Camping – the recreational and sporting activity

Camping is an adventurous activity normally enjoyed as a getaway from civilization. Camps are set by campers at a site which is predominantly a natural area like a forest, beach shore, hill, desert and likewise. Camping involves a plethora of activities that are both recreational and sporting. People who enjoy nature and like staying with just a few basic amenities away from urbanization opt for camping as an outdoor recreational activity.

Camping involves staying in tents, old structures like a cave or a dilapidated fort or even in an open space or field. Mountain trekking, hill climbing, snorkelling, swimming, boat riding, cycling expedition, camp fires, cook-your-own-meal are a part of camping activities. Campsites are set based on the activity preferred. Ruggedness of the camper decides the amenities in a camp. Some people prefer staying without any comfort while some like to have all comfort and treat camps as recreational outings on wheeled houses.

People who look for rugged experiences choose tents or no shelter at all for camping and use natural sources to fulfil their basic need. They prefer living nomadically with no supply of electricity or water. Such campers are passionate about arranging for their provisions from the wild or resources available near the campsite and set campfires for their cooking and lighting purposes.

While camping, campers must remember to travel light so that they can walk long distances with their belongings. A backpack should consist minimal personal essentials like clothes, medicine and safety equipments. Camps set in tents are generally equipped with a shelter like a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, stove, tree cutter, ropes, a box with kitchen items and a medical kit. The camping equipments may vary depending on the camping site and the degree of luxury required.
In the process of globalization, camping is slowly becoming a team building activity for improving inter-personal relationship. Camping, in many countries is chosen as summer activity for children and youth in order to teach them self-reliance, survival skills and team work.