I think most people making these offers are well intentioned and actually mean to help, but I also think there are some flaws in this system and for some, it’s more a performative gesture.
For starters, at this point everyone knows what the code means- a secret code everyone knows is pretty useless. Remember places like Texas apply civil penalties- which don’t require one to disprove something beyond all reasonable doubt, just to standard that a reasonable person would accept. Secondly, even in criminal court using known code phrases cannot guarantee acquittal. If one texts a meth dealer arranging a deal for 2lbs of “ice” for $3200, it is unlikely any judge or jury would buy that is was very expensive frozen water being bought from this suspicious person. So there is the first issue, the “code” doesn’t really do much save perhaps bypass certain social media filters, though even that may be short lived.
There is a second and larger issue which revolves around the care and well being of the person seeking a “camping trip.” That is to say, most people making such offers aren’t connected and active in the sorts of networks and activities where they have experience or the networks to set up camping trips.
Many within the “full time camping community” are actually advising that for novice or no time “camp councilors” a better move to help those who want camping where it isn’t legal is to join networks and provide support that way, or to provide people with resources and information that are more local to them. Sadly, the possibility exists that bad actors might use this code to lure in women for whatever reasons they might conceive- that hasn’t happened that I know of yet, so no reason to “Fox News panic,” but it is a concern. Another concern is who is to pay for such “camping trips” and transportation?
When it comes to out of state camping, those with the resources to take time away and camp and recover out of state might appreciate help and support, it might ease their burden, but those aren’t the people who critically need the help or access to camping. This is another reason why it may be better to rely on networks and organizations that specialize in camping, they may have the funds or ability to facilitate transit and other matters or provide high quality camping at off the listings camp grounds etc. So I’m not knocking people who want to help or saying to judge people who are offering etc- I am saying that each individual making or taking such offers should probably consider some things that go beyond the initial impulse and really think about what is best in the circumstances.
For starters, at this point everyone knows what the code means- a secret code everyone knows is pretty useless. Remember places like Texas apply civil penalties- which don’t require one to disprove something beyond all reasonable doubt, just to standard that a reasonable person would accept. Secondly, even in criminal court using known code phrases cannot guarantee acquittal. If one texts a meth dealer arranging a deal for 2lbs of “ice” for $3200, it is unlikely any judge or jury would buy that is was very expensive frozen water being bought from this suspicious person. So there is the first issue, the “code” doesn’t really do much save perhaps bypass certain social media filters, though even that may be short lived.
Many within the “full time camping community” are actually advising that for novice or no time “camp councilors” a better move to help those who want camping where it isn’t legal is to join networks and provide support that way, or to provide people with resources and information that are more local to them. Sadly, the possibility exists that bad actors might use this code to lure in women for whatever reasons they might conceive- that hasn’t happened that I know of yet, so no reason to “Fox News panic,” but it is a concern. Another concern is who is to pay for such “camping trips” and transportation?