The Great Campground Shift: From Weekend Hustle to Weekday Peace
Ever notice how a campground's vibe changes from a bustling weekend to a peaceful weekday?
I have.
At some, there’s no difference. But at this northwest Illinois campground, weekend life is noticeably different than the weekdays.
Friday afternoon…
I spend the afternoon watching the weekend Camper’s roll in.
At this campground, the place fills to the brim every weekend. Some are passing through but many are Locals escaping their weekday life for a couple days of campground fun.
The kids are excited. There’s always a fair amount of running about with squeals of excitement.
Saturday…
The campground has themed activities for kids and adults.
The afternoon activity is a terrainables ride. The ride is for kids but, once in a while, there’s a big kid riding.
The evening is topped off with a hay wagon ride through the campground - no hay, just a hay wagon with people laughing and having fun.
One of my favorite weekend activities…
The golf carts parades are fun! But they only have a few each year… like Christmas in July.
Camper’s decorate their golf carts with lights and decor. Then, just after dark, they parade through the campground with Christmas lights glowing. You can almost smell cinnamon and warm spices in the air.
Sunday morning…
I watch the weekend Campers slowly emerge from their campers, cabins, and tents.
There’s a sense of let-down in the air - probably that looming feeling that the weekend is almost over and tomorrow it’s back to work or school.
The mass exodus is about to begin…
A few campers leave early but many savor their last moments… leaving just before the check-out deadline. A random few extend their stay to late afternoon.
Soon, all that remains are the long term Camper’s and those who don’t have to return to work, school, or other obligations bright and early Monday morning.
Parting Thoughts…
Tomorrow morning begins the weekday routine. There are still plenty of people camping but the pace is slower and the quietness returns.
During the week, the campground staff mow, maintain the campground, and prepare for the weekend hustle.
And just like that, the quiet, subtle shift from weekend to weekday restores the campground to a place of peace and calm.
Connie 🪵
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