I tell them camping takes practice.

[CajunCamper]

Over the years the topic of camping has come up in many of my conversations with people and sometimes you find someone that shares the same passion for camping that you do. Some folks have never tried it and don't want anything to do with it and some are interrested in the idea of camping.

And then there are some folks you talk to that say, "I went camping once and I hated it, I'll never go again." These are the folks I feel for the most because they obviously had an interest in camping at one point and must have thought they might enjoy it, or why else would they have gone camping to begin with. At that point I just have to find out what went wrong. I find that weather is usually the biggest factor, either it rained the whole time, or it was too hot or too cold. Secondly I find that equipment or the lack of understanding how to properly use their camping equipment is also a major problem for them.

This is when I tell them that camping takes practice and the more they go camping, the more practice they will get, which will make them better campers on each trip, thus resulting in more enjoyable camping trips. If it feels right, I then extend an invitation for them to join us as well as a few other families for a group camping trip near home, so we can help get them off to a better start on another camping trip. Everyone that has taken us up on the invitation had a wonderful time camping with our group and learned the basics necessary to have an enjoyable camping trip. Almost all of them continue to go camping still to this day.

But think about it, it's usually always a weather or equipment issue that spoils it for people. I've never heard anyone say, "I hate camping because I didn't like the coziness and conversation around the campfire" or "I didn't like the smell of coffee and bacon cooking in the air" or "The moon and stars were too bright and what was that milky haze in the sky, we didn't like that."

You get the picture. I love taking first timers camping and I love taking people willing to give camping a second shot at after they've declared that they had a miserable experience with camping, because I know what camping has meant to me and my family over the years and I just want others to discover how much joy ,peace and togetherness camping can bring to their family.

CajunCamper

[Camp&Fish]

I completely understand what you're saying.  It has taken me years to convince my brother that camping is fun.  His idea of camping came from the few times he went with his stupid friends in high school, which usually involved a tent that may or may not have had everything necessary to set it up, and a cooler.  Most people just slept where they could find a place, often in a vehicle.

This past November, I got him to finally to agree to go with me to the Texas Renaissance Festival, which involved camping on the grounds.  After he saw what real camping was, he's excited about going as often as I am, which is at least five times a year, and more if I have my way.  And this happened before I got my PUP.  He should really enjoy after this weekend, when we get to test out the next step in the evolution of our camping experience.  I can't wait.

[austinado16]

I agree....camping does take practice, and even a type of skill.  I mean there's all sorts of things that you can get good at, and that's part of the fun.  I'm guessing that folks who don't enjoy camping are the same folks who spend an inordinate amount of time stagnating in their climate-controled-push-a-button-get-it-now world.  To them, camping is just a nightmare and they can't comprehend why anyone would want to put themselves through it.  To that I say, "Fantastic.  One less family taking up space in the campground."

[PattieAM]

I too agree - it takes practice.  As a kid I camped (tree fort, pup tent, and just out in the yard), but it was a bit much after my first daughter was born and I didn't have much money or equipment.  So, we cabin camped - just me her and a friend of hers - had a blast.  After second daughter was born we continued to cabin camp a few nights each year.  Once the kids were old enough to be some help - then we invested in tents, stoves, misc. camping equipment and took part in the family reunion camping trip (2 weeks on Kerr Lake, NC).  Great memories for both kids.  Got the PUP and I solo most times - if it can be arranged, the youngest will join me, but, the oldest with little ones has only stopped by one time - but did send her step son for a few nights with me.

What with financial issues, I do kinda expect my eldest to bring her kids to me this summer....time will tell.