If Hays High added a Camping Club, I believe it would be a club that everyone in the school could enjoy. It would allow students to go outside, be active, be social and learn skills in nature and for life.

Being outdoors and in nature is extremely healthy for the human body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, being outdoors allows people to get more exercise, heal quicker, it can increase your Vitamin D levels, get more exercise, become happier, heal quicker, and better your ability to concentrate.

The article produced by Harvard Health Publishing states, “Researchers at the University of Essex in England are advancing the notion that exercising in the presence of nature has added benefit, particularly for mental health.”

The feeling of being disconnected from society can relieve a lot of stress, while also allowing people to enjoy the beauty on Earth.

According to an article by the National Park Service, “Mental health improves outside. Researchers linked outdoor activity to a decrease in depressive thoughts. Sleeping under the stars helps you get in touch with your natural circadian rhythms, a foundation for high quality sleep and health.”

A Camping Club would also allow many students to gather and to socialize. If students could just talk or do activities in nature together, it could eliminate the need to be on their electronics and leave them with only face-to-face communication. In my experience, camping has led to some of my best friends.

“Camp friends become friends for life,” according to the Canadian Camping Association. “Young people befriend others who sometimes are individuals perceived as different from themselves. They learn to resolve conflicts in a positive manner. Campers have a sense of belonging and develop a sense of pride in their camp.”

As a Boy Scout, I have learned many things while camping. I have gained friendships and matured greatly during the time spent camping. I also gained an array of new skills, such as setting up a camp, taking care of nature, cooking and cleaning, sharpening tools, tying knots and other things that could help me in the future.

A Camping Club would benefit the student body tremendously. It would allow kids to have something to do on the weekends, to explore nature, to converse together, to get involved and to learn skills. If the school believes in bettering us for the future, it should allow a Camping Club.