As a kid, camping was one of my favorite trips of the year. There is just something special, that comes from breathing fresh air and sleeping under the stars. The gear you pack can make or break your trip, so pack wisely.

Camping has a way of bringing the wild out in you, but in a mellow way. It has been said, that only a week of camping will reset your internal clock. We spend so much time inside these days, that a trip outdoors can relax most people. Time seems to slow down while camping, and if you like outdoor recreation, there is a lot to do. This can all go south if you forget some important pieces of gear. Nearly everyone that camps regularly, has a story of a trip gone bust. Most of my trips outdoors that were ruined were caused by rain, bugs or forgetting to bring something.

The freedom you feel outdoors, can't be recreated inside. Wild places seem to stimulate the mind and body in ways you may not be able to explain. There's something familiar about sleeping outside. It's like your body has been missing the connection with nature. You become tuned in rather quickly and learn to go with the flow. You find out fast that you can't fight nature you must learn to deal with the situations that you are given. If you are not prepared to do so, you may find yourself in a pretty miserable situation. For the most part, camping is fun and recharges your batteries. Just understand the amount you prepare will determine the extent of fun you have on your trip.

When I was a child, we used to go to a camp called the “Anchor.” It was located on the banks of the inter-coastal water way on the North Carolina and Virginia border. I looked forward to the few trips a year, all fall, winter, and spring. We stayed in a camper and didn't rough it, but it still was fun. There were tons of muscles and blue crab in the water, which we enjoyed foraging for. I loved the feeling of catching dinner, which I have never lost. Now when I go camping, the goal is to live off of the land and to pack as little food as possible.