As much as you love the outdoors, you’re bound to have at least one friend who says “no way” whenever you bring up the idea of sleeping out in the woods. But you can win them over and share your passion with them, if you take the right approach to get your indoorsy friends to try the outdoors.
There are plenty of reasons your friends might not want to go outside. It’s hot. It’s cold. There are bugs! They can’t take a shower or (egad!) might have to dig their own latrine. They might get eaten by a bear. Take these objections one at a time. Don’t belittle their fears, but instead provide positive examples of your own experiences. Here are some other ways to try and change their outlook.
Start small. Invite your pal to an outdoor picnic or game day in the park to show them that the occasional insect or bead of sweat isn’t all that bad.
Ease them into the outdoors. Plan a day hike, or a one night stay at a campground that has showers and flushing toilets.
Tell them you have them covered. Letting them know you have all the camping gear already on hand, and that all they have to do is show up can help alleviate reluctance. No investment, no worries.
Play up the camaraderie. Tell them tales of the fun and interesting people you’ve met in your travels. Find common links between these folks and your friend. Invite a like minded group of people along to make your friend feel at ease.
Ply them with food and drink. Play up your campfire cooking skills by telling them about the delicious recipes you know. If they’re a foodie, appeal to their sense of cooking adventure. If that doesn’t work, come up with a great campout themed cocktail you can tempt them with.
Above all, make it fun! Sharing pictures and stories of all the great times you’ve had camping and hiking just might prove to your pal what they’ve been missing by staying inside.
Image via MattHurst
