The sun is up, the birds sing, and finally, the larvae of mosquitoes have emerged. Although it’s not all rainbows, fresh fish and fresh flowers, June is National Camping Month. This is a great time to go outside with your family and enjoy the great outdoors.

Research has shown that campers are happier, more relaxed and more likely to purchase more insect repellant. What? What? Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy sitting under the stars and roasting marshmallows or making S’mores? Or waking up to the aroma of wood smoke and bacon!

There was a time when camping was simply called ‘being alive’. But that changed when Thomas Hiram Holding popularized the idea of recreational camping in 1800. He was introduced to camping by the Oregon Trail. Once he settled, it became a passion that he pursued and shared with others. Thomas introduced the concept of Cycle Camping to America after camping had been popularized.

Simply put, this is where you get on your bike and ride to a place to camp. Then you wake up and start all over again.

Cunningham’s Camp was the name of what is believed to have been the first commercial campground in Douglas, Isle of Man. It opened in 1894. All kinds of camping have evolved since then, from weekend getaways for families to RV camping and everything in-between.

National Camping Month is all about celebrating them, whether they are rafting down the river in a Canoe, setting up camp in the afternoon, or hiking in the woods far away from civilization, with a backpack full their gear.

This is the easiest answer, go camping. Even if you only have a tent and a sleeping bag, it is a great way to reconnect with nature. You can find peace and tranquility in the great distant forests. They’re asking us all to get out there.

Get in your car and find a spot where you can set up a tent. Celebrate National Camping Month by going camping.