Spending time on a college campus has taught me that hammocks have made a serious resurgence these past few years. You can’t walk across the commons without seeing several people socializing from their tree swings, and I live in Oklahoma. I can only imagine what city parks in California or Vermont might experience.
I don’t have to consider what might be happening in the Rocky’s because I spent my summer in Florissant working at a summer camp. And I can tell you that campers may forget raincoats and water bottles but they are unlikely to leave their hammocks back at the tent. I can also report that while I have traded in my boots for trail shoes, most counselors and campers spend their summer hiking and climbing in Chaco’s.
During a break on the trail, campers would often set up their hammock before I could grab my water bottle. And around camp the hammocks often made me feel like I was living in a Himalayan base camp. The bright colors strung in trees throughout camp, blowing in the breeze, might remind you of Tibetan prayer flags, and they serve a similar purpose. Hammocks bring campers together and encourage community — if not nap time.
The “prayer flags” of camp promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom just like their Himalayan counterparts by encouraging people to bond in the outdoors. When counselors and campers are given the time to relax and let down their guard they begin discussing important issues. Communication is key to community.
It was rare that I walked one of the tent ridges and didn’t see two or more campers talking, joking or reading in their hammocks. Day-long activities often included a break for lunch and of course hammocks were hung. Backpacking trips involved hammocks and I saw a hammock at one of our bonfires. Camp can be a busy place with many activities and evening gatherings. Learning to relax and enjoy the unplugged life of camp is important for campers and staff alike.
It has been my practice to sleep in a tent when camping. The enclosed confines of a tent with a water-tight floor is comforting and I like the idea of keeping the bugs out of my sleeping quarters. But this year I didn’t sleep in a tent one time. Not only did I not carry one, I didn’t have to clean and dry one out after a long trip.
Instead, I slept in MY hammock and loved it. Easy set up, super comfortable sleeping, warm and uncrowded. I could see all that went on around me, and nighttime and early morning quick trips were simplified. The campers could approach me whenever they needed to ask me a question or just talk and in turn I knew when they were up and about. It was a perfect way to relax, remain available and monitor camp.
Since returning home I have yet to hang my hammock and I am missing those long afternoons of reading and chatting. I might get it out this weekend and spend an hour watching the birds or reading my book. You won't catch me wearing Chaco’s anytime soon, although I will take one of those Melanzana hoodies!