Dave Carver
There’s something magical about the moment the sun dips below the horizon, and the stars begin to shimmer overhead, especially when you’re gathered around a crackling campfire. The warmth of the fire pulls you in, the orange flames flickering and dancing, while the scent of pine and wood smoke fills the air. Camping isn’t just an outdoor activity; it’s an experience that brings us back to something simple and timeless. It’s a reminder to slow down, to connect with the world and with each other.
Setting up the tent feels like the beginning of a small adventure. The sound of tent pegs being hammered into the ground and the snap of the canvas as it’s stretched tight creates a sense of accomplishment. It’s your home for the night, your little sanctuary under the trees. Once the tent is up, it’s time to gather firewood— a task that never seems to lose its sense of purpose. There’s something primal about collecting those sticks and logs, knowing they’ll provide warmth and light as darkness falls.
The day is filled with activities— fishing by the lake, hiking through the woods, maybe even a dip in a cool stream— but the evening belongs to the campfire. As the sky turns from gold to deep blue, the fire becomes the focal point. One by one, everyone drifts toward it, settling into camp chairs or finding a spot on a log. There’s an unspoken pull, a quiet comfort in sitting around the fire, where conversation flows naturally, and the everyday worries of life seem far away.
The fire isn’t just for stories, though. It’s the heart of campfire cooking, and there’s nothing quite like food made over an open flame. Hot dogs skewered on sticks are a staple, sizzling and popping as they roast over the fire. The simple act of cooking your own dinner this way, the hot dog just slightly charred and smoky, is a joy all its own. That first bite, paired with mustard or ketchup, takes you right back to childhood no matter how old you are.
And then there are the s’mores. The timeless ritual of toasting marshmallows over the fire brings out the child in everyone. There’s always a debate—golden brown and perfectly toasted, or a bit charred for those of us too impatient to wait. Either way, the marshmallow, squished between graham crackers and a square of chocolate, becomes a gooey, delicious treat that you can’t help but smile about. The sticky fingers, the chocolate smudges—it’s all part of the experience.
As the evening deepens, the stories around the fire get richer. Tales from past camping trips, memories shared, and even the occasional ghost story make the night come alive. There’s something about the glow of the fire that encourages honesty and laughter, a sense of closeness that can be hard to find in the rush of daily life. Sometimes, someone will even strum a guitar, the music drifting softly into the night, blending with the crackle of the fire.
And when the stories fade, and the music softens, there’s a quiet that falls over the group. It’s in those moments, sitting by the dying embers, that you can look up and feel the vastness of the world. The stars seem close enough to touch, the cool air is refreshing, and the simple act of sitting by the fire with friends or family feels like a gift. The world, for just a little while, is peaceful and perfect.
Camping brings us back to these moments of simplicity—of cooking over a fire, gathering wood, and telling stories under the stars. It’s a way to pause, to step away from the busyness of life, and to remember the joy of being present. Around the campfire, time slows, and you find yourself connecting to the things that really matter: good food, good company, and the warmth of the fire. These are the memories that stay with us long after the flames fade.
Greenfield resident Dave Carver is the HR director at BLC Outdoor Services and has volunteered with many local organizations. He is currently the chairman of the board for A Better Life Brianna’s Hope.
