Why camping can feel like a vacation…

The way I see it, there are 2 types of people; those who enjoy camping and those who don’t. I have a friend that when I tell her we’re going camping she cringes because to her it sounds like a pure nightmare, but for me it can actually feel like a relaxing vacation (there was a day where I never would have thought this).

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I will admit that preparing for camping (with a child especially) can seem like a daunting task, trying to make sure you pack everything you need, or rather want but once you get past that phase it always surprises me how relaxing it can feel, once you are there and settled in. Most people think of vacations as beautiful views of the ocean or somewhere foreign or exotic but I usually feel most relaxed on a camping trip.

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This past weekend we went camping for the first time this year, which is a shear disappointment but I was glad we went out and did it and was reminded of why it’s an important tradition for our family. When we go camping we tent camp and cook food right there on a little grill or even over an open fire.

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It’s so relaxing because beyond texts (I got one in the course of 3 days, thanks for checking in on me everybody :) ) I’m completely unplugged since I don’t have a smartphone. We also don’t allow any electronic/media devices for our son during camping trips. That sense of nothing taking away your attention from being with your family is really an amazing feeling.

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We also don’t have any sort of schedule. If my son finds a cool stick and wants to play with it for 2 hours I can visit with my husband, if we’re camping with friends visit with them, sit back and read a book or just sit back and do absolutely nothing, which never happens at home!

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I love that camping can bring us close together as a family. We spent genuine, quality time together with very little distractions. For me I want more time like this. My son is young and I am totally starting to understand the saying “they’re only young once” because each day I see him grow before my eyes and far too quickly that moments like this allow me to just embrace him in that moment.

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I also love the peacefulness of being outside. There’s something relaxing about just being surrounded by trees. I also love falling asleep to the sound of crickets and also being secluded in a tent with the 2 boys I love the most. I actually took time to just watch my son sleep this past weekend and all 3 nights he fell asleep holding my hand.

I hope that as we continue to strive towards our family goals that we can have more camping “vacations” because it truly is amazing to just escape our crazy society, slow down for a little bit and enjoy the ones we love.

 

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2 Comments

  1. I totally agree with you! And I’m typing this in a tent, listening to the sound of crickets, with my son who fell asleep snuggled on my lap in front of a campfire tonight. Bliss. :)

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