Things I Learned Camping

We went camping last weekend.

The last time we did so was five years ago, so I had forgotten a few things about the experience.

This is a shot overlooking the pond the kids swam and fished in. Nice, no?

Camping is a great way to step off the hedonic treadmill.

Meaning, it’s a pattern interrupt that can help us appreciate our modern conveniences. Things like: soft beds, hot water, the ease of keeping things clean (well, relative ease – I do have 7 children and a husband).

I don’t recall having a difficult time sleeping on the ground in a tent 5 years ago, but it was very hard this time! Despite having several blankets, a yoga mat and sleeping bags piled up under my body, I awoke several times each night with various trigger points screaming at me, and once my neck was so stiff I nearly cried out in pain when I attempted to turn my head.

Kids need to be outdoors. 

My kids spend a lot of time outside each day, especially when the weather is nice. I’m typing this outside right now so I can keep an eye on them.

But there’s something magical about spending the entire day out of doors.

Since arriving home (only a few awake hours), I’ve heard (and put out) more sibling fights than in the entire 4 days we were gone.

While some of this is due to having more adults around to monitor and distract the kids, a lot of it has to do with simply being outside. Children have a lot of energy, and being inside too much makes them have anxiety and pent-up aggression.

I only had to speak to my almost 4-year-old ONCE about her behavior the entire trip.

Stuff? Who needs it. 

Really, all we need is enough clothing to keep warm and shelter to protect us, nourishing food, our family around, and meaningful work to do (no one questions the value of their work when they’re chopping wood, setting up shelter or washing dishes).

The kids didn’t play with toys or screens for 4 days. There were trails to walk, fairy villages to build out of rocks and leaves, ponds to swim and fish in, campfires to sit around.

“Rest” and “Recreation” Are Not The Same

I stayed so busy while camping that I didn’t even have time to crack open the book I brought until we were driving home. There was always something to do, making the trip hardly restful, but it was refreshing nonetheless!