Camping, A Means To Reconnect With Nature

As a recreational activity, camping has a unique place. It is not just about taking pleasure from the activity during leisure periods. It is also much more than about physical and mental well-being. It is about connecting to the need of establishing a symbiotic relationship with nature. Human progress has taken a heavy toll of nature. The land, water and air have been subject to heavy pollution. The rivers, forests and valleys have been ravaged in the name of human progress. There is a growing consensus that an ecologically sustainable development alone will allow species survival, both human and non-human.

There are a number of essential things that require to be taken along for camping such as camping tent, sleeping bag, jacket, flashlight, first aid kit, matches, knife, food and water. If the camp site has no basic facilities, they you may need camping chair, camp table, hammock, fishing pole, camp stove or grill, towels, small backpack for day hikes  and swimsuits. A sweatshirt with a hood, cap, jacket, sleeping bag line and gloves would be useful in case the weather is cold. If it is hot, then a sunscreen, extra water, large hat to fend off the sun rays, a small battery powered fan and canopy for shade will be useful.

Camping tent is probably the most important in terms of creating a temporary living abode. Camping tents are varied according to the climate. The one-season tent is used in summer. It can endure light summer rains. The three-season tent can endure heavy rains as well as light snow. This tent is used in spring, summer and autumn and can also offer ventilation, and protection from insects, moderate rain and wind. However, it will not be able to withstand heavy snow. The four season tent is heavier and can withstand winter and heavy snow but is difficult if the climate is hot. There are four season tents that can be converted to three season tents by unzipping a roof panel or removing pole sections. Bibler Ahwahnee tent for instance is a four-season tent.

Camping has the tremendous potential as an activity to reconnect the campers with nature. The experience is expected to make people think and be sensitive towards our relationship with nature.