The great outdoors, a place of tranquility offering many opportunities for people to briefly escape from our growing industrial societies, is one of  several things I love. The outdoors allows us to engage in many activities that people otherwise would not have the chance to participate in. Some of these activities include: Scouts, camping, hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

One of the things I love most by far is  Scouts. In my experiences with Scouts I have engaged in a variety of activities that were life-changing. Above all it allowed me to appreciate nature. In Scouts we do many things regarding nature, like camping. These opportunities became something I enjoy doing to this day. Scouts also allows me to give back to my community. In Scouts we often do volunteer work, and giving back to the community that has helped me for so long is a great feeling. This Scouting experience by far has been worthwhile and introduced me to so many new things we can do while in the great outdoors.

One of the many activities people can participate in while among the outdoors is camping. Camping offers an outlet, allowing people to escape reality briefly and enjoy the comforts of nature. While camping, I love doing many things. Whether it is observing the wildlife around me, racing through boundless forest, or watching the embers from a glowing fire dance in the air, camping offers people a new atmosphere. It’s an atmosphere of relaxation and peace. On a campout, I love having the opportunity to reside in a tent. These brilliant shelters can be constructed almost anywhere and provide comfort in unique places. Camping is definitely an activity I never want to miss.

The next activity I love to participate in while exploring nature is hiking. While on a hike I have opportunities to see a new world. Each trail provides a different adventure and what waits at the end is for us to discover. The thrill of wandering through forest and climbing steep mountains is one of the many aspects I enjoy while hiking. Nothing beats hiking up a mountain in the early hours of the morning to watch the sunrise over it. It's moments like these that make a hike all the more worthwhile. Hikes also provide another purpose. They allow me to challenge myself and allow me to see what I am capable of accomplishing. This feeling of accomplishment over a twenty mile hike can make all the difference.

Another activity I love is fishing. Fishing allows for a time where I can be at peace. Every aspect about fishing is great. It can even make dull moments more relaxing and enjoyable. From the first cast to catching a fish, the time in between will be well worth it. After mastering regular fishing, I decided to try fly fishing. There is no greater feeling in the world than knowing a fly you dedicated time to tying has snagged a fish. Even if I don’t catch a fish, the old saying it true: a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work. Fishing is definitely something everyone should try at least once. I remember when I caught my first fish and that memory will last a lifetime.

Another outdoor activity I love doing is canoeing. Going down a river in a small wooden boat may seem difficult and even crazy, but with the right technique it becomes something incredibly fun. Racing the current and navigating through rapids is one of the many things I love doing on the river. The big aspect about canoeing that makes it worthwhile is that it relies heavily on teamwork. This teamwork can further bond you and your partner and help you to achieve more together. Canoeing can be done by one person, but it is much more difficult than with a pair. Going out on a river with my friends can make this whole experience more enjoyable. One fun activity I do with canoes is capsizing. Sinking the canoe is actually really enjoyable and provides a brief period of relief from rowing. There are certain times for capsizing, however, like by a campsite. Here we also do things like submarine races. The ability to do something that requires work but allows for enjoyment in the process is definitely something I’m glad to share in.

Nature offers me many opportunities to take, it’s just a matter of taking a chance and seeing it through.