Laplandica

…is a challenging topic to give a simple answer to. There are many websites for beginners with an array of different methods and tips of getting started and the answer is very individual depending upon individual goals, conditions and capabilities. But, having learned outdoor skills, everyone will have developed basic skills and routines that can be employed in many varied circumstances.

Photo-Learning to safely cross a stream in Laponia

First off, I’m not referring to “survival techniques”. I feel that this is a fantasy world for those who need their adrenaline kicks or to prove that they know something more than others. It is impossible to predict what “survival techniques or skills” are needed for what circumstances. “Survival” largely deals with risk management, inventiveness and common sense. Heck of a thing to learn “survival techniques” in a British Columbia forest and find yourself stranded on a Pacific ocean island! What does one do then?

Here, I want to add that most outdoor and primitive living skills you learn will be a tremendous help later in your life. Examples of these are starting a fire in wet weather, correct clothing for windy weather or tying appropriate knots. Be it a trip to Africa or a power-outage at home, having learned to cope without modern luxuries will have prepared you for most anything that may arise. Guaranteed!

The smartest way of thinking, when wanting to start enjoying the outdoors, is to remember that you are a beginner. Don’t be intimidated by others with a little more experience. You learn things at your own speed, in your own manner at your own level. Like learning to walk. At a beginner’s stage, any small mistakes or poor judgments made will prepare you for bigger challenges later.

It is essential to ask yourself, What have I learned by my mistakes and How can I use what I’ve learned for the future? The more oftener you’re outdoors, the more experiences you have to fall back on.

Photo-Start teaching your child early about the outdoors

Parents are central in teaching their kids about the outdoors. Parents, who are couch potatoes, will likely have couch potato children. If parents are somewhat outdoorsy, the children will likely learn to be outdoorsy…or at the least have a base to build on.

Easiest way to start gaining experience is to go “camping” in your backyard. Just decide a peaceful clear evening, prepare how you will do it and then do it. Get used to solving simple problems like food, shelter or equipment…pretend you’re in the wilderness but with the safety of home should anything be needed or go wrong. Enjoy the independence, gaze at stars and think about life, listen to the sounds of the night etc. Do this with a friend and share the moment. Make it fun to learn about the outdoors. It’s lifelong learning!

Once, when I wanted to test sleeping overnight in sub-zero temperatures, I borrowed a better tent and a better sleeping bag from someone and “went camping” in my backyard at –32 C. I practiced a real situation but with my house nearby if something didn’t work out. Later, I knew what I needed and how to do it for other adventures in the mountains. (It’s interesting to wake-up in a tent that has frost on the inside of the tent. Kind of snowy inside when getting dressed.)

Photo-Winter camping in the Tarra Valley, Laponia.

If you live in a city apartment, join an outdoor group that may leave the metropolitan area for a day/weekend trip or take a bus yourself to the nearest state park or recreational area. Just for a day works well. Learn to make your own fire, in an appropriate way and approved place, and cook a lunch on this. Make a game out of it. “How can I be independent from modern conveniences?” Learn to solve the problems. Be inventive in this adventure of outdoor learning.

Another good advice is to use the library! If not Internet, the library is a world of its own with information and books on camping, outdoors, hiking, birds, first-aid etc. Use this! Read!

Again, hooking-up with local outdoor groups is a good idea. Scouts are great, but other groups are “outdoor active”. These could be local birdwatchers or wilderness groups. Some organizations have special hiking and camping groups or even organize nature walks to learn about plants, trees, geology, stars etc.

Lastly, whatever your wishes and goals may be, just don’t sit there…get out and do something. The more you do, the more you will grow and the more you will get close to yourself and nature for the rest of your life. And, stay safe out there!