10/28/2025
No Manual, Just Momentum: Teaching Entrepreneurship Through the Lessons of Fall Camping
The Story
I went fall camping for the first time after being invited by a seasoned camping family. They were surprised I agreed to go since I usually avoid the cold, but I said yes, gathered what I had, bought a few essentials, invited my kids, and packed the van. We arrived after dark, lit a cozy fire, made s’mores, and admired the stars free of city lights. That first night, I layered on every blanket but still felt cold. The next morning was even colder. I did the walk of shame to the bathroom, shoulders slumped, realizing I wasn’t as prepared as others. The water was either scalding or freezing, but I managed. When I got back, my friend handed me a warm coffee, and I sat by the fire she had started. Later, we took two beautiful hikes through the park, surrounded by bright fall leaves reflecting off the black lake. That night, I borrowed a better sleeping bag and finally slept well. The next morning, I moved through my routine calmly, confident and comfortable. We ate toast over the fire and enjoyed a relaxed morning before heading home.
Personal Story with Entrepreneurial Parallels
1. I went fall camping for the first time after being invited by a seasoned camping family.
→ I started a new business after being inspired by others' experiences and lessons.
2. They were surprised I agreed to go since I usually avoid the cold—most people would have declined.
→ Others were surprised I stepped into something different. Many people stay in their comfort zone.
3. But I said yes, gathered what I had at home, bought a few essentials, invited my kids, and packed the van.
→ I said yes to the opportunity, used what I already had, invested in a few new tools, and built my team from those closest to me.
4. We arrived after dark. A cozy fire was already going, and we made s’mores under a sky full of stars unspoiled by city lights.
→ When I start a new business project, it is hard to see what was ahead. But I started to see some positive momentum.
5. That night, I layered on every blanket I brought but still felt cold. The next morning was even colder.
→ In the early stages, I used every resource I had, but the challenges still hit harder than expected. I didn’t have the right equipment but at least I started. The next phase tested me even more.
6. I did the “walk of shame” to the bathroom with my toiletries, shoulders slumped, aware that everyone could see my lack of preparation.
→ I faced the reality that I wasn’t as prepared as I thought. It was humbling to show up among people who seemed to have it all figured out.
7. I felt frustrated that others had better gear and seemed more experienced.
→ I compared myself to others who had better tools, funding, or systems.
8. The bathroom water was either scalding or freezing, but I managed to finish my morning routine.
→ The process felt unpredictable but I kept going and did what needed to be done to stay consistent even when it felt uncomfortable.
9. When I returned, my friend handed me a warm cup of coffee, and I sat by the fire she had started.
→ Mentorship and support showed up when I needed it most. Small acts of kindness from others kept me motivated.
10. Later, we went on two beautiful hikes around the state park, surrounded by vibrant fall leaves and reflections on the black lake.
→ Once I found my rhythm, I started to see results. The journey became beautiful as I paused to reflect on how far I’d come. While I have started businesses before this one was different and I used the skills I had from before on this new venture.
11. That night, I borrowed a heavy-duty sleeping bag someone offered me and slept better than I had in months.
→ I finally found a tool, strategy, or system that worked and it changed everything. Rest and stability followed.
12. I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t used it the first night.
→ I realized I could have made things easier sooner if I had listened, asked for help, or invested earlier. But I didn’t know what I needed until I started.
13. The next morning, I walked to the bathroom calmly, confident and at ease.
→ With experience came confidence. What once felt awkward now felt natural.
14. My routine went smoothly this time.
→ My systems were in place. What used to be messy now ran efficiently.
15. We enjoyed breakfast, toast cooked over the fire, and lingered at the campsite, relaxed and ready for the day ahead.
→ I began to enjoy the process. With lessons learned, I was ready for the next opportunity with calm and confidence.
Photographer: M. Rusczyk
