We live in an age of high connectivity, smothered by information online isn't it time to disconnect and recharge? And what better way to do that than in nature? Everything is magical in the wild. The best way to experience the beauty of the wilderness is by going camping. An outdoor activity which involves spending the night in the nature with bare necessities, camping lets one experience the wilderness in all its magnificence. So why not go camping to hill stations during your holidays?
Imagine waking up to a glorious sunrise in the outdoors, as you breathe in the crisp air. Walk barefoot, sinking your feet into the earth. The only sound here might be the sound of a river gurgling or the cackle of birds. The nights are breathtaking, as you sleep under a star-spangled sky, with the stillness of the night getting cut in occasionally by the chirps of crickets. The sky is your roof and the earth is your floor. Where are we? We have come camping!
We live in an age of high connectivity, spending most of our time online. Shouldn't we disconnect and recharge? And what better way to do that than in nature? Everything is magical in the wild. And the best way to experience the beauty of the wilderness is by going camping. An outdoor activity that involves spending the night in nature with bare necessities, camping lets one experience the wilderness in all its magnificence.
A brief history of camping
Thomas Hiram Holding was the founder of modern recreational camping. In 1908, he came up with the first edition of "The Campers Handbook". As a boy, he travelled widely and went on many camping adventures and these provided a base for the books he wrote on camping. He even used a bicycle as his camping vehicle. The book "Cycle and Camp" (1898) was written based on this.
He also founded the first camping club in the world. Christened the "Association of Cycle Campers", the camping club was established in 1901. Come 1907, the club merged with other clubs to form the Camping Club of Great Britain and Ireland. Famous Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott was the first president of the Camping Club in 1909.
Organised camping
However, organised camping started in the U.S. with a boys' camp in 1861. This was run for the students of the Gunnery School for Boys in Washington, Connecticut. It became an instant success and was carried on for 18 years. Soon other similar camps started to be held. In 1888, the first girl’s camp was established on the Thames River in Connecticut. Other youth organisations soon took to camping and made it an integral component of their activities.
Modern camping
Camping has changed over the course of time. It is not just bare necessities that you get at a camp. Recreational camping now provides all the modern amenities. Camping in vehicles a.k.a caravanning (live in a caravan, camper-van) is also preferred by many travellers.
Another type of camping that has caught on is glamping. This falls in the more luxurious and high-end spectrum of camping. Here, you camp in the wild but amidst al the creature comforts such as electricity, running water, mood lighting, comfy blankets, lavish meals, and so on.
But the authentic camping experience is what would help you connect with nature, away from civilisation and come back well refreshed.
Camping checklist
Camping is a fun, adventurous outdoor activity but should not be taken light-heartedly as well.
This is because you will be in the wild and maintaining the unwritten laws of the wild is necessary to have a safe camping trip.
It starts right from the things you wear to how you dispose of the trash generated. If you are a first-timer, then it is advisable that you go camping with a travel company. They can help you pitch the tent and also offer everything needed for camping. Sleeping bags are an essential part of camping trips. They offer a warm and comfortable sleep as it can get much colder at night in nature.
Whilst camping, you will be cooking food on your camping site and you may need a camping stove for that.
Camping chairs, hammocks, and blankets will help you have a relaxed stay in nature. Other essentials you may need to carry include a flashlight, wet wipes for hygiene purposes, quick-drying towels and cloth, power banks, first-aid kits, trash bags, and so on.
*Clothing
What you wear will depend on the season and the type of weather at the destination you are going to. While camping, you will be out in the sun, in the dirt. So always pack moisture-wicking clothes so that you dry faster while outdoors. Carry sunscreen and a sun hat. And if you are camping in the winter, then take appropriate clothing. The trick is to always be ready for the weather. In nature, weather conditions can change unexpectantly and this needs to be taken into consideration while packing essentials.
*Pitching the tent Pick a spot that is not exposed much to the elements of nature. Ensure it has some shade so that it will stand you in good stead in case it were to rain or snow heavily.
*First-aid kit
A first-aid kit is essential on a camping trip. This should include painkillers, antibiotic creams, bandages, gauze, mosquito repellents, medicines for common ailments, and so on. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Ecological concerns
Whilst out in the wild, ensuring the sanctity of the wilderness is cardinal. The best way to leave no trace is to carry trash bags. When out in the wild and camping, you are sharing the space with many other wild animals.
No trash should be left on your camping site. This is essential for the health of the ecosystem and the wild animals inhabiting the region. Even a tiny plastic article can prove fatal for wild animals.
Why go camping?
The benefits of time spent outdoors are countless and more so when camping. The fresh and clean air can work wonders for your body and the mind and you might feel instantly recharged. There are also chances that you will be away from network connectivity and this will give you time to reflect on yourself, and your goals and can serve as the ultimate social media detox.
Camping can also strengthen the bond between friends and family. It is also a physically enduring activity and you learn new skills such as setting up a tent, tying knots, starting fires, cooking meals, and more. It also helps connect with nature, watch wildlife and experience the natural world in all its glory.
And more than that, you learn the minimalist way of existence, one in line with nature. So why not try camping?
Picture Credit : Google