With changing times and technological advances, American society is rapidly losing a tradition.
Camping is a pastime that has morphed and evolved, perhaps to the point of devolving. Fifth wheels and huge RV”s have in many instances replaced the old tents ? the tiny quarters, which often forced families to compromise, communicate and bond. It may be a perfect time for a reversal of that trend.
High gas prices and a lagging economy may create the need for a budget-friendly vacation. It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. Perhaps in this case, necessity is the mother of reinvention.
Many of us recall scenes, including scary campfire stories and songs that were only sung while sitting on crunching leaves, around a pit made of large round rocks often accompanied by a meal complete with hot dogs and sticky marshmallows on sticks. We knew it was possible to sleep on the lumpy ground with no more than a thin piece of fabric between us and the natural world.
During my childhood we went to Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. My brother Steve and I sang Elton John”s “Crocodile Rock” for the entire five-hour drive riding in the family car, a stinky old beige Volvo loaded with Coleman products and a tent sporting the colors of a Howard Johnson”s that took almost all of the first day to erect.
As many times as I have looked at new toys and thought, “Man I wish those things were around when I was a kid,” I also cherish the times that we left civilization behind and were simply left with each other in nature.
The good news is that the California State Parks system is bringing camping back. A program called Fam Camp is designed to get children back outside while promoting respect for the environment and support for education and the environment. These customized programs reach children, schools, families and adults. Provided are activities for youth that deal with culture, history and science.
Families will learn about nature, get out from in front of the television or video games and start living life instead of participating in the passive act of watching TV. This program is accompanied by another called Alternative Camping, where cabins are provided for family members who are elderly, physically limited or for those with disabilities. Alternative camping makes it possible for many generations of a family to camp together comfortably and safely.
The Clear Lake State Park will participate in these programs. There is a trailer filled with camping gear and experts on the natural world will be on hand, ready to teach the people of Lake County as well as Bay Area families.
The program is instrumental in including people from all areas in reunification with the disappearing tradition of camping.
Indian tribes all over the United States lost traditions to such a degree that elders were called upon to re-teach and revive the activities that were specific to a group.
The California State Parks are bringing in the equivalent of elders to help all generations find their place in nature.
For more information about on the myriad of programs available near you visit www.parks.ca.gov., Department of Parks and Recreation 1416 9th St. Sacramento, Calif. 95814 P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, Calif. 94296 or telephone 800-777-0369/ 916-653-6995, TTY relay service, 711 Fax 916-654-6374 info@parks.ca.gov.
Mandy Feder is assistant managing editor/night desk for the Record-Bee. She can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 ext. 32. Opinions are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lake County Record-Bee or its management.
