Have you ever been camping?
I’ve been camping, and let me be real – it’s not exactly my idea of a relaxing vacation. There have been some amazing moments, but honestly, unless it’s a glamping situation, I could probably live without roughing it in the woods ever again.
My Formative Camping Adventures
My most memorable camping trips were in Kenya as part of an Outward Bound experience. Twice, in fact – once when I was 15 and again after finishing high school exams. I’ll admit, both were amazing learning experiences. Climbing Mt. Kenya after a grueling multi-day hike is a pretty epic way to celebrate finishing school!
That second trip was the wildest. Picture this: a bus ride from Nairobi, 7 hours of driving, then being dropped in the middle of absolutely nowhere armed with only a few changes of clothes, camping supplies, a map, and a compass. Our task? Find our way to a specific point over the next 4 days. No trails, no buildings, just us and the wilderness. I would never want to repeat it, but damn, do I have some stories!
Family Camping Trips…
I’ve also been camping with family, and that had its own unique struggles (and joys!). Trying to master cooking over a fire, figuring out how on earth to properly clean raw food outdoors… oh dear, the memories.
Why I Might Be a One-and-Done Camper
Don’t get me wrong, there’s something exhilarating about being in nature, the camaraderie around a campfire, all that good stuff. But I’ll be honest – I love a comfy bed, a hot shower, and food that doesn’t taste like campfire smoke. Camping just isn’t my idea of relaxation.
Hey, Maybe Glamping Though…
Now, glamping? That’s got potential. A luxurious tent, a real mattress, someone else making gourmet campfire food… I could get on board with that kind of “camping.” If anything deserves a second chance, maybe it’s that.
So, have you been camping? What were your experiences like? Let me know in the comments!
2 responses to “Camping: My Love-Hate Relationship”
As aa scout, camping to us wasn’t for fun. It was competition, it meant being prepared and giving it your best. From the tent, campsite, structures, to everything.
It was bitter sweet 😂there was a time our tent was swept away by heavy rains We cried the whole night as we were just form ones. A few years later, more experienced, we escaped the campsite and went on our own hiking trail. It was mad fun! Well except the tiredness and a very bad cold afterwards.
Would I want that again? Aaaaah did I mention the bonfires? Definitely!!!!!! When are we going camping again? 😁
I was a brownie and a girl guide in primary school but I don’t remember going camping. I remember learning about knots and marching.
Going camping now? Eh, not unless someone else is pitching the tents, carrying our gear and supplies, cooking, cleaning up, etc. 😅