Camping

Being outdoors and camping are things I have really enjoyed from a very young age. Although I don’t get to go camping as much as I like anymore, it is still something I enjoy doing and planning for, and sometimes thinking about and planning for something is almost as fun as the actual

doing of the thing.

I learned early in the Cub Scouts then later in the Boy Scouts the proper etiquette involved in camping and enjoying the outdoors.

With my manners, being kind and using proper etiquette are always important because it just makes everyone around you have such a better day and I hope to have those things reciprocated. It’s the same idea with camping.

One of the core principles of camping etiquette is the “Leave No Trace” philosophy. Always pack out what you bring in, including trash and food waste. Avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife, as this can harm local ecosystems.

When setting up camp, use designated campsites rather than creating new ones, which can lead to unnecessary environmental damage – for me it just spoils the beauty of the camping area for everyone.

Campfires should be handled with great care. Before starting a fire, check with local fire departments for burn bans. Only use established fire pits and keep fires small. Always fully extinguish your fire before leaving the site or going to sleep. Cutting down trees or breaking branches for firewood is generally discouraged, a smart choice is to buy firewood bundles ahead of time and scout the camp areas before dark for dead tree limbs - dead limbs are easier to start a fire with as well.

Leave the camp site and area the way you find it or in better shape, which means packing all the trash up and taking it with you, for me I sometimes will also gather some extra wood for the next camper, as a courtesy and act of kindness.

When washing dishes, try to use eco-friendly soap or, a better idea when possible, is to use sand by the river or lake. It makes for easy cleaning of pots, pans and dishes.

A big rule that many seem to ignore is not respecting wildlife. Most hunters already practice proper etiquette like not killing anything you do not intend to eat, for example. When fishing, practice releasing extra fish you know you won’t be able to eat that day. Don’t approach or feed wildlife; it can be very dangerous and could train animals that they can safely approach people and camping sites.

That is dangerous for predators like bears and a nuisance for animals like racoons and other small creatures.

This is Will B quoting a famous owl: “Hoothoot, don’t pollute,” and let’s leave those campsites in better shape then we find them.