My family has a summer tradition which we always strive to keep; and that is going camping with friends and family every summer (regardless of the weather). I started camping since I was a little girl and over the years I knew by heart the dos and the don’ts of camping. When I became a young adult my parents entrusted myself and my siblings with what we called the check list of camping; which included everything we needed to have a successful summer camp.
As an adult, I have come to realize that we all sometimes need that much needed break from work, school or whatever daily routine one is usually engaged in. Taking some time off your daily activities for a weekend or even a whole week of relaxation can help calm you down and give you that much needed sense of peace before going back to your daily routine.
There are several places that come to mind when we talk about relaxation; the beach is definitely one place one can go to relax. However if you are more adventurous and live in the city, going camping in the wilderness can be a great option for you. The setting is beautiful, alive with nature and very relaxing. However, there are certain things one has to have in mind before embarking on a camping trip, as ignorance of some basic knowledge might end up being problematic. Here is a simple yet very effective guide to camping in the wilderness/ the woods:
Finding the best camping spot.
This is a very important and crucial step every camper must observe. It is best to camp away from any body of water as you might suffer a discomfort of mosquitoes especially at night and also extreme moisture. Your camping spot must be dry and it is ideal to camp on a flat surface. Finding the perfect camping spot may require some team effort, this helps prevent unnecessary illnesses or injuries.
Must have Tools and Devices for a successful camping trip.
It is important to know how easy it is to get lost camping in the woods, there are no marked out roads with signs for you to follow. The main tools you need to prevent getting lost in a place like the wilderness is a map. I can’t stress how important a map of where you are going is. Forgetting to pack your map is one dreadful mistake to make. Along with a map, bringing a compass along can go a long way as well. An electronic device such as your GPS may not be as useful if at all useful due to the coverage area.
Staying active and preparing for rainy days.
When at home, after a long days work, we usually come home to relax- catch up with TV shows, video games, movies and whatever activity that keeps you relaxed. However, at camp, after all the hiking, fishing and any other camp activity you engage in, you come back to your tent or camper van looking to relax. You cannot however rely on your traditional mode of relaxation after work that usually involves electronic devices. To avoid getting frustrated and or getting bored, it is advisable to carry along games that can keep a group active, these include but not limited to board games, puzzles and the likes of it.
Camping is a fun activity for families, individuals and even coworkers to bond and have a nice and relaxed time. It could be used as a method of bringing a group of people together for team work. You should however always be fully prepared before setting off. Make a list of things you will need and have someone else double check to make sure everything needed has been packed and ready for the trip. There several summer camps around the United States with everything laid out for you; food, a lodge, activities and so on, all you need to do is show and have a great time. If camping in the woods sounds too risky for you, these summer camps are another option to go with to have that nice and relaxed week off you have worked hard for and truly deserve.
