“Camping provides an excellent test of friendship; the rougher the trip, the better the test . Consequently, to find a friend in camp is often equivalent to finding one for life. This alone makes well worth while the camper’s necessity of taking the bitter with the sweet . But there are plenty of other results equally as good. And in the years that follow, the happy bowl of retrospection contains no pleasanter brew than the bittersweet blended of the trials and the joys of bygone camps.” Cave 1914, 194

Hard times make memorable times. I had a ton of fun as a youth camping with my Boy Scout troop and a ton of fun camping as an adult with my reenacting friends. Not all of the campouts or events I attended were ideal or picture perfect. Many were wet or cold, or wet and cold. I regularly forgot something at home that would have been useful to have and made my trip easier. Once I almost suffered heat stroke! It is funny; those times when adversity hit have stuck with me the most and the stories from them are the ones I tell around the campfire. Sure the good times were memorable and enjoyed but no story is really an adventure without some type of adversity.

My favorite story to tell is one where I pushed myself to my physical limits and used almost every skill I had learned up to that point. I was roughly 12 or 13 and working on my Wilderness Survival Merit Badge. All the Scouts in attendance earned at least 1st Class rank, the First Aid Merit Badge, and were Red Cross 1st Aid and CPR certified before they could attend. If my memory serves me, I believe the campout was in March or early April and in Ohio. We tend to get most of our snow and lowest temperatures in February and that certainly plays a large part in my story.

We were eager for this adventure, and for kids, we were equipped pretty well and knew roughly what the expectations would be but we had no idea what the schedule would be for the weekend. Our Merit badge counselors and Scoutmaster planned out the program, the point was to simulate for us Scouts a situation where we were on a winter day hike but was unable to complete it in just one day. The equipment on our backs reflected that for the most part. We had sleeping bags and a 8’x8′ plastic tarp, no tent and enough food for 1 day even though the campout was from 5 pm Friday to 1 pm Sunday. There was snow already on the ground and more snow and freezing rain inbound.

Friday night was easy, we had decently full stomachs from dinner earlier and we were not expected to hike that far. The focus was fire building and making simple shelters for the night using our tarps. How fun it was! That is, until the fire completely died out around midnight and the wind hit along with the cold setting in due to the dropping temperature. We were all dry but that was not enough for a comfortable night’s sleep.

We “woke” up, more like grumpily surrendering and acknowledging the lack of sleep we all got, put our bedrolls in order, worked to get a meager fire going and ate breakfast. Saturday was when the real trials and adventure would begin and all we knew was that there was going to be miles of hiking ahead of us and much of it was not going to be on prepared trails, roads, or paths. We finished our breakfast, cleaned up our site, shouldered our packs and made our way to the start of the hike. Merrily all of us talked and speculated what we would do. Our adult leaders informed us that our goal was to get at least eight miles in before building our next camp. We were encouraged to pick up dry tinder on our way if we could find any. The first mile was on good paths, the second mile the rain started in, the third mile was cutting across a wooded lot with brush and a refresher on how to use a compass and a map, and fourth mile we trudged to make the check point before 1 so we could eat lunch. Finally! The checkpoint was in site and our Scoutmaster was there waiting on us to greet us. The smiles of our Merit Badge Counselors to our Scoutmaster certainly gave the message they thought our progress earned us some words of celebration.

We were dogged at this point. Our outer clothes soaked through and several shoes were as well. The younger ones were wanting to quit at this point and all of us were inspected for any signs of exhaustion or hypothermia. This is where determination and grit was needed, and we hadn’t even ate lunch yet! Those who wanted to quit were surrounded by the rest, cheered on and encouraged. One of us had the idea to take some of the weight off of those who wanted to quit, this was gladly welcomed by those who were struggling and was not entirely by the rest of the group. In the end we all came together and everyone decided to push on. It was this key moment that set the mood and what the plan would be after lunch.

The second half of the day would be hiking in the four miles to finish off the expected eight miles and we were told there would be emergency scenarios that we would come across and need to respond. The last leg of our hike would be a compass course, which at the end we would find our camp site where we would need to build our brush shelter for the night and a surprise would be waiting on us. We were already tired and starting to feel sore, especially the youngest of our group. All of our attitudes started to fail by the time we hit our 6th mile. The youngest Scout who was complaining about being tired and sore feet could not be consoled. When our emergency scenarios were reached all of us found it difficult to cooperate, one of the scenarios was carrying out our Scoutmaster on a litter made from branches and a tarp, he was a big guy!

I am sure you can imagine the tensions building and a scene from Lord of the Flies as we still had roughly two more miles to go. Two from our group of six wanted to quit but the older ones wouldn’t let them. This is where Scout Spirit and the patrol method truly shined in all my years of Scouting as a youth. Two of our patrol were crying, all of us wet, cold, and tired. Our adult leaders were talking amongst themselves if they should intervene. Finally, and I don’t remember how it came about or who was responsible for convincing the others, it was collectively agreed upon that we would finish it out no matter how slow it would take us to get wherever we were going. We would take one sopping cold step at a time.

Three hours later, with not a word among the group we found and entered our campsite for the night. Some of us could muster a weak smile but the majority just slumped down wherever they could find a decently flat piece of ground. Do you recall that I said there would be a surprise waiting on us? A large well fed fire burned and a large pot of chilli soup was on the edge of it simmering. We had made it. Our Scoutmaster cheerfully welcomed us collectively and then made a round to each of us individually telling us how proud he was of our accomplishments. Our adult leaders scooped out the soup and served bowls of it out to us. Gradually we scooted closer to the fire and as our sore muscles rested and and our bellies grew full with warm food our Scout Spirit roared back to life! What was a tedious and arduous adventure full of frustration, pain, and complaining now became something of joyful recollection! We laughed, shared best and worst parts of the day, teased each other playfully, and what can only be described as celebrated.

There was still one task left for our Merit Badge, make a brush shelter. It was dark, cold and getting colder, and of course wet. We no longer seemed to mind it though and no one really complained. We had already accomplished the most difficult part, all that was left was essentially build a forest house. It did not need to look pretty, it only needed to be functional. We all pitched in and helped each other out and as soon as the last armful of leaves hit the roof of the last shelter we were in them and out like a light.

There was no struggle sleeping that night and the following morning came a bit too soon. This time the adults made the fire, had water on for hot chocolate and oatmeal. It was the best breakfast I had ever had up to that point. We were told to gather our things, disperse the material for our shelters so we leave no trace, and head out to the parking lot to head home. None of us really said too much that morning. We were still tired and ready for it to be done.

Since that campout it has been a story all of us have recalled many times, often with a bit of grief given to our adult leaders who would put us through such a thing but truly with an appreciation of having the opportunity. We gained so much from it. We grew closer as a troop. Understood how to really carry each other’s burdens materially and emotionally, and many Scouting skills along the way. We had an accomplishment few youth ever had. We didn’t get a competition ribbon, school wide recognition, and our peers back at school would just add it to the list of why we were weird. We received so much more beyond a Merit badge. Self pride, skills, knowledge that we could push beyond our perceived limits, and one heck of an adventure to tell others. It was a “war story” shared among comrades.

Now this could easily be a chapter in a book and perhaps will be a full-out written article later on but since this is a post I will try to keep the suggestions to brief bullet points and by no means is this comprehensive.

-Near a water source but not so close as it could flood or rise during a heavy rainfall and preferably a running water source like a stream, creek, or river so mosquitoes will not me so bad a nuissance. Generally 200ft away from the water source and hiking path.

-Level ground

-Look above and avoid where trees may have diseased branches, hung up broken branches, or “widow makers” that may fall on your campsite. Look for dead trees and avoid camping in their height radius. Coniferous trees are most liable for these problems

-On a higher point of ground for natural runoff and drainage during precipitation

-Try to avoid sandy or soggy soils

-Avoid areas with standing water or puddles

-An area with plenty of kindling and wood that is not laying directly on the ground

-During the warm months I prefer my tent to face the prevailing winds East to West so I can open my front and rear windows to get the fresh air flow. During the colder months I face my tent North to South so the sides block the prevailing winds. This is also important when planning out your fire position in camp and how to build it.

-Use the sun to benefit you. During cool months try to position your tent so it is in a clear path to get the sun all day from East to West. During warm months look for trees that will cast a shadow over your tent all day.

-Look for signs of large or regular animal activity, this is especially important when the wildlife include bear, moose, mountain lions, wolves, badgers, and even skunks. Animals are in general territorial, if you don’t want a visit by one, take their territory in consideration and respect the wildlife.

Not everyone enjoys it but to me it is a welcome thing. Our sense of smell, being one of the stronger senses, helps our brain figure out what is pleasant or foul, safe or dangerous, familiar or foreign, and triggers memories. The smell of wood smoke brings a flood of memories to my mind. All the campouts with my friends as a Scout or with my family, my dad teaching me how to build and light a sustainable fire, meals shared among comrades at a reenactment or living history, and more recently the joy of teaching my own children how to build a fire and use it’s properties for heat, food preparation, and safety. All pleasant and happy memories and usually every instance was shared with others. I have discussed religion, economics, and differing politics around a campfire and not once has anyone left out of anger or frustration. Much like a shared meal, or perhaps better than a meal, the campfire has a way of leveling out emotions and cultivating kinship. The “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” of the campfire binds us together as equal and human.

No matter where I am, if I get a whiff of wood smoke a smile can be seen develop across my face. Even while I am typing this, just thinking about it, like Pavlov’s dog, I can’t help myself but smile. When a fire is in the process of being made I know I am in camp. The equipment can be dropped and set up but until the fire is made, my mind is still likely in the outside world with the hustle and bustle. Isn’t it funny how that is? I had the opportunity to camp for one night, in the middle of my town with houses and street lights all around me and semi trucks regularly driving by but even that experience was better and refreshing to me than a night in my soft bed. I certainly did not sleep better and I was very tired by the end of the following day but the experience rejuvenated me and the campfire shared among friends and my troop was just what the doctor ordered. I can’t wait until wood smoke fills my nostrils and fumigate my clothes from the burdens of the outside world again, can you?

“It is an age of hurry and worry. Anything slower than steam is apt to “get left.” Fortunes are quickly made and freely spent. Nearly all busy, hard-worked Americans have an intuitive sense of the need that exists for at least one period of rest and relaxation during each year, and all—or nearly all—are willing to pay liberally, too liberally in fact, for anything that conduces to rest, recreation and sport. I am sorry to say that we mostly get swindled. As an average, the summer outer who goes to forest, lake or stream for health and sport, gets about ten cents’ worth for a dollar of outlay. A majority will admit—to themselves at least—that after a month’s vacation, they return to work with an inward consciousness of being somewhat disappointed—and beaten. We are free with our money when we have it. We are known throughout the civilized world for our lavishness in paying for our pleasures; but it humiliates us to know we have been beaten, and this is what the most of us know at the end of a summer vacation. To the man of millions it makes little difference. He is able to pay liberally for boats, buckboards and “body service,” if he chooses to spend a summer in the North Woods. He has no need to study the questions of lightness and economy in a forest and stream outing. Let his guides take care of him; and unto them and the landlords he will give freely of his substance.” -Nessmuk” (George Washington Sears) 1920

Nothing in Nessmuk’s Woodcraft and Camping is more relatable to me than this part of his opening passage. The time of relief and relaxation from the day to day is so prized that I intentionally try to look ahead, prepare, and plan out what I would like to do on my time off and I always have a running list of things I want to do in preparation for the excursions away from home. I think each of us should purposefully set aside time to get away from the hustle and bustle and use the smaller pockets of free time to prepare in anticipation for the longer excursions, life is too short. I prefer to use the winter months to prepare for my camping trips and living history events since I am not as active. I offer my following checklist for you to adapt and add to your own system to help your preparation and usefulness of available time. I hope you have fun with it!

1. start with the bigger stuff and see if they need repaired or replaced (upgraded): tents, pack, bedding such as sleeping bag or blanket
2. What projects did you want to achieve? put together a sewing kit, first aid kit, fire starting kit, make a packing box, camp furniture, organizational system
3. What expendables need replenished? flashlight batteries, first aid kit, sewing kit, fire kit, emergency rations, emergency gear like emergency blankets or contact information, water filtration, water purification tablets
4. What has been a staple of your gear that needs checked for service and reliability? compass magnetization, maps, knife, hatchet, saw
5. Update list of places you want to visit, hike, camp
6. Put together your own cookbook or try new recipes
7. Test out new equipment, even if it is in your back yard

“It is a good thing for any one to be entirely alone in the out -of-doors once in awhile , and take stock of philosophy and other character resources . In fact , the stock may be found so low it would be embarrassing to be otherwise than alone. And under any circumstances the experience is refreshing, to say the least. Whether or not one gathers new reserve of confidence and energy, as one is pretty apt to,  there is an  over powering feeling of getting well rinsed . 

Now I suspect you are thinking of the long “ lone ” trips Daniel Boone made, and wondering how he survived feeling entirely washed away! The best thing for you is to try it on yourself. I mean for you to  make a hike by your lonesome. The best thing for you is to try it on yourself . I mean for you to make a hike “ by your lonesome . And that immediately is a horse of another colour . Hadn’t thought of doing a thing like that , had you ? Don’t exactly like the idea , do you ? Afraid ? … No , you’re not afraid . But somehow you feel kind of queer , to think of spending a night out in the woods all alone. You’re so used to the exact opposite – living in a house, with other people around you all the time .” (Edward Cave 1920, 109)

Going into the outdoors by oneself and just absorbing the sounds and sights of nature is rejuvenating to me. I get cabin fever in the winter months and literally yearn to be outside experiencing camp life. The cold can be daunting but once prepared to experience it safely, I push that to the side and make room for the unique experiences that winter camping and hiking can make. First of all there are no bugs like mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and ticks to bother you. The energy of being frustrated with these pests can be put toward observing the animal life and signs they leave behind, you can look deeper into the forests than previously able during the warm months with greenery and thriving brush, and of course the unique muffled and almost silent sounds that tends to be all around you when you are exposed. You can breathe without heavy humidity and listen, just listen.

The clear thoughts come to me almost in a meditative way and I feel closer to my God. The outdoors is my cathedral with His creation and beauty all around me. His gifts and opportunities are abundantly visible for me to appreciate. When dusk sets in and the temperature drops aloneness can feel more present and I start feeling more vulnerable or even fleeting thoughts of danger, my human mortality is made obvious. That exposure can be uncomfortable and I have never been on an campout alone where that exposure was not felt, but take courage! It is at this time where we can be defined by our thoughts and actions.

Once we light our fire and feel it’s radiating warmth two of our fears begin to fade away, the feeling of being alone and the feeling of being exposed. The fire dances and keeps us company, gives us something to concentrate on and watch, and it provides the comfort of protection and warmth. There is satisfaction knowing that you used your available resources to build this “friend” and the relationship of the need to sustain it is much like the relationships in our life of the real world. It is a reminder that if we do not want to be alone then we must use our resources and feed our relationships to sustain them, if we don’t then the relationships will die. It is also a small accomplishment, YOU did this and accomplishments are like a drug, once you experience it you want more. What will be your next accomplishment? Making it through the night.

Now note, I did not say get a good night’s rest, no, that will most likely come tomorrow. You may be the type of camper to gather your night wood to help keep that feeling of safety alive and you warm, or maybe you are that type of camper to let it die out throughout the night and as it collapses and the light dims you are lulled into sleep into your warm bedding. Either way, the first night is the hardest to fall asleep. Breaking the routine of the daily grind is easy to do during the day but that adjustment for sleep the first night is a battle that must be won on it’s own terms. Tomorrow night will be better but tonight getting through it is just another accomplishment to break free. Once you break free you finally feel “rinsed”.

Do not drink anything 1-2 hours before going to bed and go to the bathroom before going to bed

Wear as close to skin (or as little as possible to be comfortable) as you can in the sleeping bag

Leave your sleeping bag rolled up or in it’s sack right until you go to bed. Before you crawl into your sleeping bag fluff it up and allow the insulation in the bag to expand. This allows the air to be trapped in the insulation and will keep you warm. Compressed insulation will not keep you warm.

Lay down a base material under your sleeping bag to help prevent conduction of your body heat to the ground. Use a browse bag with natural material, sleeping mat, rubber blanket, or winter rated sleeping pad/air mattress

Use a sleeping bag that is rated twenty degrees cooler than the expected lowest temperature of your trip

Wear fresh clean, dry under layer clothes and wool or warm socks to bed

Wear a sock hat/beenie/toboggan/night cap to bed

Boil water, put in a well sealed bottle, cover with a sock or shirt and place at your feet of the sleeping bag as a hot water bottle

If your sleeping bag is not performing up to your comfortable temperature then line the inside of your sleeping bag with a fleece or wool blanket

Sleep with the next day’s clothing inside your sleeping bag IF you have the room and can still move freely. The trapped air inside the sleeping bag is what will keep you warm, you want to compress the insulation as little as possible for it to work

Try not to breathe inside your sleeping bag, the condensation will lead to moisture being trapped in the bag and will make you cold

If you are sweating you will feel cold, adjust the opening of the bag as needed

“The north wood does not offer welcome or respond readily to the lover of conventional luxury and the smaller comforts of living. Luxury is there, surely, but it is the luxury that rewards effort, and privation, and toil. It is the comfort of food and warmth and dry clothes after a day of endurance–a day of wet, and dragging weariness and bitter chill. It is the bliss of reaching, after long, toilsome travel, a place where you can meet the trout–the splendid, full-grown wild trout, in his native home, knowing that you will not find a picnic party on every brook and a fisherman behind every tree. Finally, it is the preciousness of isolation, the remoteness from men who dig up and tear down and destroy, who set whistles to tooting and bells to jingling–who shriek themselves hoarse in the market place and make the world ugly and discordant, and life a short and fevered span in which the soul has a chance to become no more than a feeble and crumpled thing. And if that kind of a soul pleases you, don’t go to the woods. It will be only a place of mosquitoes, and general wetness, and discomfort. You won’t care for it. You will hate it. But if you are willing to get wet and stay wet–to get cold and stay cold–to be bruised , and scuffed, and bitten–to be hungry and thirsty and to have your muscles strained and sore from unusual taxation: if you will welcome all these things, not once, but many times for the sake of moments of pure triumph and that larger luxury which come with the comfort of the camp and the conquest of the wilderness, then go! The wilderness will welcome you, and teach you, and take you to its heart. And you will find your own soul there; the discovery will be worth while!” – The Tent Dwellers, A.B. Paine, 1908

Benefits of Camping, From “The Camper’s Handbook”, by Thomas Hiram Holding. Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent,1908 pg. 13

• It teaches him no small measure of self -reliance.

• It gives him a new incentive to independence.

• It opens to him the possibility of personal resource.

• It teaches him patience when circumstances are adverse.

• It opens to him a new pleasure.

• It gives him greater freedom.

• It affords rest of mind.

• It is recreative. Repeated in another form, it is recreating.

• It keeps old men young.

• It gives younger people experience that they would not have.

• It makes men more tolerant of the domestic life.

• It gives man the power to manage and develop his personal force to overcome obstacles.

• It teaches him patience and tolerance with other people.

• It takes him away from the toils of business.

• It opens to a man new society.

• It affords him an opportunity of cutting the society he does not want.

• It revives his taste and love of the country.

• It enables him to wear out old clothes, for none other are comfortable in camp, and none other become the camp.

• It enables a man to get away from his family; or his family to get away from him for a spell.

• It allows a man to introduce his family to a new, and rough, and innocent pleasure.

• It produces in him a new individualism – for the better.

• It has a tendency to the extension of his geographical knowledge.

• It gives him a pleasure that has no vitiating influence.

• It helps to harden his physical nature.

• It adds to his physical activity, and therefore tends to the lengthening of his life.

• It is an educational force, which would take a chapter to describe.