Debating about it is not an issue. No, I'm not talking about recreational vehicles that you tow, drive, or carry on the back of your pickup. The people who go camping are a special breed that somehow know how to enjoy themselves, and are ready for a challenge. Unique qualities exist among them that are worth recognizing.

Along with people that go camping either as a weekend break, or as a vacation, I include fishermen, hunters, birdwatchers, hikers, climbers, and all those that seriously seek to commune with nature. They all seem to have a powerful drive for adventure. Oh yes! I know that hikers on a one day trek may not really do any camping as we think of it. But you can't deny that they meet the criteria for camping-out most of the time; the same with birdwatchers.

Ten reasons why I choose these "nature challenged" souls to associate with:

1. Show survival skills.
2. Driven to help others.
3. Manifest creative attitudes.
4. Avoid confrontations.
5. Seek to learn.
6. Teach us relaxation.
7. Expose us to our natural surroundings.
8. Instill a desire for healthier living.
9. Enable "peace of mind" to follow us home.
10.Learn about ourselves.

1. Granted. If your boat sinks in the middle of the lake, you won't go home in a good mood. But you may have practiced your survival skills by swimming ashore. I've noticed many times that during each and every seemingly desperate situation that instinct kicks in and we do the right thing. In the process, we have learned another technique to save ourselves from harm. Campers learn many more of these skills than non-campers (or should I say, city folk). Now I'm in trouble.

2. I have never been out camping and run into real problems, without other campers being willing to help in as many ways as they can. It's not so much true in my neighborhood. Other campers share supplies and even their gear willingly, but that is only up to a point. They know that the item will be taken care of and they will get it back. Loan my tools to a neighbor and rarely do I get them back without insisting on it. Yes I know, you have good neighbors who don't do such things, right?

3. You should take the time to watch other campers set up their campsite and take it down again. Most campers have a knack for coming up with ingenious ways to pack gear and supplies. It can save time and money. They seem to find creative ways to keep the tent from blowing down, trench rainwater away from the tent, fix broken equipment, and keep track of the kids; sometimes, all at the same time.

4. For all the years that we have been camping, I have rarely experienced violent outbreaks going on in the campgrounds. I have in my neighborhood at home. I believe that it is because campers "mellow out", are less aggressive, and focus more on having an enjoyable time than they do when outside in this relaxing environment. Campers are much more forgiving of kids yelling, noisy radios, and dogs romping through their site.

5. People who camp regularly have a definite predisposition for learning. Each campsite, tasks involved with organizing it well, and predicting weather coming into the area - all are a new learning experiences each and every time. Campers seem to be of the learning type even in their everyday life. As a consequence, they are also teachers and usually share their knowledge.

6. Have you noticed that many people out there camping are not really enjoying themselves, or seem bored, or just do not know how to relax. I have a hard time relaxing, always have. The secret is to watch other campers and see what they do to pass the time. Along the way you will always find someone doing something that interests you and relaxes you. Then you are hooked!!

7. Without a doubt, nature forces campers to take notice. You are right there in the middle of it, so why not? Just gleaning even small amounts of what nature offers in the way of beauty, interesting interactions, and wildlife, is never forgotten. If you don't do camping, you will miss most all of this wonder. Watching out of the car window doesn't cut it!

8. Exercise increases during the camping process. You think more about your health and wellbeing than you do at home. Just watching the people hiking, playing, and moving like a bullet to get out of the rain, is an inspiration to be healthier. Of course, you may also be left with terrible guilt feelings if you don't act on the thoughts. It does move you in the right direction.

9. Being around campers, participating in the events that occur, and using the relaxation techniques other campers also use, is something that hangs around for several days after arriving home. It's sticky! Can't really explain why, but it does. At least the feelings are there to counteract the daily work stresses at home and in the office for those few days after arriving home. Other campers trigger it, unless you camp alone. Then nature triggers it.

10. Self introspection takes place during those quiet times whether you want it to happen or not. It is easier to have a real conversation with family or friends in a camping environment. Family problems are often resolved in a pleasant way - no spitting or kicking. You get a good idea about how you truly feel about things, and where your life is going. Most campers know this. They share it.

Is there a better way to experience these valuable assets than going on a camping venture? It's debatable. Going on a cruise, might stir up a couple of these. Sporting events raise blood pressure, pulse, and anxiety levels. Hobbies can be stressful. Camping in one form or another is a world wide sport and often a way of life.

I like to think about the enjoyment that comes with camping. The fact that so much of camping is less costly than so many other relaxing ventures, reminds me of someone who said:

"Much happiness is overlooked simply because it doesn't cost anything."