Camping relieves day’s stress

As summer winds down and swimming and sunbathing become a thing of the past, students and faculty may find themselves rabid with cabin fever. But don’t worry too much yet — there still is hope for that stretch of eternity before next spring. The fall and winter months still yield great outdoor adventures. Lessons in camping may cure the end-of-summer blues.

"I go [camping] because I love being out in nature," junior Kristen Blanco said. "I especially like going in the fall and late summer because I like watching the leaves change colors, and just being outdoors with friends and hiking. It’s a good getaway from the stress of school work."

Campers should have a few things ready before the trip begins, especially if it is their first outing. An excellent place for students to start is at UREC. The equipment center boasts an array of outdoor adventure equipment, including two-person and four-person tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, stoves and lanterns. All items are available for rent with a JAC card and a deposit fee of about $25. However, the deposit is refunded to the customer, provided all rental equipment is returned on time and in good condition, according to UREC. Students who use UREC’s camping and other outdoor activity equipment should visit UREC, check out the Web site at www.jmu.edu/recreation or call the 24-hour UREC hotline at x8-UREC (8732).

Living in the Shenandoah Valley provides excellent opportunities for students to camp. The George Washington National Forest is right outside JMU, complete with a campground for potential outdoorsmen. To find out more about George Washington National Forest, visit www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj. The Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Web site, www.nps.gov/shen, provides maps and directions, as well as campsites and other useful information on camping and other activities in the area. And finally, to the south, Virginia’s famed Natural Bridge provides camping for all who wish to partake in its beauty and history.

After mastering the art of camping, many people find it to be a very relaxing, fun experience. But for even the most prepared camper, things still go awry.

"I was camping with a few friends one weekend," said Hudson Cargill, a Blue Ridge Community College student. "Luckily, one of us brought a tarp to sit underneath for shade, because about three hours into the trip it started pouring down rain. Our feet were soaked and there was mud everywhere. But we still ended up having a fun time. Moral of the story — always check the weather forecast before camping."