C2C #0: Why Now Is The Best Time To Learn To Camp
It’s the beginning of June, 2020 as I write this, and Pennsylvania is just beginning to emerge from some of the more significant social restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. While it’s driven all of us to stay inside more often, the pandemic has also had the paradoxical effect of leading a lot of people to discover the pleasure of being outdoors. Running, walking, and hiking have remained viable recreation options for people, even at the height of the curve, and it appears that we can continue to backpack, kayak and camp with very little risk to ourselves or to others. I’ve seen more people in the local parks than ever before, and even the most city-loving friends of mine have finally admitted that yes, it turns out they actually like hiking.
If you’ve also recently discovered how much fun it can be to get outside, but you’re not sure where to go next, this series is for you. There’s a TON of information on the internet about how to camp, and wading through it can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this Couch-to-Campsite series - to slim down that knowledge, give you a pathway to get into the wilderness, and help you become ready for adventure.
Because here’s the truth - camping is easy. It’s easy even though ads and news stories make it seem hard. Camping is not an extreme sport. I grew up in National Parks across the US and I’ve been camping for 30 years, and believe me, you can camp too. This series will cover the truly essential skills you need to go from never camping before to being calm and confident in the woods, at least for a weekend. We won’t cover everything, and that’s the point. But by the end of it, you’ll know everything you need to go spend a night in the woods, with friends or alone.
Let’s get to it!