5 Eco Tips to Glamp Your Camp!

As avid lovers of the outdoors, Ron and I value and appreciate any chance we get to heed the advice of Albert Einstein:

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.  

A few weeks ago, we got an opportunity to do just that in Silverado Canyon at a very special spot called Big Oak Canyon. If you recall our past post, Unplug & Recharge with the Power of Nature, we introduced you to the wonderful Jodie Levine – founder of Earth Roots Field School; a local non-profit dedicated to cultivating a sense of care and connection between children and the natural world.  Their mission then was to acquire land in Big Oak Canyon to host programs on their own property. That dream is now a reality as Earthroots is now in escrow to purchase 39 acres in Silverado Canyon from The Wildlands Conservancy.  We were invited to this majestic piece of property located in the foothills of Orange County, California for an overnight camping trip.

My parents were frequent campers and I’ve dipped my big toe in the camping pool on many occasions including Girl Scout camp, Student Government camp as an attendee, then serving as a camp counselor in my teens and later camping amidst the beaches of Hawaii.  That being said, I would say I fall more on the glamp side of the camp category than I’d like to admit. So, thankfully, our team captain (aka: Jodi), gave us a very thorough list of what to pack including the appropriate climate-controlled sleeping bags to rent from our local REI or Sports Chalet. We arrived on-site to discover running water (which came in handy during cleanup), a permanent dome tent, a porta-potty, and even a cooktop stove (wish we knew about tree camping tents then).  We began the day with a nature walk down to the gorgeous creek on-site, through the orchards and up to the helipad (and, uh no – we definitely did not fly in for this. That would be what we call extreme glamping) to witness panoramic stunning views of the canyon.  Next, it was time for some chow (insert dinner-bell chime).  Jodi had prepared pasta with fresh tomatoes and kale while, together, we cooked dessert in the form of Banana S’mores; the perfect recipe if you find yourself in an area with no fire permit on-site like us (see below).  My favorite part of the evening included Jodi serenading us with her guitar and singer-songwriter, nature-themed lyrics around our battery operated-candle-campfire. Yes, campers…you do what you can with what you have.

The five of us, adorned in PJ’s and knitted hats (thankfully this was on the list since the nights get surprisingly chilly), zipped our sleeping bags and nestled in for the eve (after the fun with flashlights by creating shadow creatures atop the tent ceiling. Hello inner-child!).  It was an early rise and shine as the morning sun peeked through the circular-shaped tent windows and friendly birds greeted their fellow nesting neighbors.  Breakfast was served in both vegan (fruits + nuts) and non-vegan (scrambled egg wraps) versions as we sipped on hot chocolate and water.  Next, it was time to hike the majestic mountains of Big Oak Canyon where Jodi pointed out bluebirds, woodpeckers, wasps, sage and poison oak (not to be confused with poison ivy; which doesn’t exist in California).  The hills were steep but worth every step.  So much greenery and life exist amidst this brush oasis nestled in this hideaway.  We made our own sage bundles to take home as a memoir of the experience.

Any camping trip can feel glamorous via proper preparation and by packing the appropriate provisions.  So, in true Healthy Home Dream Team fashion, we are providing our 5 Eco Tips to Glamp Your Camp to assure a safer and healthier excursion:

1.)  S’mores it Up – Sans the Guilt w/ Banana S’mores: We recommend substituting with organic bananas, Chocolotl (vegan + fair trade raw chocolate superfood) and organic Graham Cracker crumbs.

2.)  Slather on Safer Sunscreen: If in doubt, refer to the EWG’s 2013 Guide to Safer Sunscreens. One of our favorites: Goddess Garden.

3.) Light N’ Go with a Healthy Glow: This  Light n’ Go Bonfire Log is so unique and a must-have where fires are permitted!  You can use it virtually anywhere (fire pit, chimney, or fireplace; indoors or out) and create a beautiful bonfire with one match. No chemicals, just pure kiln dried beautiful white birch, with a paperboard firestarter.  Use this to cook marshmallows or food in a pan on top. WATCH NOW.

4.)  Bugs {and chemicals} Begone! Don’t prevent bugs while dousing yourself in a toxic stew of chemicals.  Try our fave brand by Ava Anderson Non-Toxic natural bug spray instead.

Related Article:

Toxic-Free Travel: 10 Tips to Healthier Trips (II)

Ron & Lisa’s Staycation Travel Adventure!

The Hard Rock Hotel + Resort Punta Cana: A RAVE Review

VEGAS: 6 Secrets to Green Your Trip to the Strip!

ROAD TRIP 101: An Eco-Getaway Up the California Coast

5 Quick Travel Tips to Avoid Getting Sick

5.)  Preserve Your Plates + Your Planet: Preserve recycled plastic dishware + cutlery can be reused hundreds – even thousands of times.

I can say that Big Oak Canyon was hard to leave, but new memories were created and a fresh breath of life filled each of us via a connection to the infinite beauty of nature – the land, the life, the air and water.  I suppose for many, the presence of a helipad and porta potty might be considered glamping, but we connected to the earth (sleeping directly on the ground) without Wi-Fi or technology for a few days.  Some people don’t want to give up their luxuries or amenities in exchange for a camping adventure and we say, There is no wi-fi in the forest, but we promise you will find a better connection. ~Anonymous

Top photo credit: Hello Misha