[startupfounder]

I would extend this and say start doing more things alone without technology.

It's about building trust with yourself, believing in you to be able to not only survive any situation, but to thrive.

We use people and technology as a social crutch and it limits our understanding of ourselves.

I hitchhiked throughout New Zealand by myself when I was 18 for 6 months and although it was a little uncomfortable and even scary at first I learned to trust myself and I built a huge amount of confidence that I still carry with me today.

Put yourself in situation where you have to trust strangers and in those authentic interactions you will see that humans around the world are really beautiful and loving and learn that it applied to yourself too.

My recommendation even for a weekend is to pack a small carry on size backpack with no electronics (phone, laptop, etc.) and go somewhere that you have never been in a way that you have never traveled. Hitchhike to Yosemite and find a place to camp and a fire to share.

[collyw]

It amazed me recently in a trek in the Hymalayas, there were some younger trekers, listening to music on iPods / iPhones the whole way, plodding along, they didn't even seem to notice the spectacular scenery. I am assuming it was just another facebook post to them.

[meric]

I don't know how to camp or maintain a fire. Would you still recommend it?

[bmelton]

Not to be glib, but there's only one way to learn, really.

Maintaining a fire isn't all that hard, and neither is pitching a tent, after you've done it once.

That said, I would personally recommend camping your first time with others, even if just on a meetup group or something (there's probably one in your area if you look, and if there's not, you can start one), though it's not critical.

Pitching a tent can be frustrating, but if you get to your campsite while there's still plenty of light, it's not that hard. Avoid doing it at night until you get experience, and you should be fine. As for starting a fire, take a piece of fire log and a lighter. Add small sticks and progressively larger ones. Read an article about it or two. It isn't that hard, though plenty of folks are opinionated about it -- like starting a fire with charcoals.

My email address is in my profile, and I'm an insanely avid camper / hiker, so feel free to email me, and I can give you tips, checklists, etc., etc.

[lfowles]

> As for starting a fire, take a piece of fire log and a lighter. Add small sticks and progressively larger ones. Read an article about it or two. It isn't that hard, though plenty of folks are opinionated about it -- like starting a fire with charcoals.

Or, use your bag of Doritos you brought along as a fire starter (More likely if car camping, but not all camping needs to be in the middle of nowhere. If you're located in the US, your local state park might be near empty outside of peak months.)

[Gustomaximus]

For a first timer, going with people is preferable, not just for safety but they can show you how to camp comfortably. Solo for a beginner would be fine if carefully planned. Head somewhere with popular/easy to follow trails, comfortable weather and reasonably close to civilisation to mitigate risk. Camping can be such a valuable experience, though it's only fair to say some people hate the roughing it side of things.

I noticed you've posted an SMH link. If you're in the Sydney area I'd be happy to take you out. I really enjoy introducing people to the outdoors. I'm an infrequent camper these days but still head out a few times a year.

[maaku]

It's very easy to learn. Find someone willing to go camping with you for a weekend and teach you the basics. It'll really just take a few hours and you'll enjoy the rest of the time.