Try Camping

Camping is not one of those things most city people do. They are not used to the "Great Outdoors", and maybe don't consider it that great. Roughing it is not in their vocabulary. Most country people camp all the times.  Is it because we're slow and backwards like city people think we are?  Or is it because we don't like loud noise, crappy neighbors, pollution,  traffic, and huge stress? Or is it simply because we were blessed by being born in the country, knowing about nature, able to survive on our own, and laid back and relaxed. I think it's a bit of all of the above. Do we talk slow because we're stupid, or because we're uneducated? Or is it because we're just easy going and not uptight? Do we have to hurry when we talk to each other? I would rather sit down, enjoy some iced tea or coffee (I don't drink coffee), and take my time. The city is a rat race. Everybody knows that. Some city people who take the chance to come out to the country almost always come back again. It's a totally different world. Some have the best of both worlds, having been born in the country, then moved to the city, or vice versa.
Camping is a way of relaxing with nature. It may be a fishing/camping trip, or just plain camping. Country people aways take their children camping with them. It teaches them alot. How to get along with nature. How to fend for yourself. How to work without complaining. And mostly, how to spend quality time with their family. Fathers teach their sons how to fish or hunt. Personally! One-on-one! Mother spend time with their daughters learning crafts, fashion, having girl talk.
There are rules to camping that should be followed.  Most all country people know them by heart, but I must admit that they all do not follow them. If you are a city person, and want to try a little bonding time with your son or daughter, or just want get away from your normal stressful life, there is a small list you should always follow;
1) Keep your car or truck on the road or designated area if possible. This rule is usually followed when you camp in a state park or official camping area. They don't need you driving your truck all over the place, tearing up the scenery, and messing up trails used by the animals. This rule does not usually apply to camping in the wild, where a good SUV or four-wheeler is perfect.
2) If you take dogs to a public camping area, keep them leashed or nearby.  No one needs dogs running loose all over the place, dumping trash cans or chasing children. And, if there is a posted notice, pick up your dog poop.  Again, this doesn't apply in the wild.
3) Try not to harm the wildlife in any way.  Your are visiting their home. They don't need you messing it up. Kind of defeats the purpose of getting back to nature.
4) If rhere are other campers nearby, please keep your children to yourself.  Keep them in your area for their own safety, and for the privacy of other campers, who don't need wild children running around yelling and screaming when they are trying to relax.
5) Keep your music down. I don't want to camp close to you and have to hear the "greatest hits of the '70's" all night. Tr to keep it quiet. Pay attention to the sounds of nature around you. It will surprise you how relaxing it is.
6) Keep your lights low. A campfire is perfectly ok, if it's not six feet high and blazing the whole area. Don't turn on 10,000 watt floodlights. Unless your scared!
7) Take out everything you came in with. There should be trash receptacles all around you in public camping areas. Sure, you might make a mess while camping, but just be sure to clean it up. If you are camping in the wild, take your trash out of the area. Carry big trash bags, and don't leave a mess. That is not helping nature or the environment.  Many people do not follow this rule, and you can always see what they left behind. It's embarrassing.
8) And lastly, remember that every single thing you leave behind; a paper cup, plastic spoons, plates, empty soda bottles or cans; leaves a lasting mark that will be multiplied by all the campers that follow you. It will be your small part in helping to destroy nature!