About CampingJay

 

“CampingJay is dedicated to sharing an appreciation and understanding of nature and the outdoors.”

My college sailing coach used to tell us that experience is the worst way to learn. He called it “putting the test before the lesson.” Even though I grew up in the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle, took several college courses in outdoor leadership and safety, and have read dozens of books on backpacking and wilderness survival, I still find that I am constantly learning from experience. I’ve put together this page to help you learn from my mistakes and to try to avoid making some of your own.

“…While we were walking, I was trying to put together some ideas about how the Leave No Trace and Ultralight philosophies are essential to your wilderness experience. I think the best way to explain it is that we are all going out into nature to be changed. We want the wilderness to have an impact on us, to teach us something, and to liberate us from life; but its very difficult to listen while you’re speaking. Bringing in a ton of toys and gadgets, building giant fires, harming the environment, and wrapping yourself up in a fortres like tent all prevent us from hearing what nature is trying to say. So, I urge you to travel light, walk quitely, and let nature touch you.”

-CampingJay

Organizations I Support