My family settled on camping for a number of reasons. ## It's Cheap This may be our original reason, and it holds true. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole of any passtime and blow wads of cash. However, camping is possible on a budget, especially if you do so accasionally and feel no need to have name brand gear. Fun per dollar is really high compared to other passtimes. ## It's Accessible We live in North Carolina. I wouldn't say the Raleigh area is a cornucopia of amazing outdoor treasures CI grew up in Tennessee, within a few hows in any direction we have some pretty heat options. to the east, we run into the Outer Banks, which provides unique beach camping options. To the west, we find a true outdoor playgrand as we head int Appalachia. Both destinations are plenty accessible for a weekend trip. For a spur of the moment experience, Raleigh does have some decent state parks with good camping options. We are minutes from Falls Lake and its multiple camping options. ## It's Healthy ### Healthy Physically ### Healthy Emotionally ### Healthy Spiritually? This one may be a stretch, but I'm willing to consider it. I am sure it is possible to create many opportunities for spiritual formation through any number of activities. This is not an argument that kids aren't spiritually formed through sports leagues on even activities on a computer. Instead, I'm merely stating that outdoor recreation seems like low-hanging fruit for spiritual formation. God's creation makes an easy labratory for forming your children spiritually.