Do All Campfire Memories Go Up In Smoke?

When was the first time you went camping?

For me, it was as a girl scout. I thought it was exciting to try something different and be outside at night. We did all the traditional things- smores, camp fire songs & stories- including ghost stories!

June is National Camping Month. While I recall getting so excited about the opportunity to sleep outside in my sleeping bag or on the bunk beds in camp cabins. I also recall bugs, heat, musty & mildew smells and "out house" like bathrooms. Sure, I enjoyed parts of the experience but when I tried camping as an adult in my 20's- I knew for me; hotels were my future. I don't like sleeping on the ground, unsure what is lurking the dark, sweating and wondering if I will die on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Maybe partly because of those ghost stories and also because I did know what could be lurking in the woods with more legs than 2! Even no legs- like snakes!

Am I judging your love of camping? Nope- if you love camping go for it.

The close proximity to nature is still compelling and if I had a air stream version of camping- sure, I might go! You drive! Did you know camping has seen an increase over the past 7 years? The desire to camp surged during the pandemic, apparently 11 million more campers in 2024 over 2019; perhaps initially as a way to control your variables and perhaps lasting as a time to bond as family.

Camping IS a way to connect with others, beyond the actual camp fire. For business, camp products could become part of a one of these programs:

• As part of loyalty & rewards program

• Employee & incentives program

• Retreats & Team building for an HR or training program- removing us from the distractions of our regular routine.

• Camping is one of our quirky enough to work ways to grow your brand engagement & identity- be yourself.

July is National Parks Month and there are plenty of parks in the USA I'd still like to explore- yep, I will want to stay in a local with it's own indoor plumbing and a few more amenities but during the day- I am willing to be more adventurous with my time. Nature does reset my mind and remind me that nature is a larger force. The uncontrollable elements & our response teaches us a lot about ourselves. Camp fires are extinguished as we leave the camp site, but the memories last well beyond the smoke that disappears.

When you are ready to start exploring your options, sure, you can go to our website and type in brand names, key words and of course the word camping. However our team brings both experience and different knowledge to projects. For example, we have an avid camper enthusiast on our team and we stock samples of projects that would be perfect for your travels on foot or in an air stream.

Do you have a favorite park or camp ground?