The promotion from all-day picnics to a two weeks' camping-trip is like going from school to college

The promotion from all-day picnics to a two weeks' camping-trip is like going from school to college

Henry Van Dyke was an American author, educator, and clergyman known for his inspirational writings and poetry. His works often focused on themes of nature, spirituality, and the beauty of the world around us. In his essay "The Spirit of America," Van Dyke compares the experience of going from all-day picnics to a two weeks' camping trip to the transition from school to college.

The promotion from all-day picnics to a two weeks' camping trip is like going from school to college in that it represents a significant step up in terms of both experience and maturity. Just as moving from school to college signifies a transition from childhood to adulthood, so too does the shift from a simple picnic to a full-fledged camping trip represent a move towards greater independence and self-reliance.

All-day picnics are a fun and carefree way to spend time outdoors with friends and family. They are a chance to relax, enjoy good food, and soak up the sunshine. However, they are also relatively short-lived and do not require much planning or preparation. In contrast, a two weeks' camping trip is a much more involved and challenging undertaking. It requires careful planning, organization, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Just as college requires a higher level of commitment, dedication, and responsibility than high school, so too does a camping trip demand more from its participants than a simple picnic.

Furthermore, just as college offers the opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and new experiences, so too does a camping trip provide a chance to push oneself out of one's comfort zone, learn new skills, and connect with nature in a deeper and more meaningful way. Henry Van Dyke understood the transformative power of nature and the outdoors, and he believed that spending time in the natural world could help us to better understand ourselves and our place in the universe.