Happy Campers - Retired
Green Lights: Signs They Do Want to Associate
They linger after the initial greeting. If you wave or say hello, and instead of just turning back to their task, they put down what they’re doing, step closer. Some might ask questions like, “How long are you staying?” or “Where are you guys headed next?” They are opening the door for a real conversation.
Open body language: They make eye contact, smile, uncross their arms and point their bodies toward you when you speak. If they invite you to step closer to their site (“Come on over and have a seat”), that’s a very strong positive sign. Happy Campers love to share food, gear tips, lies and stories. If they offer you something like a cold drink, extra firewood or a freshly caught fish and then follow up later to check in on you, they are interested in building a rapport.
Initiating future contact: Phrases like, “Are you guys going to be around the fire later?”, “Let us know if you want to hike that trail with us tomorrow,” or even just waving enthusiastically when you walk past their site shows genuine interest. Campers are notoriously protective of their space, but if they actively encourage their children to play with yours or bring their dog over to meet yours, it’s a social bridge. There will always be some sociable & unsociable campers. Don’t get offended because some just want to be left alone.