"A man writing is the scribe of all nature--he is the corn & the grass & the atmosphere writing." Henry David Thoreau

A recent study at Cornell University noted that stressful events do not cause as much mental distress "in children who live in high-nature conditions compared with children who live in low-nature conditions."

In fact, whether we know it or not, the main reason we enjoy camping is the relief and rejuvenation we receive from immersing ourselves in nature. To receive the greatest benefit of therapy from any camping trip, we need to attach ourselves to nature, easily done by observing and recording it with photographs and description.

Observation of nature is easy using the five senses, however, binoculars can increase your connection with the natural world by allowing you to notice the details of far away animals and landscapes.

A good pair of binoculars cost between $100 and $200. They are rated according to the power of their magnification, and by the size of the lens at the front end of the binoculars, called the objective lens. Ratings of binoculars will show in two numbers, such as 10 x 24. The first number relates to the magnification power, and the second number show the size of the objective lens in millimeters.

Binoculars that make far-off subjects appear ten times larger will have a rating of 10x. Eight times larger? 8x.

The larger the objective lens is, the more light it lets in. If you are typically outdoors in a wooded, shady area, you’ll want a larger objective lens.

Binoculars are also rated for their field of view, the spread of the viewing area in front of the objective lens. A wide field is good for watching animals, but wide field binoculars tend to be fuzzy at the edges. Binoculars should have a field of view rating between 250 and 375 feet.

Binoculars also feature different lens coatings and exit pupil sizes, but knowing the magnification, main light level and field of view should lead you to make the right selection of binoculars. Hikers may search speficially for lighter models, or models that are shock or water resistent. Also available are monoculars, (half a set of binoculars) which are lighter and take less storage space.

For nature photography, you should have a 35mm camera with a zoom lens to start. As you master the camera and lens, you may want to purchase a telephoto lens (and tripod for stabilizing the camera when using it), or a wide angle lens.

In these days of digital cameras, most cameras will come with settings for landscape shots, action shots, close-ups. For amateurs, automatic cameras are just fine.

You may, however, also want to purchase a few single-use cameras for any camping trip. You don’t want to carry a $500 Nikon on a white-water rafting trip, for example. Single use cameras are great for any situation where you may worry about the safety, or weight, of your ‘good’ camera.

For better photographs, use a fast shutter speed for birds, and set the camera’s exposure for the subject, and not the surroundings. Animals are less afraid of cars than humans, so if you see a critter along the road,get as close as you can in the car, then roll down the window to take the picture. If the animal is dangerous, keep a safe distance -- at least 100 yards away.

Although journaling isn’t a new concept, the ways a journal can become a published masterpiece has truly advanced with the digital age. Slide shows, movie clips, photo books and scrap books can all make your memoris last beyond your return home. If you plan to create any memory project from your escape into nature, it helps to take notes while you experience it.

A standard notepad and pencil or pen will suffice, but paper won’t work well wet, and pens won’t write well in the cold. It’s a good idea to take a pencil and store it, and your notepad, in a ziplock baggie.

Mini recorders are convenient alongthe hiking trail, to take notes quickly without stopping, and when your hands are full. Bring extra batteries, and store them and the recorder in a ziplock baggie.

Video recorders truly capture a moment, but can be heavier or bulkier compared to other options. If they are small and convenient, typically they have little storage space.

No matter what tools you use, if any, to observe nature, just being there increases your well-being. But by making a stronger connection and documenting your experience, Thoreau believed you create a record of the atmosphere, to take with you.