It is hard to focus on every aspect of camping since everyone (campers, non-campers) has his own definition on camping. What is the first image that pops up in your mind when it comes to camping? Are those stereotypes true?
Perhaps, instead of trying to find the ultimate future trends and solutions to current problems, one should dig back into the core questions -- What is camping? Why do people camp?
Despite the fact that cultural difference does play an important role in the activity, the psychology behind the activity also caught my attention. It is not hard to understand one's desire for a uncivilized living style after living in the a civilized society for a while. No more organized post boxes, parking spaces, and streets signs. However, the images of camping sites confuse me:
I would argue that in this particular type of camping, the intention has nothing to do with uncivilized nature or being away from the organized society. This says "I moved my apartment up in the mountain." The cottages and tents are perfectly in lined, and the camping sites are extremely organized.
This type of camping is called social camping. Everyone walks out of their tents and socializes with others living next door. People seem to be more comfortable to social while in the nature as to in an urban setting. People tend to care more about personal space and privacy in an apartment. Everyone is more relaxed and off-guarded (why do we all seem on-guard in the city?) at a camping site.
This picture is more like what jumps into my mind when I hear camping....
After all, what does one want to get out of the experience? what is it that we can't get from our own house that only the nature can satisfy? Perhaps for the social campers, the smell of grass is all they need, and a couple of new friends are bonus. Whereas for the wilderness campers, the complete privacy is what they seek for. It's just like any other behaviors, the desire (the need) defines the act.
As we've talked about, I think people camp to get away from the everyday life. To feel free and get a break from all the rutines.. I also get confused by the strict grid-systems that exist on all campingsites. It seems like it contradict the core of camping. Is this just a result of campingsite managers with no fantasy at all or is it just the most logical, functional way of doing it?
ReplyDeleteI also think that it's really interesting with people choosing to camp permanently. I understand people who think's that you ruin the whole concept of camping if you do it all the time...but if camping equals being free, what's wrong with being free all the time?
It's not like we're gonna forget how it was to be strangled by rutines anyway; we don't stay in prison half the year just so we can really enjoy the life on the outside.
-SR
I'm thinking, is permanent camping really free? the free thing about camping for me is the possibility to just take your stuff and leave anytime you want. but maybe their freedom is the fact that they don't really have to care about their home, the way you have to when you live in a house that needs a lot of work...
ReplyDeleteOne thought that i have is why do we want people to camp? Why promote it?
/sandra
I think it depends on what position you are in.
ReplyDeleteIn a business standpoint, we promote camping in order to get the profit.
As an ordinary person (your aunt Annie...), one might tell you that camping is great because it benefits both your mental and physical health.
Another argument that camping is beneficial>>>please refer to a short post about "camping and child education".
-kris
Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. outdoor beach tent
ReplyDelete