Camping

Camping is old, going back to the first people on earth. Adam and Eve were the first campers in our world, being banished into the wilderness outside the protective walls of the Garden of Eden. Even waaaay back then, certain things were a necessity. Shelter, water and food - in that order. Fire would be right up there at the top too as it provided warmth, the ability to cook and ward off wild animals as well as for light. All throughout history, humans have camped out of necessity. In today's modern world, we camp for the enjoyment the experience affords us. We have come so far from the basic necessities of life, that going back to them becomes a novel experience and one that many hearts relish and unknowingly crave. There is nothing quite like being out in the wilderness, gazing up at a star-filled sky that seems so close you can touch it - and not feel the reality of the One who made all of it, including you. Small, insignificant things suddenly become a focus because you have time to stop, look, listen and explore: plants, insects, birds, trees, rocks, wildlife. God created an entire world of interesting things and places for us to enjoy and explore - take the time to do it!

Camping brings humanity into God's playground...

The following hymn is a very special hymn and speaks directly about God's world - the natural playground He created for all of us. This hymn was written by a young minister in the late 1800's. Maltbie Babcock often hiked and exercised in the wilderness near his home and felt a closeness with God each time. He wrote this hymn to reflect the wonder he found in God's world. This hymn will follow you through each link on this webquest. Try to memorize it, it will come back to you when you are out camping and hiking and enjoying God's playground.

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/t/i/s/tismyfw.htm

And this link tells about Maltie Babcock:

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/b/a/b/babcock_md.htm