Were you invited to a camping trip with your friends but you have second doubts because you can’t bring your favorite gadgets along? It is time that I change your mind. In this article, I will advise you on how you can camp and enjoy yourself without electronic devices.
The meaning of outdoor camping is to unwind and do what you didn’t have a chance while you were in the town. So, this is your great opportunity to leave the technical world behind and start to experience the world of nature and its beauties!
Time of digital devices
Today, we live in the information age that brought sophisticated and useful devices that help us to live a more quality, organized life and also take care of the fun. Using social media, reading news, playing games, and searching for answers on the internet has become our daily routine.
It seems like we can’t live without computers, mobile phones, and tablets. I am a regular user of these devices but I see a problem with the quantity of usage. The population group that I see as the most problematic is a group of children and young adults who use these devices for fun and relaxation throughout the day.
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp, and other popular social media channels have millions of users all over the world and the numbers are still growing. The issue that I see in general is that kids these days don’t know much about the outdoors and don’t know how to spend quality time in nature.
They will be educated about the internet, apps, and technical stuff but the more they use them the less time they will have to experience nature and learn new survival skills that they could use when a natural disaster comes (and there are more and more of them each day).
How about you? Are you ready to leave the town and your gadgets for a few days? Read on and you will see why this decision will be one of the best in your life.
Decide and act
The first thing that you will have to do is to decide that you don’t need those gadgets with you while being outdoors with your friends. I know that it is easier to say than done but a mind is a powerful tool that you can use to make that decision.
You can trick your mind by thinking of the fun activities that you will do out there. The main purpose is to stay occupied all the time so you won’t think about using the devices.
Make a list of activities
The next thing to do is to make a plan or a list of activities that will make you active and happy. Think about the activities that you loved as a kid or which one do you like today and put them on the list. Your friends can do the same.
These are some fun sporty and unphysical activities that you can attend with your friends.
Water sports
Who doesn’t like water sports? As there will be more of you, you can go canoeing, diving, snorkeling, play underwater hockey or football, sail, swim, enjoy fishing, and play water volleyball or water polo.
These are just a few interesting water activities that will speed up your heart rate and enhance your competitiveness.
Plan a daily hike
Get yourself a good pair of hiking shoes and socks that prevent blisters, put a backpack with some water and food on and head to the trail. Exploring the surroundings of your campsite can be much fun since nature and animals will make you calm and satisfied (you will forget on Facebook, believe me).
On the hike, you can see birds and other wild animals, interesting trees, canyons, creaks, and paths that might lead to the hidden gems. You can even pick some mushrooms and cook a meal at the campsite and pick plants for a homemade tea (make sure that you know the species so you won’t have health problems).
Have Olympic camping games
How about Olympic Games at the campsite? This is a wonderful idea for the entire group to enjoy and laugh. I suggest that you have these games throughout the day with pauses. You can play weight lifting, tug of war, biathlon, Olympic torch lighting, gymnastics, and other (ball) games that all of you will enjoy.
Play board and other indoor games
Board games are not reserved only for young people. There are numerous of these games available to buy that will test your mind and creative skills, and test your luck. Board games are one of the great options when you have to stay in your tent due to the rain.
If you want to invest in a quality tent that you will use no matter the weather and camping season pick one of the canvas tents. They are high and spacious enough for the entire group to position around the game comfortably.
However, if you will be camping on the beach on a sunny day, then it is better to opt for a beach tent that will protect you from the sun and provide enough ventilation inside due to the mesh material.
Consider bringing Yahtzee, Monopoly, Activity, different kinds of cards, Jenga, Draughts, Pictionary, backgammon, cup game, memory, connect four, pass the pigs, and others. You can also enhance the mood by playing Never have I ever, Truth or dare, the voting game, Would you rather, etc.
Set a campfire and tell stories
Setting a campfire is a classic. If you don’t know how to do it ask a friend to help you. Knowing how to set a fire is an important survival skill that can come in handy, especially if a natural disaster occurs.
Tell personal and funny stories to have a quiet evening at the warm campfire while making s’mores.
Have an active camping trip
I know how hard it is when you are used to the devices that provide the possibility of work and fun. However, with a decision and a good plan of activities you can have a blast outdoors while you are free of technology.
You must know that camping can provide much entertainment and fun stuff that you can’t get with technology devices so go ahead and surprise your friends by attending the trip.
