For all the obvious reasons and the fresh air fun, duhh. But maybe it ain’t so obvious when you think of all the work involved, I certainly am no stranger to that all too familiar heavy hurdle. And sure, you can get a good dose of the outdoors by simply going for a walk, hike, picnic, beach day etc., but to really feel the benefits of nature, to feel the weight lift, our family likes to spend some solid time without a solid roof over our heads.
A couple weeks ago, while I was speedily walk-running to keep up with my daughter, biking around in circles around Porteau Cove Campground, she declared how much she loves camping. She then asked me ‘Mama, can we live here at Porteau Cove?’ I wish I could’ve said yes. Instead, I asked her what makes her love it so much, to which she didn’t quite have the words. She responded simply saying, ‘because it’s so beautiful’.
I am no doctor or child’s psychologist, but I am a mother and once a nature thriving child myself. The benefits to which I believe Daisy felt, are as simple and as complex as her answer.
Howe Sound aka Átl’ḵa7tsem (in Squamish) is undeniably beautiful. The steep mountain lined fjord with it’s glacial fed emerald green waters, jagged deep green silhouetted islands, wise old douglas firs and red cedars lining the rocky shoreline. The salty mid-day winds and late summer golden sunsets make way for the star of the show – the night’s sky reflecting off the calm midnight waters. The wind in the trees, the squawk of the nesting bald eagles and barks of boisterous sea lions drown out the noises of the everyday world. Even the hungry creatures, the cute lil’ chipmunks and equally cute (but not cuddly) racoons and camp robbing Stellar Jays bring on the beauty.
This immersion is also undeniably beautiful for our psyches. Our nervous system can relax, we feel more in synch with ourselves and each other, feeding off one anothers ease. The deep sigh evokes, breathing in the fresh air and letting go, regulating on mother nature’s clock.
Their giggles as they bounce around their play tent. Their creativity as they make art from pinecones and rocks. The way the light reflects and twinkles off their soft skin as we play in tide-pools. Their pride after they squat for another ‘wild wee’. It’s all too gorgeous to capture by word. It’s a lived experience that penetrates our beings, along with their growing minds.
Our time together is beautiful. The time to disconnect, to truly connect. The presence that we experience together while camping is unlike anything we can get at home.
Once setup is complete, we are there with the kids. Fully present without the nagging thoughts that accompany us at home. And sure, we still have to make meals and do the dishes, but the kids join us in this process; there are no walls dividing where they’re playing and where we’re ‘working’. The weight is fully released, and the kids feel it. Immediately.
But don’t get me wrong, packing and unpacking from camping can take time and work, a full day on either end, easily, depending on how long the adventure. Sometimes I drag my heels and think the work isn’t worth it, but once we go, there are never any regrets, even if it’s pouring rain – we’re outside.
I have a motto that came to me many years back when I was hesitating on whether or not to go for a hike through the woods. I had a laundry list of things nagging at me, so close to skipping the walk and staying indoors. But as I started out through the trails, my head unloaded, and it became so clear:
‘When in doubt, get out.’
I live by it. If I’m on the fence now, I just go. The puzzle pieces of life magically find their place, once you let go, and let nature be your guide.
And my goodness, it is beautiful. In all the ways. Every single time.
And that’s why we camp.
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