The Editor's Campstove

by Jim Alseth

What makes camping so attractive? What makes it one of the most popular and fastest growing recreational activities around the world? Why do seemingly sane people endure a half-day of pure sweat getting all that stuff packed into the van just to drive a couple of hours and unpack it all again?

My wife and I have been camping since we were 19-year-old sweethearts (we recently celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary in September), and we think some of the reasons are obvious, just as you do. Simply being out in God’s country, in the wide-open spaces or in that little mountain refuge, is incredibly healing. Soaking in all that beauty just does something for you, all by itself.

It also gives uninterrupted opportunity to build relationships, free from the incessant noise and distraction of our torrid 21st century lifestyle. No doubt organizations like Focus on the Family rate camping the number one recreational family activity for this very reason. We can leave business and the yard-work at home and give undivided attention to our loved ones (not to mention catching up on our sleep). Ahhhh…

But we moderns find camping appealing for another reason, I think, though very much related to the above. It gives us a chance to BE instead of always having to DO. You can (dread the thought) actually relax, reflect, reflect some more, wear the same clothes for three days, even get a little teary (or lose it totally if you want), and who cares? It’s not going to be mentioned in the weekly progress report, and the neighbor in the next campsite will think it’s just campfire smoke in your eyes. Perfect.

Of course this is in addition to all that other good stuff which seems to fit the DO category but sure feeds the BE part of me. You know, things like biking, hiking, fishing, burnt marshmallows, songs around the fire, lying on your back on a sunny day with a blade of grass in your teeth and the kids gleefully jumping on your stomach... (I guess 6-pack abs could have some practical value, if only I had them.) Anyway, I think you get the picture.

These are just a few of the reasons we love camping. And these are the reasons why we’ll continue to do (in ever-increasing numbers) the nutty things we do to make it to that favorite camping spot…