Generation

Here’s why you should add camping to your next weekend plans

by Joanna Deala

PUBLISHED ON September 10, 2023

CAMPING is not a new outdoor recreation and has actually existed for decades, but people have only been hearing about it in recent days, especially from young individuals.

This is because many members of today’s generation have made this recreational activity a way for them to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Two of them are junior high school teacher Djanico Salvania and small business owner Carmelo Veloso, who both view camping not only as a fun and exciting hobby but also as therapeutic.

Salvania told republicasia that he first got interested in camping in 2017, when he joined a group of people who shared the same interest in camping called the Yagyag Quezon Discovery Team. Veloso, meanwhile, started doing the activity in 2016 when his best friend invited him to join a camp.

Since the day they were first exposed to camping, both Salvania and Veloso have continued to participate in outdoor recreation.

“Nagustuhan ko ang vibes, kaya naging hilig ko na rin ang mag camp,” Veloso said.

There have been a lot of misconceptions about camping. Some people say that camping could be expensive, while others say that it is uncomfortable. There are also individuals who think that it is not feasible to camp alone.

If these things hold you back from spending more time with nature, then here are some reasons why you should not put off your camping plan.

Camping with or without company is fun

Camping is also considered an excellent way to bond with your friends and family.

This is what Salvania enjoyed during his latest camping trip with his friends in June.

The camper recalled setting up camp with his group on a farm in Lucban as a celebration for their annual benefit event called Tamuka 2023.

“We had bands serenading us throughout the night. It was a fun and memorable experience,” he said.

While it is exciting to spend quality time with other people, it doesn’t mean that solo camping is impossible.

Veloso shared with republicasia how he enjoyed his solo camping trip on a mountain in Laguna, where he was welcomed with spectacular views of city lights at night and mountains during the day.

The camper said he only looked for a good spot where he could set up a tarp, a table chair, and cooking tools.

“Habang nagtatakipsilim, nagluto na ako ng meryenda kong pansit habang pinagmamasdan ko ang paglubog ng araw,” he said.

“Pagsapit ng gabi, nag-setup na ako ng portable grill ko para makapag-ihaw na ako ng ulam kong barbeque and longganisa,” he added.

As the night deepened, a fog began to fill the area and embrace him, he recalled.

“Unti-unti na kong nababalot ng fog kaya naisip kong magtimpla ng kape,” Veloso said.

Camping can give you peace of mind

Camping has become one of the most popular outdoor activities that young individuals do to take a break from their everyday lives and worries.

For Veloso, it was through camping that he found peace of mind.

“Sa panahon ngayon, ang dami ng stress sa mundo, sa buhay. Para sa’kin ang laking tulong ng camping sa bawat isa lalo na kung may pinagdadaanan [sila],” he said.

He added, “Parang nagiging therapy na rin kasi ito para sa’kin and maaaring para na rin sa ibang tao.”

Aside from being his breather, camping also taught him to be strong and resourceful since he was away from the comfort of his house, Veloso said.

It was also through camping that he gained a lot of friends, he added.

“Sa bawat camp ko may mga nakikilala akong iba’t-ibang tao, nadadagdagan ang mga kaibigan ko,” the camper shared.

Salvania echoed the same sentiment, saying that he found camping relaxing.

“Whenever I go to a place where there is no noise from the streets and all I hear is nature, it feels like heaven,” Salvania said.

He continued, “It benefits me, especially when I feel stressed.”

Tips for first-time campers

The two experienced campers also shared some pieces of advice for beginners who may be confused about where to start their camping plans.

Before a person goes camping, Veloso advises that they learn some basic camping skills, such as knot tying and setting up camping tarps and hammocks.

Learning some camp strategies can also be a huge help to campers, especially if they lack camping equipment.

“Dapat maging madiskarte rin lalo na kung hindi pa kumpleto ang gamit. [Dapat alam niyo] kung paano kayo makakapag-DIY ng gamit,” he emphasized.

While campers enjoy the outdoor activity, Veloso reminded them that camping also comes with environmental responsibilities that they must practice at all times.

“Kailangan mo rin maging mapagmahal sa kalikasan at huwag hayaang dumihan o sirain ito,” he said.

Salvania, meanwhile, has a short and simple piece of advice for campers: “Just go and have some fun.”

He also reminded first-time campers to pack only their essential camping gear.