U.S. culture: learn about camping in the United States!
Is camping popular in your country?
In the United States, people often go camping, especially during the warmer months.
But what are some of the typical things to do when camping in America?
In this short video lesson on U.S. culture, you’ll find out what Americans like to do when they go camping.
You’ll also learn some useful words for talking about this topic.
After watching the video, try our little quiz below to see how much you can remember. Happy learning!
Level: Pre-Intermediate to Upper Intermediate (A2-B2)
Video: YES!
Vocabulary
Here are some useful words that appear in the video.
A tent
A “tent” is an object made of fabric that you make and then sleep in.
To pitch a tent
If you “pitch a tent”, you make the tent so you can sleep in it.
A campsite
An area where you can put your tent so you (or your family, friends, etc.) can sleep there.
A campground
An area of land with many campsites in it where many people can put their tents.
Hiking
The activity of going for long walks in the countryside.
Kayaking
The activity of traveling in a kayak: a long boat that you sit in and move with paddles (flat sticks).
A campfire
A small fire you make with leaves, sticks, tree branches, etc. that you can use to cook food or keep warm.
To roast food
If you “roast food” while camping, you cook the food over an open fire.
A s’more
A type of sweet food that people make when camping. It consists of a marshmallow and a layer of chocolate placed between two pieces of Graham cracker. See the video for some images and an explanation on how to make one.
A cracker
A thin, flat, hard biscuit that you can eat with cheese, etc.
A scary story
A frightening story with ghosts, witches, monsters, demons…
Messy
If food is “messy”, it falls onto your fingers or face as you’re eating it.
Video quiz
You’re going to watch a video with someone talking about camping in the US. Watch it once and answer the questions below. [answers below]
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How long do people go camping for?
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Where do people camp?
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Where do people tell the scary stories?
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What activities do people do during the day?
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Where do people make the s’mores?
Speaking
Now talk about this topic with a friend or classmate. Make notes and try to use as much of the new language as you can.
Video script
Going camping
Hello, my name is Savannah and I’m a student from the US and today we are going to be talking about going camping.
So, going camping is a fun outdoor activity that many families participate in throughout the year. Erm, and although families and friends may camp in different ways, there are many shared aspects of camping. Erm, and so today, we’re going to be talking about some of these aspects and what are some of the basics of camping!
What is camping?
Camping typically involves traveling somewhere, er, remote or somewhere to be more in nature, erm, you usually pitch a tent, and staying there for a night, the weekend, a week, or more depending on how long your trip is. Camping can be a time where you get away from the everyday routine of life and get some fresh air. Many people will rent out a camping site in a national park or in a campground where they can set up a tent and stay. In other instances, people will take a multiple-day hiking trip and will camp along the route.
What typically occurs during camping?
Typical activities during camping will include roasting hotdogs, s’mores, campfires, telling stories and scary stories, and just catching up around the fire. A common activity for families is to tell scary stories around the campfire. So, these stories can be real, creative, or a little of both! During the day, some people will partake in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or exploring.
What are s’mores?
S’mores are a delicious treat that are a classic for, er, camping in the US. So, in the evening, usually everyone typically gathers around a campfire. To make a s’more you need Graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and of course the campfire. And so usually you find a long, thin stick and you put the marshmallow on it and then you roast it over the fire. Once the marshmallow is golden-brown, you put the marshmallow between two pieces of Graham cracker and some chocolate. And then you have a delicious s’more. Usually they are a little bit messy and sticky, but they’re really great and very fun to make and be with family and enjoy.
Enjoy!
Overall, camping is a great way to spend time with family and friends in the outdoors, and in the fresh air! Just remember to bring your marshmallows for s’mores and have a great time! Thank you!
Answers
Video quiz
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How long do people go camping for? They go camping for a night, the weekend, a week or more.
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Where do people camp? People camp either in a national park or campground, or along a route.
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Where do people tell the scary stories? They tell the scary stories around the campfire.
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What activities do people do during the day? They go hiking, kayaking or exploring.
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Where do people make the s’mores? They make them on the campfire.
