For many Oregonians, camping seems to be hardwired into their DNA. However, for newcomers and urban transplants, the idea of spending nights under the stars can feel daunting. Hillsboro resident, Lestarya Molloy, knows this hesitation well — she didn’t find comfort in the wilderness until later in life.

“I didn’t grow up camping,” Lestarya said. “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.”

Realizing many others shared her initial uncertainty about the outdoors, Lestarya left her project management career in 2023. Together with her husband, Scott, she launched Fridie Outdoors — a website and app dedicated to helping beginners build their outdoor confidence.

“We’re empowering people to get camping and outdoors,” she said. “We focus particularly on people of color who’ve been underrepresented in outdoor recreation.”

Beyond their digital platform, Lestarya and Scott Molloy put their mission into practice by guiding novice campers in person. They view camping not just as recreation, but as a way to improve mental and physical health.

“Oftentimes we’re working a lot, we’re always thinking about ‘let me do the chores, let me get that laundry,’ right?” Lestarya reflected. “But at the end of the day, we have to really start connecting our health and well-being with camping and the outdoors.”

Last June, they hosted six aspiring outdoor enthusiasts — a mix of beginners and intermediates — for an overnight experience at Oxbow Regional Park. Gabrielle Joyce, 34, had camped a few times but was looking to gain more experience.

“What I’m looking forward to learning is more tips and tools to be comfortable with camping,” Gabrielle said. “Learning about how to set up my tent or my sleeping situation would be really cool.”

Portland resident Wilson Nitunga, 30, had never camped in the wilderness before and was hoping to break out of his comfort zone and try something new.

“I just wanted to reset,” Wilson said. “I wanted to do something different. … Intentionally camping, for me, it’s something different.”

Gearing up for adventure

The journey began with a crash course in camping essentials. Campsites at Oxbow are car accessible, so Lestarya was able to pack plenty of camping gear in her truck. She began unloading items and laying them out on the ground — explaining that there are only a few things needed to make camping feel comfortable.

“A tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad is really what you need at a minimum,” Lestaya said. “And then building in some other essentials like a first aid kit or a headlamp.”

Lestarya patiently walked them through each item, emphasizing comfort and practicality over complexity. She even spoke about how she goes about choosing tent sizes — the farther her campsite is from her car, the smaller the tent she’ll bring because bigger tents are heavier and harder to carry long distances.

“Weight is most important when you’re needing to carry your tent,” she said. “When you’re backpacking, you’re going to want something that’s very light.”

The campers’ anticipation seemed to grow as Lestarya finished explaining all the gear. Wilson smiled as he walked toward his car to unpack.

“This is going to be beautiful,” he exclaimed. “I love this.”

With gear in hand, the group ventured to their campsites. The real test began as they faced their first challenge.

“You ready to set up your tents?” Lestarya asked.

Pitching in and pitching tents

The group booked three adjacent campsites and set up about three tents per site. This allowed Lestarya and Scott to float around offering help when needed. Gabrielle and first-time camper, Mujidat Saaka, 34, decided to share a tent.

“This is my first time putting a tent together,” Mujidat said. “It can’t be IKEA-level difficult, right?”

Wilson said he was actually surprised at the simplicity of building his tent.

“Yo, this is actually easier than I thought,” he said.

Then under his breath — speaking only to himself — he said: “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

The air buzzed with a mixture of determination and laughter as the campers wrestled with poles and fabric. As tents began to take shape, a sense of accomplishment permeated the group. Even those who initially struggled found their footing.

Lestarya helped Wilson hammer in the last stake to hold his tent in place.

“There you go,” she said. “You got it!”

“Let’s go!” Wilson cheered.

Most people associate camping with fond memories with family and friends. Growing up in Burundi, East Africa, Wilson had a much different experience.

“I feel like I have to let go of a lot of trauma that I associated with the word camp,” he reflected. “I lived in a refugee camp as a child, and so the word camp does not necessarily connect with peace, nature.”

Kindling and culinary connections

With shelters secured, attention turned to the heart of any camping experience: the campfire. Lestarya guided the group through the process, explaining the importance of using local firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.

“You can unknowingly bring bugs in,” Lestarya said. “Which aren’t good for the trees.”

The campers then set out looking for tinder, for igniting the fire, and kindling, for catching the flames and building them up to easily ignite the firewood.

As flames flickered to life, so did conversations among the campers. Most of the group had never met before, and the campfire became a catalyst for conversation and connection.

“Being out here really just removes the distractions,” Lestarya said. “And so it provides this space of just being present – that deepest part of camping and what it can do for folks.”

As evening approached, Lestarya introduced the group to the joys of outdoor cooking.

“We’re doing hot pot for dinner,” she announced, setting up a two-burner camp stove. The campers gathered around, eager to learn and participate.

The meal preparation became a communal affair, with everyone pitching in to chop vegetables, stir the pot, and set up the dining area. The aroma of simmering broth filled the air, mingling with the scent of pine and campfire smoke.

“I could get used to this,” Wilson said as he chopped carrots.

As they sat down to enjoy their meal, the group reflected on their experiences.

“Although we’re just all kind of getting to know each other, we’re very unified in the thought and the belief that we’re here to enjoy this experience,” Mujidat shared.

S’more memories in the making

“Who’s ready for s’mores?” Lestarya asked before a smattering of raised hands.

No camping trip would be complete without s’mores, and Lestarya made sure this classic treat was on the menu.

As marshmallows were skewered and held over the fire, the group was all laughs and smiles. Mujidat, who had never had a s’more, was excited to give it a try.

“I’m ready for the chocolate.” she said. “What do you do? How do you do it?”

Wilson appeared to be in deep thought as he relished his first bite.

“Yo, this is fire,” he exclaimed.

As the evening wound down, the campers retired to their tents. Armed with headlamps and lanterns, they bid each other goodnight, many to spend their first evening ever sleeping under the stars.

Dawn of a new perspective

As morning broke, the campers emerged from their tents and headed for the campfire where Scott was handing out coffees he made on a portable stove. Wilson reflected on his first voluntary camping experience.

“It was better than I expected. It was good,” he said. “Just waking up, hearing the sound of nature, the birds in the morning. I definitely think I’m going to do this again. Definitely.”

This sentiment echoed through the group as they packed up their gear and prepared to head home. What had started as a daunting challenge for many in the group ended up being an enjoyable experience filled with laughs and fellowship.

Lestarya is accustomed to seeing the change of heart beginners often have after their first night of camping. Everyone gave each other hugs and took photos before departing.

“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,’” she said. “That is magic.”

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/novice-campers-embrace-the-great-outdoors/