over an open fire was considered common knowledge among the populace. Many of us, however, are missing in some of these fundamental survival skills in today’s world. When it comes to learning self-sufficiency and honing our ability to survive in the face of calamity or unforeseen circumstances, camping is an excellent tool to use. While camping, there are several opportunities for tiny children to learn about fire safety and basic first aid skills.
These are just a few instances; you will undoubtedly come across many more as you travel through your journey.
4. Cooperation
Another important life skill that can be readily taught when camping is the ability to operate in a group. Allowing your child to assist you with regular chores is especially crucial at this time. Whether you’re setting up your tent or making supper, make sure you do it as a group and discuss briefly about how much simpler things are when you work as a group of people. It will not only make your child feel like an important member of the family, but it will also teach him or her the necessity of collaboration in other areas of life.
5. Resilience and Flexibility
It’s possible that sleeping in a tent will not be as comfortable as sleeping in your child’s warm, soft bed at home. In the same way, your child may miss some of his or her favorite toys or may have some difficulty adjusting to the new dinner menu when the time comes. These minor inconveniences and minor challenges are excellent opportunities to teach youngsters about the value of resilience and flexibility in everyday life. In the grand scheme of things, crying and whining will not make your usual bed emerge in the midst of the campsite, nor will it cause your favorite food to come out of nowhere, and that is a good thing in the grand scheme of things.
6. Courage and Facing Fears
Camping may be a terrifying experience for young children at times. Especially at night, the noises of the wind and animals, mixed with the darkness and unfamiliarity of the surroundings, might be a little frightening, especially for children. Apprehension may creep into the hearts of even the most seasoned adults when there is talk of bears or wolves in the outdoors. What’s crucial to remember is that addressing one’s worries with bravery is a valuable life lesson that should not be overlooked.
The PBS Parents website states that one of the most effective methods to instill bravery into young children is to support them in the acquisition of new skills that take effort and push their abilities.
For young children, this may entail finding out how to navigate rocky, uneven routes and trails; for older children, it may entail learning to fish or assisting in the setting up of a tent.
This new talent will help your youngster develop confidence when he or she faces new and daunting circumstances.
7. Gratitude
It is quite easy to take for granted the conveniences of modern living. We’ve been accustomed to things like central heating, air conditioning, and comfortable furnishings. Even electricity and running water are considered to be “luxuries.” When we are deprived of these things for a period of time, it becomes simpler to remember to be grateful for them. When you get home, chat with your child about the importance of being thankful for what you have.
8. Simplicity
For many young people, television, movies, social media, and video games may appear to be necessary components of their daily lives. It’s very uncommon for youngsters to witness their own parents preoccupied with technology, obsessively checking email, text messages, and other similar communications. Many of us attempt to juggle many tasks at the same time in order to keep up with the fast-paced nature of our lives, which can make it difficult for our children to receive our full and complete attention.
We have more time to converse, listen, relax, and rejuvenate ourselves when we are not distracted by the technology distractions of our modern lifestyles.
Children who are constantly surrounded by television or video games will benefit from traditional camping activities such as campfire stories, which revive the age-old art of storytelling.
9. Value of Hard Work
Camping may be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. Even simple tasks such as cooking meals and cleaning up afterward may be time-consuming if you don’t have the luxuries of a dishwasher and microwave. Make certain that you don’t do all of the hard work alone, but rather that you let your child to assist you whenever feasible; this will teach them to appreciate the importance of hard work in their lives. Children may assist in the collection of firewood, and later on, when the weather turns chilly and everyone gathers around the campfire, they will appreciate the comfort that it provides.
Camping is an excellent opportunity to learn the importance of perseverance and hard work.
10. Problem Solving
Nothing would make a camping vacation complete if something didn’t go wrong at some point. When you’re out in nature, away from your usual routines and comforts, it’s nearly inevitable that you’ll encounter an unexpected incident at some time. Perhaps the rain begins pouring down suddenly just as you’re attempting to set up your tent, or it’s time for dinner and you realize you didn’t bring any dishes or utensils with you to the campsite. The present is an excellent opportunity to include your youngster in thinking possible solutions to the situation.
Regardless, remember that these trying times are really aiding in the development of your child’s problem-solving talents for the rest of his or her life.
If an issue might have been avoided with better planning or forethought, don’t try to disguise the fact that it happened. People of all ages make errors; thus, it is important to admit this reality and discuss how things might be done better the next time around.
11. Appreciation of Nature
It is impossible to learn about the wonders of nature by reading about them in a book or listening to someone else’s narrative or explanation. These things have to be experienced personally, and camping provides the ideal setting for this to take place. Inquire of youngsters about their sensory experiences by asking them questions such as: What can they see? What can they hear? What is the fragrance of the air like? Can they hear anything when everyone is completely silent? Taking time to settle down with your family after a long day of hiking or fishing is a wonderful opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the splendor of nature.
12. Humility
Having the opportunity to be out in the beauty and expanse of nature, surrounded by species large and little, makes it simpler to recognize that humans are not the only creatures that matter in this enormous universe. When we look at the world through a lens that is unfamiliar to us, our own minor concerns and difficulties in life may appear to be much more significant. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your child to appreciate the worth of all living creatures while also emphasizing the need of humility, empathy, and compassion for others.
Final Thoughts
As a result of the 12 life lessons I’ve given above, I believe it’s evident that camping is about much more than just spending time outdoors. Keep these principles in mind the next time you take your child camping with you, and you can ensure that they depart with better life skills that will last them a lifetime.
