We promote the magical powers of Camp as stress-reducing and rejuvenating, but to be honest, there are some requirements on the campers’ part to ensure this happens. Most of the time, campers arrive in a stressed state, having finished a full week of work or home/family duties to endure a gridlocked drive to the base of the mountains.
And being typically busy, some campers have a tough time unwinding once here, so we offer these tips in advance to help you throw aside anxiety and turn into a nice blob of joyful jello as quick as possible.
Leave expectations at the bottom of the mountain. Camp GetAway is neither a spa nor a hotel. It is “camp,” like when we were kids. There can be things that, at least at the beginning, can throw new campers for a loop. Those who see the spirit of adventure in what they encounter here shed stress more quickly. It all depends on attitude. We once had a camper who literally SCREAMED obscenities at a raccoon in the trashbin, instead of marveling at its beauty. She never unwound that weekend, nor did anyone want much to do with her. Which is pretty sad. Pledge to yourself to give "unwinding" a real try.
Breathe. And we mean that. Take time to sit alone on a deck, slow down your pace, listen to the wind whispering in the pines, and really HEAR those wonderful birds. Watch chipmunks scurry. Put the mental brakes on, in other words.
Do everything, or do nothing. But don’t succumb to the notion that if you aren’t provided an activity every minute, that “camp” isn’t fun. This weekend is about being out of your element from home, escaping the drone of busyness and discovering “me time.” Ask friends for a recommended book and bring it just for you.
Take a break from your cabinmates. Split up for a couple of hours. Do things independently. With friends comes discussions of home issues, work issues, kid issues, relationship issues. Take a breather from all of that.
Regarding sleep... don’t fret. One (or possibly two) nights, you won’t get the "same" type of sleep as at home. Just like when you travel on vacation, sleep definitely IS important but that’s not the only reason you’re here. You’re here to OPEN your eyes just as much as CLOSE them. Thus, naps are highly encouraged here, too.
Enjoy fellow campers from all walks of life, and of all ages. Join a card game, sit with someone new at lunch, tie-dye with someone you wouldn’t know back home. We are ALL magnificent, incredible creatures with special characteristics you will never see unless you meet.
Give the cell a vacation. Put your cell on vibrate and ask your family to disconnect with you for the weekend. "Give peace a chance," in other words. Most problems back home can work themselves out without you, and if it is an emergency, there are plenty of ways to get a hold of you.
Abandon the temptation to TM. That’s not “transcendental meditation,” which we encouragae... it’s text messaging. Give it up this one weekend. Not only is it a high contributor to your stress, but watching you do it is stressful to the rest of us – seriously! Be “present” at Camp, be HERE, not there.
Treat yourself. A facial to remove the impact of stress from your face. A massage to liquefy your muscles. A manicure to make you smile each time you look at your hands once home. Try yoga for the first time, it’s wonderful. Wake up early to appreciate nature at a sleepy moment. A delicious cup o' joe awaits you at the lodge. Take a nap later to catch up on missed zzzzzzzz’s.
Make an agreement with yourself... to leave expectations, concerns, anxieties and fears at the bottom of the mountain. If you miss them terribly while at Camp, in less than 48 hours, you can pick them back up again on the way home.
See you at Camp!
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