This Bear on a Tent ornament is about 3 ½ inches high and about 2 ½ square at the base. This is a green and grey 2 person tent with red colored mesh lining. But on this ornament it appears that our campers have left to take a hike or have been run-off by a bear in their camp-site. While the campers are away the bear is making itself right at home, it has climbed on top of the tent to casually await the return of the campers. This is a small black bear lying across the top of the tent with his head resting on his right paw and his back legs crossed. There is also a red ribbon to hang this wonderful ornament up by. Select this link to view our Hunting Christmas Ornaments.
Camping
Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national parks, other publicly owned natural areas, and privately owned campgrounds. Camping describes a wide range of activities. Survivalist campers set off with little more than their boots, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is done in conjunction with other activities, such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location. Some people vacation in permanent camps with cabins and other facilities (such as hunting camps or children's summer camps), but a stay at such a camp is usually not considered 'camping'. The term camping (or the slightly sarcastic camping out) may also be applied to those who live outdoors out of necessity (as in the case of the homeless) or for people waiting overnight in very long lines (queues). It does not, however, apply to cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated dwellings. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it. Select this link to view our Unique Christmas Ornaments.
Social Camping
Many campers enjoy socializing with a small group of fellow campers. Such groups will arrange events throughout the year, to allow members with similar interests, or from similar geographical areas, to get together. This allows families to form small close knit societies, and children form lasting friendships. Some who participate in this sort of camping, feels that it brings a closer form of bonding, as members become more mutually dependant, than they would otherwise be in modern society. There are 2 large organizations in the UK who facilitate this sort of camping: the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. It is also possible to find online special interest groups, who cater for those with a love of a particular pastime or sport. In more recent years, those who camp alone have been able to share their experiences more easily with a large group of fellow campers, through the use of blogs & online social networking. Select this link to view our Unique Christmas Gifts.
Levels of Comfort
Campers span a broad range of ability and ruggedness, and campsites are designed accordingly. Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development. Campsites can range from a patch of dirt with a sign marking it to a level, paved pad with sewer and electricity. These latter are often designated for the use of handicapped campers. For more on facilities, see the campsite article. Rugged campers believe that provisions for comfort detract from the experience of being out-of-doors, but comfortable camping avoids some hazards of outdoor activities. The most comfortable form of camping uses recreational vehicles (RVs), essentially wheeled houses. Some call this style of camping "tin boxing". Many RVs are quite luxurious, featuring air conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, satellite TV and even Internet connections.