Why Camp?

Gathering clothes, games, and bath supplies is a hassle - causing many people to procrastinate packing for their journeys. Then, to add tents, sleeping gear, a portable kitchen, and all the food? No wonder people don't want to camp. It's a lot of work.

Why bother when living in Sunnyville offers hotels on beaches, hotels with water parks, hotels everywhere?

There is something special about being away from screens and technology. After the tents are up, air mattresses inflated, and the kids have reorganized the tents more than once there is sweat dripping, but salvation is a few short steps away. Clad in bathing suits and toting inflatables, we answer the call of the spring. As toes first dip into the 72 degree spring, you shiver and spend an agonizing moment wanting the relief, dreading the shock of the water. As a concession, you scoot the tube as close to the steps as possible and strategically lower your fanny - jumping as the water hits your bum. Children are settled and the float begins. Mad paddling from the mouth of the spring ensues, just to reach the river where the water maintains a more bearable temperature. Gazing down into the crystal clear water, the formations of magnificent caverns are seen as well as fish and other wildlife. And here among the whoops and calls of groups floating down the river there is a peaceful steadiness that fills you.

Refreshed from a float downstream, you are ready to tackle the "kitchen" while kids snack at the tables decorated in brightly colored cloths. There is the chore of cooking over the flames, but this seems less like a chore and more an activity as the meals have been planned and the pace is slowed. There is time to sit among the trees watching the shadow patterns created by dappled sunlight decorate the world. Time to really listen to the breeze if your lucky enough to have one blow through the leaves. There is time for conversation around a campfire, time to tell funny stories or just be goofy. Sure it is hot, but there is a 72* cooling station a short walk away.

In this place of card games played at picnic tables and hikes to use the bathroom there is a simplicity that we do not find among our screens or hurried dinner conversations.

The world slows down. And we take the time to appreciate all that really matters.