As has been so often repeated, our society these days is caught up with TV, computers, cell phones, and constant electronic input. People find themselves absorbed with work, their day to day lives, and the onslaught of modern media. They burn themselves out and don’t spend as much quality time with their family and old friends as they would like or feel they need.

Sometimes there is just a need to get away, to add a little diversity to our lives in a different environment, and in a more peaceful setting. Spending time outdoors is the perfect way to do this, especially if it’s with Friends and Family. Camping brings people closer together, and helps renew our energy and old bonds.

Camping and participating in outdoor activities with those we care about blows away any corporate team building you may participate in. Plus it’s a great way to stay healthy. Hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and bike riding are all activities you can participate in together as part of almost any camping weekend or vacation. And who wouldn’t admit that these things are better for us than sitting home on the weekend watching TV.

When it comes to kids, you can use the camping experience to teach them about the outdoors, about cooking, how to set up a tent, how to start a fire, and of course how to put the fire out safely. You can use the opportunity to teach them to swim, boat, canoe, fish and how to care for the environment. It is a learning experience for kids and adults. A way to bring families together. A way to create lifelong memories.

And since we mentioned cooking; preparing and sharing meals in the outdoors is best when you come prepared and have planned your meals. A good propane stove or grill helps too. A communal meal with everyone sharing stories of the day, while they eat, and around a blazing campfire afterward, is often the true highlight of the day.

There is definitely a feeling of freedom we get when we leave the world behind, and are focused on making a life in the outdoors, even if it’s only for a couple of days. It’s revelry with loved ones, and being out under the stars, with a campfire burning, after an active day and a good meal, that gives us a feeling of satisfaction close to spirituality. It transcends our daily lives during time we’re out there.

So back to original question. What is the reason we camp. Is it a love of the outdoors? A social opportunity? The fact that it’s a healthy alternative? Some people say it is to test themselves and to prove they can survive. Some say it is communing with nature they enjoy. It may be that you like the camaraderie of being with friends and family or the feeling of accomplishment of having hiked and conquered a mountain. Maybe it’s because it is an economical way to vacation, or even an educational opportunity for your kids. It could be all of the above.

Whatever your reason for camping, what it really comes down to is, that if you like to camp, it’s because you enjoy it and it makes you happy. According to Wikipedia, happiness a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy”. So if you are one of those people who find contentment, satisfaction, pleasure and joy in camping, and it makes you happy…pack your tents and stoves and keep on camping.