We interrupt the regular vein of our posts about vintage travel trailers to say a few words about the reality of Girl Camping, or any camping for that matter:
It's something that you do, not just something to look at. No matter how much white lace you throw at it, real-life camping still involves gear, personal clothing, and dealing with the elements. And unless you do it solely as a hermit, it also involves the company of others who've chosen to camp with you--and whose own stuff must fit into the picture.
In other words, it's not HGTV. It's not like the pictures of people's perfect campers on Pinterest. Set your overnight bag down into an all-white, linens-laden 'glamper' gone viral on Facebook, and there goes the fantasy part.
More importantly, we think it's important to state that in real life, taking your rig out camping is not meant to be an activity that sorts you into Winner or Loser. It's not a competition for cuteness. The other people don't come there to judge you based on some secret code of standards. You don't have to possess The. Perfect. Camper. to be welcomed and accepted. Girl Camping is not about 'let me outdo ya' unless you want it to be--in which case, you'd be ignored.
Unfortunately, due to the relatively recent rise of social media with visuals, some folks have gotten the above-mentioned false impressions. This was confirmed in a recent conversation with one of our Facebook-page fans. It was the eve of her departure for her very first group campout, and instead of talking about her great anticipation, she confessed that she was terrified.
'Not good enough,' was what she feared. We assured her she was going to a party, not a persecution, and that she was about to meet new friends, not critics. When she got home, she messaged back to say, 'You were right!'
This doesn't mean we're trying to tell you to stay off Facebook and cancel the Pinterest account. Go right ahead and indulge--it's an element of the fun.
Just don't fall for the notion of perfection that you see on-screen, allowing it to hold you back or keep you sitting at home. Go places and do things now, with the means you have, and before more time gets away.
The rest will take care of itself.
Amen, Sister!
ReplyDelete"....a party not a prosecution....." Perfect! My kinda soiree!
ReplyDelete'A celebration of acceptance.' That's what Girl Camping means to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that. I haven't been to any group campouts yet. I'll admit that it has been making me nervous for all the reasons you mentioned!
ReplyDeleteNicely done! An important reminder. Girl camping is just plain fun!
ReplyDeleteNicely done! An important reminder. Girl camping is just plain fun!
ReplyDeleteI soo need to hear this. I'm planning on going to my first glamp-out next week knowing absolutely NO ONE! I am terrified and really searching for any reasonable reason to cancel. This does help, and though I still have my doubts I can use all the courage I can muster. Thanks. I think I'll read this daily until I leave on Friday.
ReplyDeleteHere's a little secret: You will be embraced by the tribe, immediately, for having had the courage to attend. From then on, your fears will fade.
ReplyDeleteYou'll just have to trust me on this, until you get there.
SO true, Girl Camping! Everyone I've met has been so supportive and willing to give a "pat on the back" and a "way to go!" to anyone brave enough to join "the tribe"!
DeleteI Love it Well Said! I so look forward to Girl Camping, I spend so much time home alone, since my hubby works out of state. Keep me in mind when every your making plans for a get-a-way!!!
DeleteGreat post Girl Camper! If I had wanted to be judged, compared, and held to an unattainable standard, well, I'd still be showing horses! Girl Camping is the antithesis and the antidote of such competitive activities. Which is why I love it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Girl Camper! If I had wanted to be judged, compared, and held to an unattainable standard, well, I'd still be showing horses! Girl Camping is the antithesis and the antidote of such competitive activities. Which is why I love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat? It's not about the stuff? I'm having a garage sale! I'm kidding ladies. I ditto everything Juli is saying. Camping is real, sometimes it is down right hard in freezing cold weather up in Glacier, But I have persevered and survived the elements. It takes the right gear. If you cook, there are things you must have. Go out and enjoy the weather, wind, rain, sun, and snow! I always do. Love happycampergirl.
ReplyDeleteand I 'ditto' what Patty & Mig said!
ReplyDeleteAmem!!!! I still don't have that vintage trailer but don't let that stop you. I just came back from the most wonderful campout with amazing gals. Get out there in that fresh air, soak up laughter, and best of all friendship.
ReplyDeleteJunebug, there are times when I would love to have a non-vintage trailer! But I'll go camping in a pickup bed, a wall tent, a pup tent--I don't care, as long as I'm with fun friends!
ReplyDeleteAlmost all of my girl camping trips have involved at least one day of rain. One even involved gusts of wind that shook my little tin inn all night long and sent everyone scurrying to take down their awnings, lights, and other decorations. I love the sound of rain on the roof, but packing up wet decorations or taking them down early is not the stuff you hear about on HGTV! And the bugs, don't forget the bugs :)
ReplyDeleteSeek to be loved for your Girl Camping heart, and not for having the shinest toy.
ReplyDeletePeace!
I am so encouraged by all your posts! This is an aspect I hadn't really considered, as MY fear centers around actually hooking up/hauling/unhooking by myself. Can't back worth a darn. Got my first camper last summer (grew up camping with family but Daddy always did these parts). She is a big girl, 26ft Terry, 1990 version with tons of space and weighs 5100 lb. I have a sweetheart who eagerly joins me and provides the transport and muscles, but sure would like to get myself a truck and head out on my own. Know of any similar groups to yours, only in the southeast? Oh, and I have started a blog about it and soooo enjoy writing 'her' story at barnwellgalstory.blogspot.com !
ReplyDeleteHi, Cindy--Check out this group, Getaway Gals.
Deletehttp://www.getawaygals.com/Getaway_Gals/Welcome.html
Some advice on becoming adept on your own: Don't try to swallow the elephant all at once. Have Sweetheart teach you one small thing at a time. Make it your job, until you learn it well. Then learn another thing. The important thing is to begin, with your eventual independence in mind. Good luck, cheering for you!
Awww, thanks so much! He did actually encourage me to back her into place when we got home from the first campout, and I think I did pretty darned well! I just didn't want to try it at the campground with people watching and me looking/feeling stupid.....my neighbors would just laugh and understand, LOL!! I helped hook up and unhook, too, and took notes. Even in the age of technology, I am an 'on paper' gal. Will check out your recommendation above.
DeleteEverything takes practice, and trailer backing is no exception. Nobody gets into a parallel parking place the first time, either!
ReplyDeleteTip: Learn to back in a straight line before you try corners. Get some highway cones, set them up as markers in a big parking lot, and just keep backing up, going forward, and backing up again. This will give you a feel for your rig and how it handles, because you will need to make constant little steering adjustments to back up straight, and you'll learn how to correct early, before the trailer gets too crooked. You'll also get good practice in using your mirrors.
Yes! The whole camping experience should be about having fun. If you like all the fuss...do it. If not, keep it simple. Thanks for reminding everyone that it is about getting out there and having fun and enjoying the wonderful people and places.
ReplyDeleteI love the support I get and give and the confidence girl camping provides. 15 years of camping in my 54 yr old tiny camper and she's been well over 5000 miles while undergoing 2 interior makeovers. I got junk out the wazoo and that makes me happy! And that's what it's all about!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how much white lace you throw at it, real-life camping still ... camperawninglights.blogspot.com
ReplyDelete