outdoor camping, camping cookware
When I was a teenager, my parents took us outdoor camping each summer. It was one of the highlights of my summers! Only, we didn't do the typical outdoor camping experience, where you find a spot on a mountain and pitch a tent, hang out around the campfire for the night and pack up the next day. No, we went primitive outdoor camping.

When we got to camp, we found a bare spot under the towering pine trees. We unloaded 8 foot poles off the top of our vehicle, and dad built our teepee. The process of setting up for primitive outdoor camping took a bit longer than that of regular everyday camping. We couldn't just light up a gas grill. We had to build a fire pit and set up for cast iron cooking. Our camping cookware was well-seasoned, and our food was really good!
We paddled canoes around the lake, threw tomahawks at playing cards and dad participated in the black powder shooting events. We also dressed in period clothing. No, it was not your average outdoor camping.

The reason that I looked forward to outdoor camping with my family each summer was the community of other primitive campers that we went with. We attended rendezvous several summers in a row, so we got to know people pretty well during those outdoor camping experiences. I knew that I could expect to send a week with friends having a great time!