We had our first overnight camping trip to the forest called Jegersberg on the 31st of January 2018. This location is about 10 minutes’ walk north of campus so it was not a very strenuous walk at all. The weather was very rainy and cloudy with ice on most paths as Len demonstrated to us so well by slipping over. This camp was a test run for our gear and also a way to develop our group chemistry through dynamic group games targeted at keeping warm and active.
Learning outcomes
Firstly, in regard to equipment I learnt how to use red spirit in the storm kitchen as I had not used it before and found that it was quite a simple task. I had used a storm kitchen before but not red spirit. The positives of the kitchen were that it protects the flame with the high walls and is easy to transport. Positives of the red spirit were that it is easy to start but negatives are that you have to be careful when lighting it as it can spread quickly and takes a while to heat food up compared to gas. On top of this we had not set up the tent we were using before so it took longer than it normally would however we now know how it works and what the procedures are which is important for when we use it in wet or colder weather. I also realised I packed too much for one night’s camping by packing too many clothes and unnecessary extra items I now know I don’t need.
Secondly, in our lectures we had learnt about ‘Allemannsrett’ a traditional right which comes under the Outdoor Recreation act ensuring the right of everyone to camp anywhere as long as it is 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin and hike wherever they please as long as the nature is respected and it is uncultivated land (Miljøstatus.no 2017). This was demonstrated in Jegersberg as we could camp wherever we pleased but had to respect the nature. Each nationality were given food to cook with and we all prepared meals for each other to try afterwards. This was a way to test what foods were easy to prepare and what kind of nutrition they gave us. This gave us a good insight into how many different meals we can prepare quickly and with little fuss.
As mentioned we learnt some dynamic games targeted at keeping us active and warm from each nationality group. There were some good games especially the British group’s game which was fun and of a high intensity.
Overall it was a beneficial trip and helped me to gain some knowledge into what will be required for our next trips.
Reference List
Miljøstatus 2017, Filufstliv and Allemannsretten, Miljøstatus.no, retrieved 12 February 2018, <https://translate.google.no/translate?hl=en&sl=no&u=http://www.miljostatus.no/tema/friluftsliv/allemannsretten/&prev=search>