Memories are fascinating things. We humans tend to be better at holding on to positive memories while forgetting the negative ones. Take family vacations, for example. It is a safe bet you have some pretty fond memories of past experiences. That’s not to say that things never went wrong, but you remember the good times you had more than the bad.
Camping is somewhat unique in its ability to foster lifelong memories that seem so easy to share. In fact, one of the most time-honored camping traditions is sitting around the fire, spending the hours laughing, telling jokes, and fondly remembering life’s finest moments. The campfire brings back old memories and creates new ones simultaneously.
Memories of Setting Up
Air travelers often have memories of seeing majestic scenery from a bird’s eye view. Hotel travelers can sometimes remember what a particular room looked like. Campers have different kinds of memories altogether. If you have been at it for a while, you undoubtedly have memories of setting up camp.
Maybe you remember tent camping on one occasion when you arrived at your site after dark. It was a wilderness site, so you were left trying to set up the tent without being able to see five feet in front of you. Or perhaps you’re not a tent camper. You are an RV owner with vivid memories of installing skirting for the first time. The experience was enough to drive you to abandon your old skirting in favor of AirSkirts. It’s all good.
Memories of a Favorite Meal
Campers tend to have those favorite meals they prepare whenever they go out. Initially, the meals were chosen because they are easy and convenient. But over time, they became staples. Now you associate favorite memories with those meals.
Campfire stew is a big one for some families. Hot dogs and hamburgers are another. And when it comes to snacks, don’t forget the s’mores and popcorn. The campfire would not be what it is without those two delectable treats and the memories they create.
Do you remember that time your brother left a s’more in the fire so long that it burned through the aluminum foil and charred the graham crackers? Or how about that time you laughed so hard you ended up with popcorn up your nose?
Memories Inspired by Nature
Enjoying nature is an important part of camping. Moreover, it is the stuff of lifelong memories. Maybe you remember the first time you saw the Grand Canyon or Old Faithful. Perhaps you have memories of driving through the Appalachian Mountains or pulling over to the side of the road to enjoy California’s giant redwoods.
Camping exposes you to nature like no other form of travel. That’s not to say that getting on a plane or boat is a bad thing. It’s not. But when you camp, you’re out there where nature actually lives. What you experience in nature is often inspiring enough to create lifelong memories.
Memories of Things Gone Wrong
Camping even inspires memories of things that went wrong but still ended up being positive. Perhaps you remember that first flat tire with your fifth wheel. It was a disaster at the time. But looking back on it now, the whole episode is actually kind of funny. You were so green back then. If you only knew then what you know now.
Lifelong memories make camping a special experience. If you are not into camping, that’s fine. But if you’ve never tried it, why not give it a go? You just might find it to be the best family experience you’ve ever had.
