Looking for a good time with family and friends? A time that has the potential of being wonderful, and refreshing? If you thought “yes,” then I would like to say that one of the ways to enjoy each other’s company is to go camping together.

This past weekend my wife and I went camping with our granddaughter Mikaela. We had promised her that we would take her camping once, maybe twice this summer just after school got out. We got to a point where we were running out of summer weekends. OH NO!

School had just started for Mikaela. To boot, the Massachusetts State Camp Grounds, run by Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), close after Labor Day. Time was of the essence if I was going to follow through with my promise, and stay an honest man.

I’m sure some of you can appreciate how a child can become whiny and bent out of shape when you don’t follow through with something that you’ve said. To keep her in a sanguine state of mind, we followed through on the promise. Am I glad we did!

The benefits of camping:

1. Get away from the usual everyday fare –

As the sun rises in East and sets in the West, and the darkness of night follows after the light of day, the routines of life are wonderful and needed. However, there are times when it can be liberating to break from the mold, do something different and recharge in the process!

2. Clear your mind –

With the routine of life comes the thoughts that tend to accompany us all throughout our days. By coming in to a different outdoor environment, it opens our minds to a whole other set of stimuli that is vibrant, interesting and new! Forcing us to think thoughts that are different and invigorating, than the normal fare.

3. Get away from the T.V., computers, and electronics –

My granddaughter and I tend to spend too much time in front of our screens of choice. She with her T.V., and me with my computer screen. This past weekend, it was refreshing not to see her in front of hers, and for me not to be in front of mine!

4. Get back to nature –

Being outside in the fresh air, seeing the bright sunshine, and the effervescent shades of green is quite therapeutic when you’re in it for prolonged periods of time. I enjoy being outdoors.

5. Socialize and speak more to one another –

My daughters came and visited over the weekend. They were excited to be in the campground, visiting and chatting with one another. Sharing stories with one another in a loving way is wholesome and fun. Because of no electronics per se, there is more connection on a more intimate level.

6. Get more exercise –

I found myself taking a couple of bike rides around the park, and found myself enjoying the scenery immensely. My granddaughter also tootled along her bike more than she had ever done. It was good to see her outside, wind blowing in the hair, and her cheeks flush with color!

7. Sleep well –

I found myself sleeping like a baby. My wife and granddaughter also slept well. We went to bed fairly early. The fresh air and exercise was just what the doctor ordered for a restful night’s sleep.

8. Eat well –

Connecting with the girls with wonderfully cooked meals over the camp fire is something that is special. My wife is a wonderful cook. Cooking over the camp fire, brings my wife to ecstasies as she remembers the times in her youth when her mother cooked over open fires. Her bubbly nature as she reminisces adds warm colorful feelings to our delicious meals.

9. Meet friendly people –

My wife tends to be a social butterfly. She gets into conversations easily without reservation. We met wonderful campers on either side of our campsite. We shared food, and had witnessed random acts of kindness, which restored my faith in mankind.

10. The scriptures speak of a time of refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord!

It was refreshing to be in the campground with the presence of the Lord in the midst. Thinking of His handiwork can be awe inspiring when you think on it. I find myself wanting to say on occasion “what is man that you are mindful of him?”

Now I know camping is not everyone’s cup of tea. But, for those who enjoy being outdoors, it is therapeutic. It can be just what the doctor ordered. If you’re not sure, give it a shot. Start off small, take baby steps, and soon you might find yourself agreeing with me.