Camping and New Year’s Resolutions

As the New Year unfolds, many contemplate resolutions that promise personal growth, self-improvement, and a renewed sense of purpose. While I don't love New Year's resolutions, I support making positive changes in our lives (this doesn't have to happen at the start of the year). 

While traditional resolutions often revolve around fitness, career, or personal relationships, there's an alternative approach that offers a unique blend of adventure and self-discovery—camping.

Here, I want to explore the idea of combining the spirit of camping with New Year's resolutions, creating an experience that not only connects us with nature but also fosters personal development and well-being.

So, let's talk about it! How can camping be a part of your New Year's Resolutions to make your goals fun this year?

Camping as a Gateway to Nature

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reconnect with the great outdoors. Camping provides a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in nature. Whether it's a serene forest, a picturesque mountain range, or a tranquil lakeside, camping offers a chance to escape the routine and find solace in the beauty of the natural world. The fresh air, the sounds of rustling leaves, and the starlit skies contribute to a sense of tranquillity that can set the stage for reflective contemplation and goal-setting.

Picture this: sitting around a crackling campfire, surrounded by the warmth of nature. It's an ideal setting to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the one ahead. 

So, why not consider winter camping to take the time to get away from the world for a while and reflect on the year? (You don't have to use the time to reflect; getting away can be enough).

Image source: Pexels 

Not ready for winter camping? That's totally okay; find a way to get outdoors and connect with nature in a way that works for you. Take a long walk or hike if you can. 

Disconnecting to Reconnect

In our hyper-connected world, we often find ourselves constantly tethered to technology. Camping offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from screens and social media, providing a digital detox that can lead to increased mindfulness. 

Use this time to reflect on your priorities, assess your habits, and consider how to foster more meaningful connections—with nature and the people in your life.

Resolution: Dedicate specific weekends throughout the year to completely unplug technology during your camping trips. Use this time to focus on the simple joys of nature, connect with fellow campers, and engage in activities that don't involve screens. It's a refreshing way to reset and recharge.

Camping is also often a communal activity, offering an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with friends and family. Shared experiences in the great outdoors create lasting memories and deepen connections. 

Consider making resolutions together, fostering a sense of accountability and support. Whether learning a new outdoor skill, embarking on a group fitness challenge, or collectively committing to sustainable practices, the shared camping experience can strengthen bonds and make resolutions more enjoyable and achievable.

Adventure as a Catalyst for Growth

The very essence of camping is an adventure. Navigating unfamiliar trails, conquering outdoor challenges, and mastering campsite tasks all contribute to a sense of achievement. 

These micro-adventures serve as stepping stones, building confidence and resilience that can be channelled toward conquering the larger challenges in many people's New Year's resolutions.

Resolution: Embrace the spirit of self-reliance by pledging to acquire a new outdoor skill every three months. Whether it's mastering the art of fire-building, learning to navigate using a map and compass or perfecting campfire cooking, these skills not only enhance your camping experience but also foster a sense of accomplishment.

Health and Wellness in the Open Air

Many New Year's resolutions revolve around health and wellness, and camping provides a natural setting for physical activity, whether hiking, swimming, or outdoor sports. 

The benefits of spending time in nature on both mental and physical health are well-documented. The combination of fresh air, natural sunlight, and physical activity can improve mood, reduce stress levels, and overall well-being, making it easier to stick to resolutions related to health and fitness.

Resolution: Set a goal to conquer a certain number of hiking trails throughout the year. Create a checklist of trails with varying difficulty levels and landscapes. Whether summiting a peak, exploring a forested trail, or following a coastal path, this resolution promotes physical fitness and a deeper connection with nature.

Image source: Pexels 

Mindful Living in the Wilderness

Mindfulness is a great way to reconnect without ourselves, and practicing mindfulness can positively impact our everyday lives. Camping promotes mindful living, where individuals become attuned to their surroundings, appreciating the present moment. 

Whether observing the intricacies of a flower, the babbling of a brook, or the quiet rustle of leaves, camping encourages a deeper connection with the environment. This mindfulness can translate into a more intentional and fulfilling approach to daily life, helping individuals focus on their resolutions and appreciate the journey toward achieving them.

Resolution: Begin or end your camping trips with moments of tranquillity. Set aside time for sunrise or sunset meditation sessions. Embrace the serenity of the natural surroundings, and let the beauty of the changing sky become a backdrop for mindfulness and reflection.

Environmental Resolutions

With growing environmental awareness, many individuals are incorporating eco-friendly resolutions into their New Year's goals. Camping provides a firsthand experience of nature's beauty and vulnerability. 

Use this opportunity to make resolutions that contribute to environmental conservation, such as reducing single-use plastics, practicing Leave No Trace principles, or supporting conservation initiatives. By aligning personal growth with environmental stewardship, camping resolutions can have a positive impact on both individual lives and the planet.

Image Source: Pexels

Resolution: Combine the joy of camping with community service. Organize or participate in camping trips focused on environmental cleanups, trail maintenance, or other conservation efforts. This resolution allows you to give back to nature while enjoying the great outdoors.

Other Fun Camping Resolutions/Goals

Our resolutions don't all have to be serious or aim to make big life changes. Sometimes, resolutions or the simple goals we set for ourselves can be fun. 

Here are some fun camping goals you may want to consider setting for yourself this year:

• Elevate your campfire cooking skills by resolving to try a new camping recipe each trip. Experiment with diverse cuisines, master the art of Dutch oven cooking or create your own camping cookbook. 
• Start a wildlife-watching journal where you document the different species you encounter during your camping trips. Learn about the flora and fauna native to the areas you explore. 
• Make it a goal to learn and identify a certain number of constellations or celestial bodies each month. Bring along a stargazing guidebook, telescope, or use stargazing apps to deepen your understanding of the night sky. 
• Challenge yourself to become a master storyteller around the campfire. Collect or create captivating stories, legends, or jokes to share with fellow campers. 
• Make it a goal to capture the beauty of nature through your lens during each camping trip. Create a photo diary or start an Instagram account dedicated to your camping photography. 
• Challenge yourself to embark on a solo camping expedition. This resolution promotes self-discovery, independence, and a unique opportunity for introspection in the serene solitude of nature.

Image source: Pexels

Remember, the key to successful resolutions is to make them enjoyable, achievable, and aligned with your interests. By intertwining your goals with the joy of camping, you can embark on a year filled with adventure, personal growth, and a deeper connection to the great outdoors.