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Coming-of-Age

Hello Campers,

Recently I’ve been reflecting on a few things which have not come to mind in some time. I think it has something to do with the relationships we had with the kids we spent so much time with on the pond. There was something special about those times alone with our summertime family of friends. Absent of supervision we learned how to live, work and play together. We developed social skills and learned how to cope with adversity, enjoy comradery and solve problems amongst ourselves.

I remember taking off early in the morning and exploring our surroundings, there were small hidden ponds, large cornfields, and trails which seemed to go on forever. We bicycled to St. Germain’s to buy snacks, drinks or a slice of pizza. We let our parents know we were going, but they didn’t do anything to hold us back. I guess it was similar to the film “Stand by Me”. Our friends were our coming-of-age group. Laughing, learning and supporting one another through the unplanned course of our days. The occasional squabble would ensue, but when it did, we worked through it, and within minutes or by the next day it was forgotten.

Summertime crushes as we hung out together in tree forts, at the main lake beach or gathered around a hammock by the waters edge watching the darkest sky filled with the brightest display of shooting stars are all wonderful memories. Although nothing that vagally resembled a relationship developed, there was something gained through acceptance or rejection even in the most childish way. In the end we learned to brush off dismissal or appreciate adoration.

Today’s modern-day electronics, fear mongering opinion news channels and addictive smart phones have robbed today’s children of these experiences and has left them lacking in the confidence that comes from the natural development of social skills. It was not always easy, sometimes feelings got hurt, but it was real and valuable.

This is why camping in its purest form is so important. It’s not about what you are traveling in, it’s really about how you travel and how you and your children spend the time when you are there. Get their focus back on nature, show them how to gather kindling for the campfire and allow them to spend time with their peers in a less restrictive way. Most of all, get them out of their screens and into interacting with their peers in a fun and productive way. The lessons they learn today will help them to achieve greater things tomorrow.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash (CEO & Founder at My RV Guy Franchising LLC)

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