Fun and Fancy in the Great Outdoors(a)

by Rebecca A. Fratzke

Camping can be as rugged or as luxurious as you prefer.

There's nothing like getting out in nature and enjoying some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many people make yearly trips to commune with nature and practice a less luxurious lifestyle. Others prefer to take all the comforts of home with them. Just as with all hobbies, everyone has their own take on camping. In the end, however, it really doesn't matter whether you prefer a backpack and a tent or a fully-loaded RV. What matters is that you take some time to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Camping is an outdoor activity where one or more people leave heavily populated areas and sleep in the wilderness. A campsite usually includes a sleeping area and campfire, which is used for staying warm, providing light, and cooking meals. Activities while camping include nature walks, roasting marshmallows, and telling ghost stories around campfires. Camping became popular in the beginning of the 20th century due to an increase in national parks. Thanks to other environmentally friendly events and programs over the years, its popularity has continued to grow.

Not all camping is for fun, though. It was originally done out of necessity, such as when an army was on the move or when people had to hunt and fish to survive. Today, there are many reasons to camp and many campsites to visit. A lot of organizations use camping as a way to teach the youth about the outdoors and teamwork. It helps the younger generation develop skills, confidence, and self-reliance. Festivals and other large events provide campgrounds for visitors that prefer cheap accommodations. Campers are as varied as their reasons to pitch a tent.

野外露营乐趣多

露营，可以克难，也可以奢华，端看你的喜好。

　　没有什么比走向大自然、享受远离都市尘嚣的时光更棒的事了。很多人每年固定会去旅行，除了亲近大自然，也过着比较简朴的生活。另外有些人则偏好到户外时也能像在家中一样舒适。就像所有的嗜好一样，每个人对露营的看法不同。不过，说到底，你想带着背包住帐篷还是开着配备齐全的休旅车都无所谓。找时间去享受大自然的一切，这才是重点。

　　露营就是一个人或好几个人一起远离人口密集的地区，露宿在野外的户外活动。营地通常包括睡觉的区域以及用来取暖、照明和煮饭的营火。露营时从事的活动包括健行、烤棉花糖，以及围着营火讲鬼故事。20世纪初，由于国家公园变多，露营也随着愈来愈受欢迎。而由于其他种类的环保活动及旅游行程，露营持续受到人们的喜爱。

　　但不是每个露营活动都是为了休闲娱乐。人们最初是由于行军或出外打猎钓鱼维生等需要才露营。到今天，人们基于许多理由露营，而露营的地点也不少。许多团体机构都透过露营将野外知识及团队合作传授给青年学子。露营有助于年轻一代培养技能、建立自信以及独立自主。一些庆典及大型活动也会提供露营场地给喜欢便宜住宿的民众。什么样的露营客都有，露营的理由也不尽相同。