In June 2025, a group of first-time campers gathered at Oxbow Regional Park in Oregon to learn the basics of outdoor lodging from local educators. Many attendees had limited experience and aimed to develop skills such as tent assembly, outdoor cooking and fire safety.
According to a detailed coverage of the event, workshop leader and Hillsboro resident Lestarya Molloy stated, “I didn’t grow up camping,” and added, “So I know what it’s like to be someone who’s curious to get into camping, but not necessarily having the know-how to do so.” She noted that she left a project management role in 2023 to co-found Fridie Outdoors with her husband, Scott, with the goal of improving access for underrepresented communities. She said, “We focus particularly on people of color who’ve been underrepresented in outdoor recreation.”
During the workshop, Molloy showed newcomers how to lay out poles, secure tent stakes and properly position a rainfly. She also told them, “A tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad is really what you need at a minimum.” Participants like Mujidat Saaka openly wondered about the complexity of camping gear, asking, “It can’t be IKEA-level difficult, right?” Another attendee, Wilson Nitunga, came with no camping background and remarked, “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
Molloy guided group meals by announcing, “We’re doing hot pot for dinner,” and encouraged those present to learn by doing rather than worrying about mistakes. She reminded everyone that transporting firewood can pose risks, saying, “You can unknowingly bring bugs in,” and advised them to check local regulations.
Nitunga mentioned spending part of his youth in a refugee camp. He indicated a desire to view camping in a new light, mentioning that hands-on instruction helped him better understand setup techniques. He took note of the educators’ encouragement and found the demonstrations useful.
Molloy highlighted the importance of a supportive environment. She observed, “Being out here really just removes the distractions,” and continued, “And so it provides this space of just being present – that deepest part of camping and what it can do for folks.” By the end of the gathering, she said, “We are doing something really special when people have worked up the courage to go on their first camping trip and leave saying, ‘You know what, I’m going to do this again.’ That is magic.”
Fridie Outdoors offers brief orientations to build confidence in essential tasks, such as safe campfire procedures and storing gear properly. Lestarya and Scott Molloy devote time to demonstrating each step, ensuring participants recognize that tent setup, lantern operation and food preparation can be simpler than expected.
Outside sources indicate that many campgrounds enhance the guest experience by providing step-by-step orientations or training sessions for novices. Staff who remain on-site can help newcomers navigate unfamiliar gear. Some locations even display simple placards around communal areas so visitors can quickly reference them when assembling tents or building a fire.
In addition, experts emphasize that outdoor hospitality providers often see higher satisfaction levels when inclusivity and emotional comfort are prioritized. Simple community-building events, such as small group activities or joint meal preparation, can encourage bonding. Highlighting nature’s benefits can also reassure campers who are uncertain about overnighting away from typical amenities.
In the source material, one participant reframed camping as a peaceful experience to overcome childhood trauma. Stakeholders can mirror that approach by offering settings where learners freely express concerns, share stories and rediscover the outdoors at their own pace. This structure can encourage repeat visits and build a positive reputation buzzing with word-of-mouth support.
From marshmallow roasting to collaborative cooking, attendees found moments to connect socially. Molloy believed such shared experiences could inspire novices to return for more adventurous outings. She stressed that small yet vital measures, like storing food safely and leaving campsites as clean as possible, are key to preserving natural habitats.
By the session’s conclusion, organizers saw many individuals expressing enthusiasm for future campouts. They appreciated the chance to learn in an environment dedicated to hands-on demonstrations and open conversation. Molloy underscored that a welcoming atmosphere can transform novices’ preconceived notions, leading them to embrace the outdoors with fresh confidence.