by J. Lee M.

Created on: August 14, 2009   Last Updated: August 16, 2009

The warm glow of a roaring fire; stars shining bright above the trees; the subtle sounds of nature creeping in from the night: this is the perfect vacation for anyone. In our technologically advanced and fast-paced world, many people have forgotten the most simple and superior form of outdoor recreation; camping. Although leaving behind modern conveniences to sleep among the wilderness may not appeal to all people, camping is one activity that each person should experience.

Camping, unlike other forms of outdoor recreation, fosters true teamwork and togetherness among people. Setting up the tent, collecting the firewood, and huddling together to keep warm allows for special bonds to grow among people. Although there are many sports and recreational activities in which teamwork is encouraged, people who are together in the wilderness are actually depending upon one another for survival. This tends to bring people a sense of closeness that perhaps could not be experienced through the typical daily routine.

Camping also brings a sense of independence and self-actualization. Within the wilderness, people often find themselves accomplishing tasks that they did not realize they had the ability to do. Within day to day life many people do not chop firewood or hike for a mile for clean water, and cannot imagine doing so. This self-sufficient attitude carries over from the camping experience to enhance confidence within daily life.

Also, through the experience of camping a person is able to gain a more thorough understanding and respect for nature. Being among wildlife within natural habitats allows for a communication between the person and the earth, and when this occurs, it becomes easier to communicate with one's self and understand the places of everything within the universe.

Aside from all of these benefits, camping is one of the most enjoyable experiences available to people who love the outdoors; especially when the experience can be shared with those that you love. There's nothing quite like the coziness of a tent when you're trying to keep warm; toasting hot dogs on the perfect stick that took you hours to choose, or even hooking into the perfect little fish that you'll release back into the water (hoping to catch a bigger one next year). Without camping, the world would be a much duller place with not much to look forward to. That we all have the opportunity to escape our own realities; revert to our natural senses of self; and that we can do it so inexpensively is a priceless treasure that we all should cash in on.

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