not trying to blow my own trumpet. Last year we helped people pitch tents and lent people our electric pump ( sat and watched for a few minutes while they used a footpump first )and when we left gave the food away. That's what it's all about isn't it? That's why we love camping.
Yep, I've helped out a few times when we've seen newcomers who are very obviously keen but struggling.
One such occasion was a mother and her very young daughter (probably no more than about six or seven years old) who had been dropped off by an elderly gent. She was trying to erect a large dome with two side pods when it started to piddle down. The rain was joining the tears on her cheeks. Took nearly an hour to pitch fully and we were soaked through by the time we'd finished. A couple of days later I noticed she was preparing to decamp so I went over to help again. The old guy turned up again just as we were finishing and apologised that he couldn't do much due to heart problems. When she was out of earshot he also explained that it was his daughter and that her husband had died a few months before but she was determined to camp that weekend because she and her husband had booked it and promised their little girl a holiday in the countryside. Nearly choked me.
On the other hand, I've also sat and watched whilst quietly laughing inside at some of the very bad tempered persons who I wouldn't give the time of day to. Why do such persons go camping if makes them so stroppy and unhappy?
When I first past my driving test at 18 I took my 65yr old aunt camping to Blackpool for the weekend. When we got there the rain stoated down nonstop. Soon it became apparent our 3 man tent was letting in water so we resorted to us both plus dog trying to sleep in a tiny Fiat 126. Two young lads offered us to share their tent which being strangers we declined, still wanting to help they put their seats down in their estate car, moved it beside our tent and left us their car keys so we could lock ourselves in and feel secure. They made us nice hot tea too.
We were very grateful! From that day it taught me how helpful campers are with one an other and I try to be a helpful camper too.
Last year on a site near Port Grimaud our friends kindly handed on to us a particularly ripe Camenbert, as they were leaving before us. We left it in the tent for the day and came back to find it was ready to walk out. I hate to throw good food away but couldn't quite face actually eating it. So we offered it to the lovely Dutch couple opposite, they had an fridge, and to my delight the lady said she was very partial to smelly cheese. We were very glad to be able to find it a new home!!