Happy Old Stuff Day, Everybody!
It’s no surprise that we have a day dedicated to old stuff; many people have a great fascination with old things. Old things mean history. And the past is always interesting to explore. Old stuff and the ways of the past are at the heart of summer camp.
Campers are typically encouraged to embrace an immersive experience that champions old practices and non-electronic gear. And even summer camp itself is a look back to a more primitive time when the days were mostly spent outdoors.
For the last hundred years or so, people have developed and established summer camps. The idea rose in popularity with the rise of big cities. It quickly became a part of summer for so many kids whose city-living parents wanted to give their kids a glimpse of the good ol’ wholesome country life that comes along with a natural, rural setting.
In a technology-driven world that gets further and further away from our primitive roots, summer camp is a way to keep the ways of the old world alive. Technology (especially electronic and digital technology) has benefited the world greatly, however, the natural world is hidden from us when our eyes are glued to a screen.
Learning about old things like how to use a compass or spying something at a distance with a pair of binoculars are great ways to enjoy a physical experience in the real world. I don’t think too many people would describe a time of their life viewing something on a screen as a life-changing moment. The natural world presents us with plenty of life-altering experiences.
Enjoy doing something real today with a toy like a yo-yo or grab a few bean bags and learn to juggle. Happy Old Stuff Day to all and, as always, thanks for reading.
- John