Sharing With Your Non-camping/Non-riding Friends

All of us have friends who don't share our enthusiasm for the RV, OHV, or camping lifestyle. Some may have tried it and rejected it but many have never even given it a chance and thus have no idea what they're missing. It can be both rewarding and challenging to bring them along on a weekend adventure. The key to success is planning and proper preparation. You might even be surprised how well a properly presented invitation might be accepted by even your hard-code environmentalist associates, but don't count on it.  Too many of the so-called "environmentalists" I know definitely subscribe to the "don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up" philosophy.  Sorry, I am, admittedly, a bit cynical on this subject, but with lot of personal experience to back it up.

RV guests. One of the most comfortable ways to introduce non-camping friends is to invite them along on an RV trip. Make sure you have enough beds in your RV or bring along an extra tent. Do whatever you can to make your guests comfortable. They will not be familiar with RV systems, so take a few minutes to show them how to turn on the water pump and how to operate the toilet. Remind them that while in camp you are on battery power and to turn off lights and appliances when they are not in use, but don't be pushy about it.  Also, if you're boondocking, remind them that the water is limited and show them how to perform routine tasks without wasting water. Find out if they have any food allergies or special preferences so you can accommodate their needs and tastes as you plan your menu. Encourage them to bring along favorite games and/or music or videos. Be sure they know how to dress for the climate and activities. Have them bring along any prescription medications they need. Involve them in pre-trip preparations, menu planning, in setting up camp when you arrive, and in routine tasks like building a fire and preparing meals. Guests should consider it a kid of working vacation and not expect to be waited on hand and foot. This isn't intended to "make them pay their way".  It gives them a better sense of involvement and will help them learn what camping is all about.

Tent camping guests. Bringing guests along on a tent camping trip may require a lot of additional preparation. If you normally use a small tent, you may need a larger one or, even better, a second tent for your guests.  The second tent is probably the better idea unless you and your guests are comfortable sleeping in the same "room". They are probably not used to sleeping on the ground. If they have any back problems they may need a cot or an extra thick pad to sleep on. As mentioned above, alert them how to dress for the climate and activities and to bring any necessary prescriptions with them. Involve them as much as possible in pre-trip preparations and in setting up and running camp when you get there. Help them choose their own tent site and set up their own tent, perhaps with your guidance.  They will probably not be aware of things like making sure they sleep with their feet downhill if the round isn't level.

OHV guests. Preparing your OHV guests will require a lot more work. Be sure they are dressed appropriately and if at all possible, are wearing proper safety gear. A helmet and goggles are essential for minimum protection. Gloves and sturdy boots are highly recommended. NEVER let them ride in flip-flops, sandals, or thin tennis shoes.  Most likely you will have to provide the safety gear for them to use but they should bring their own tough jeans and sturdy shoes or boots.  Unless you have verified they are already experienced riders make sure to take the time to go over controls and help them get started. Even with adults you should sit with them to make sure they understand and can use the controls properly. Take them for a little ride and explain how things work and what you are doing as you ride. A little extra time getting them started will prevent unnecessary damage to your equipment, your relationships, and to your friends!   Let them warm up and get used to riding on level ground near camp before taking them out on the trails. And when you do go out on the trails, choose routes that will be suitable for their emerging skills. You will want to include some fun places that are interesting so they don't get bored and get a chance to see how much fun it can be, but aren't too challenging so avoid technical sections that are clearly beyond their experience. Forcing them to ride beyond their skills is a sure way to sour them completely and could result in serious accidents that would spoil everyone's whole weekend. In most of the riding areas we frequented in southern California I could always find a section of little "roller coaster" hills that made excellent skill builders and were good places for beginners to get a feel for what they were doing.  They were fun to ride without being TOO challenging.  The trails winding over and around the hills and through the bushes were interesting enough to be fun for even experienced riders without presenting a danger to novices.

Campfire protocols are probably going to be new to your guests. Take time to explain what you are doing as you prepare and use your campfire. Demonstrate proper safety procedures for cutting wood and building the fire. Explain why camp chairs should always be removed from near the fire or at least folded and laid down flat when not in use so they don't get blown into the fire. Explain to them what can and cannot be burned in the fire. Tell them not to put non-combustible items like cans and batteries in the fire and to avoid plastic bottles that can give off toxic fumes and pressurized containers (like cooking sprays and whipped cream as well as paints, lubricants, solvents, hair spray and shaving cream) which can explode. You may even have to politely guide them to avoid blocking someone else's view of the fire (and access to the warmth).  Be sure to remind them to put away their camp chairs when they leave the fire.

Keep it clean! Teach your guests by instruction and example how to keep the campsite clean. "Pack it in, pack it out" is a long time slogan of back packers and "nature freaks", but it is also a rule of thumb for RV, OHV, and tent camping activities. Provide convenient trash containers near your food preparation and dining areas. It may take extra effort if your guests include young people who may resent having to live by your rules while on "holiday", but ultimately it is worth it. Not only will it make your life easier, your guests will be learning valuable lessons and outdoor skills and ultimately, EVERYONE will have a better time.

Find out what your guests like to do and plan some activities to cater to their preferences. You may learn some new things that will become part of your regular repertoire too. If you are going to share OHV activities with them, discuss the options ahead of time and plan rides that meet their criteria and give them opportunities to develop their emerging skills and interests while experiencing the fun of OHVing.

Share teaching moments with your guests. They may enjoy impromptu astronomy lessons as you sit by the fire or may want to learn more about the flora, fauna, geology, and history of your surroundings. If you take them places you frequently go you'll probably already know the answers to most of their questions. But if you're trying someplace fairly new to you, spend some time on the Internet and bone up before you go.

Avoid "showboating".   While it is a good idea to show them just how much fun camping or OHVing can be, don't overwhelm them with your advanced skills.  Give them time to adapt to the situation and let their interest in things evolve naturally.  Demonstrating the best and safest way to negotiate an OHV trail will be more productive and appealing than showing off your skills by riding wheelies up the hill!

Share the fun!