Bermuda has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world for camping and is a great way to spend enjoyable time with your family. Nature's classroom is sure to impress any camper with all the natural beauty Bermuda reflects. It is important to remember that a camping permit is required.

Every time our family camps we learn something new and we leave with lots of pleasant memories. It is an extremely nurturing pastime for adults to spend with children.

Nothing beats picnics at the beach, grilled suppers under a starry night sky, and the freedom to do fun things like fish off the rocks and swim in turquoise, calm seas.

The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation offers structured camping at five locations: Darrell's Island, Messina House, Paget Island, Port's Island and White's Island.

Darrell's Island, located within the Great Sound, offers 14 individual rustic campsites with a maximum of 30 campers per site. Each site is unique in size, surroundings and view and there are washrooms with showers.

Messina House is the only camp located on the mainland of Bermuda on Bermuda's West End between Somerset and Dockyard in Sandys Parish. Only one group of 30 maximum campers is accommodated at a time.

It has a number of rooms, all at ground level, and there are several bedrooms with bunk beds to accommodate campers in a dormitory arrangement.

A special attribute is the small gymnasium behind the main house, which has a washroom and shower facilities. The gym can be used for a variety of activities such as sports, games, seminars and special events.

Additionally, there is a large open grass area on the waterfront and a dock that can be used by campers and ferry service is available from the dock.

Messina House provides campers with the luxuries of restaurants, shops, ferry and bus transportation within easy walking distance.

Paget Island is probably the sparkling gem of all of these options as it is a 36-acre island near the entrance to St. George's Harbour. This island, named for William, Fourth Lord Paget, is very exciting and enchanting with a tranquil lagoon about 70 yards inland.

This paradise provides an atmosphere for the serious camper with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

It is about seven minutes by boat away from the Town of St. George. If you need to nip in there, the old town provides quaint shops, the famous Robertson's Drug Store and the Supermart. It is fun just walking around looking at the architecture.

Paget Island's waterfront is picturesque and is excellent for fishing and swimming. There are several walking trails that encircle the island with spectacular views of the ocean, St. George's and other islands.

The beaches are relatively secluded and there are several beaches within the shade of trees.

Port's Island is located within the Great Sound and consists of 20 acres. Local and overseas groups vie for a chance to camp here each year.

Only one group is accommodated at a time, with a maximum of 70 campers.

This modern facility offers numerous swimming and fishing areas and the site is also suited to snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is ideal for young swimmers and sunbathers. Just off the main dock area are two diving boards.

A lovely walking trail circles the outskirts of the Island and breathtaking scenery leads the camper to the 'chapel church in the trees', the yellow fever graveyard and other historic points of interest. It is only a 20-minute boat ride from Hamilton.

The most important gear for camping is a good tent if you are camping outdoors. When choosing a tent for use at a campground, maximum space and comfort (and sometimes the view, especially in Bermuda), are the biggest considerations.

If you have ever looked out onto Kindley Field Road at Cup Match you will have noticed how luxurious tents can be. Generally they are tall enough to stand up in and feature ventilation panels or windows more like a vacation home.

Bermudians are some of the most sophisticated campers in the world with additional rooms or integrated screen houses ideal for families seeking separate living and sleeping quarters.

Dome tents are smaller and less expensive that cabin tents but they do offer less room. They are easier to put up and take down and make them ideal for overnight trips.

Whatever your tent is, using a ground cloth will protect the floor of your tent from rocks, roots and dirt and extend the life of your investment.

Another must idea for camping is the sleeping bag. Many campers prefer a rectangular-style sleeping bag. Coleman is a good brand. The rectangular models offer more room for a comfortable and unrestricted night's sleep. They zip together easily to for a double bag or can be unzipped all the way to make a comforter.

What's camping without barbecues or hibachis to cook upon? Some prefer the little Coleman cook stoves with the green canisters of gas that simply attached to the small stove. Be sure to have aluminium foil for your cooking ventures. One of these little stoves will also be nice for brewing your morning coffee in your metal camp pot.

It is very important to have sturdy coolers and a large volume of water containers prevent trips back to civilisation to restock.

Do not forget your portable furniture such as the folding chairs and tables to make mealtimes and campfire stories more enjoyable. Folding cots and foam mattresses make sleeping outdoors a luxury.

A few essentials include items such as a Swiss Army knife or variation of that, a first aid kit - always with a bottle of aspirin, lanterns and flashlights, insect repellent, water bucket, camera/binoculars, compass, fire starter, and, nowadays, a cell phone.

Although I was never a Girl Scout I have always loved camping for short intervals and it is fun to appreciate nature.

Generally I encourage my young daughter, age 11, to look for butterflies while we hike and to observe birds. I stress the importance of sturdy footwear and always hiking with a friend or relative.

I generally select a sturdy walking stick to clear our trail and sometimes to lean on during rest periods. The sign of a good hiker is if you never even know they were there, especially if you bring a dog.

We plan to teach our child the art of rowing this summer and we always encourage her artistic renditions with sketching and photography.

We enjoy reflecting on our family vacations and relating funny episodes to friends and relatives. The best advice about camping comes from the Boy Scouts, "Be prepared".

Henry David Thoreau said: "It is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination."

If you are interested in having a memorable camping adventure, call The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation for permit details at: 295-0855 or fax: 295-6292.