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Camping

Camping

marshmallows roasting over a fire pit

Purpose

The Lord created the earth for you to live on and enjoy. Camping can help you develop an appreciation for His creations and learn to be self-reliant outdoors.

Description

Plan and carry out an overnight (or multi-night) camping trip. Decide on the location, meals, and activities. Include activities that are both fun and spiritual, such as going on a hike and holding a devotional or roasting marshmallows and having a testimony meeting around a fire.

You could prepare for this activity by holding related activities such as outdoor cooking and learning first aid.

As you plan this activity, please follow the counsel given in chapter 13 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010) and review “Safety Recommendations for Church Activities.”

More Ideas

  • Beautify the earth—Plan a service activity to beautify or do maintenance work at a campground or wilderness area. Invite a park ranger or a local recreation officer to share ways that participants can better respect and preserve natural environments and wildlife.

  • Look up—An overnight camping trip is the perfect time to enjoy the night sky. Consider bringing a simple constellation map and telescope so you can identify the stars and constellations you see. You could even invite someone who knows about astronomy to assist. If camping overnight is not an option, your group could explore the night sky in your neighborhood.

  • Survival camp—For older or more experienced groups, see who can establish a camp fastest using limited (or existing) resources. You might consider giving awards for best shelter, quickest fire starter, or tastiest meal.

  • Winter camping—You can even skip the tent because snow is a wonderful insulator. Learn how to build a snow cave or quinzee for shelter and stay warm all night long. Make sure you have an expert with you to help you stay warm and dry.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to learn outdoor camping skills? How might these skills help us in emergencies or in the last days?

  • What positive camping experiences have you had?

  • What thoughts or impressions do you have about learning to camp?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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