I’ve been looking through posts on various RV and camping forums and have come across a lot of pretty mean-spirited comments calling out people for not camping the “right” way. We’re a pretty inclusive family by nature and feel the only “wrong” way to camp is to do so unsustainably. In our travels, we’ve met nomads who regularly cross the nation and live out of an SUV. We’ve known families like ours with robust solar power and fresh water handling systems in 40+ foot rigs. We’ve also known families living out of an “off the rack” class A and living their best life.
What’s most important is to do what is right for you and your situation. If we sold our bus and moved into a Sprinter van, we’d burn out. We need the extra power and stability of not needing to dump/fill water and get groceries every few days. If our acquaintance in the SUV bought our bus, it would be too much rig for them and they’d feel trapped, not being able to get to the remote spaces they love, and having to spend so much time buttoning up before moving.
Love and Live Your Own Life
Calling out participants in an activity because they aren’t doing it “your way” is gatekeeping and a form of bullying. It divides communities and disrupts learning. Simple conversations about cooking in small spaces get derailed by the minimalist accusing others of “boondocking wrong” or worse, telling them to buy a house. You can see this kind of interaction in any community. Like old-time fans of a band dismissing new fans because they don’t know obscure facts, or weren’t “there in the beginning,” it serves no point but to make the gatekeeper feel smug and push new points of view, new insights, and new innovations out of the community.
Remember, everyone is out here for their own reasons, with their own priorities and needs. We’re all different, so it makes sense that we’d have our unique ways of camping. Whether you’re in a tent, a van, a skoolie, a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, a class A, B, or C, or even AirBnB-ing it: All that matters is that it works for you and your travel companions, and doesn’t unduly damage the earth. If the way you’re traveling isn’t working for you, of course, tell us what your pain points are and maybe we can suggest changes to make travel more enjoyable for you!
How To Do Better
Tonight, whether we’re cooking a stew over a campfire or heating up a casserole in an Instant Pot, let’s think about our motivations when we choose to comment. Am I commenting for myself, or for the poster? Is my comment growth-focused or limiting? Is my comment kind and helpful? Am I showing respect and tolerance? With that, we as a community, in any community, can do much better.