June is National Camping Month.
After this soggy winter and spring, it would be great to get outdoors, soak up some Vitamin D (wear sunscreen...see article below, "Worst Habits for your Skin"), and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
National Camping Month in June is an excellent time to pack up your gear and experience nature.
Whether you like roughing it or prefer to have a few modern conveniences when heading out to the trail, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
1. Make sure you have plenty of freshwater or a freshwater source.
2. Take a first aid kit that is stocked.
3. Pack waterproof matches.
4. Take non-perishable food such as granola bars, jerky, peanut butter, chocolate bars, and dried fruits, especially if you are not taking a cooler.
5. Pack fruits, vegetables, and meats separately and keep chilled in a cooler.
6. Include sunblock, even for cloudy days.
7. Rain gear, jackets, and blankets are necessary for cooler weather.
Around the country, there are a variety of campsites available. The more modern campsite includes showers and recreational facilities. These often include water hookups and parking pads for RVs and campers and cabins to rent as well as more primitive sites with no electrical hookups designed for tent usage. Other parks only allow primitive camping and require everything you pack into the park to be packed out. So, seriously consider your needs if you are hiking into the park for your stay. These are not for the glampers.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCampingMonth
Gather family and friends, don’t forget the s’mores supply and go camping! Nature is calling and there are so many ways to enjoy a weekend or even more camping.
Use #NationalCampingMonth to show us how you camp.
Educators and families, check out National Day Calendar’s Classroom for lots of fun ideas and projects to help you #CelebrateEveryDay!
National Camping Month has been observed since the 1970s.
10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAMPING:
Spending time outdoors isn’t just a good way to have fun this summer-it’s good for you. Studies show there are real health benefits to heading outdoors for an adventure. We compiled 10 ways you can experience the healing power of nature while camping.
Reduced Stress. Reduced Anxiety. After just 20 minutes connected to nature, people can experience a drop in stress hormones.
Better Sleep. Scientists have found that when you wake up with the sun rising and go to bed when the sun goes down, your body can reset to your natural sleep cycle- providing you with your exact sleep needs.
Improved Mental Health. Reduced Depression. Time in nature can increase vitality, boost your mood and increase your overall well-being.
Greater Happiness & Improved Mood. Spending time with friends and family without the daily distractions can lead to a renewed closeness and appreciation for your loved ones.
Increased Physical Activity. Along with setting up your campsite, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and more are so much fun you won’t even realize you are exercising.
Time to Focus. Too much habitual digital device time affects our ability to concentrate, remember and regulate emotion. Commit to the experience and step away from screens and reconnect without digital distractions.
Healing After Illness. Nature-based experiences support pain management, immune function and healing after surgery including in adults and children with cancer.
Sunshine & Fresh Air. Fresh air helps to cleanse your lungs, allowing you to take deeper breaths. Natural sunlight can produce the daily amount of Vitamin D needed for optimal health.
Thrill of a Challenge. New experiences that stimulate you mentally and physically help keep the brain healthy not to mention the positive feelings of accomplishment and pride when you challenge yourself and use creativity.
Eating Healthier. Camping eliminates the fast-food option and encourages us to eat whole foods.
Also, for those of you RV'ers, you can be a camp host and stay at a campground at a low cost or no cost. Go to this link and see the long list of opportunities in Washington State alone. You can look these up by state.