The 16 Myers-Briggs® Personality Types on a Camping Trip
I recently took my family on a camping trip in the Smoky Mountains National Park. It was amazing, exhausting, beautiful, and filled with ups and downs (including a black bear knocking over containers outside our tent in the night!). During the trip I started imagining all the funny ways that each of the 16 personality types would react to life in the wild, in a tent, with the danger and beauty of nature all around. With that in mind, I penned this article. I hope you enjoy it!
Not sure what your personality type is? Take our in-depth personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) here.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 23 minutes
The ESTJ
Let’s start by turning our attention to the ESTJs – the camp’s self-appointed Chiefs of Doing Things The Right Way. They’re up at the crack of dawn, armed with a clipboard and a whistle, ready to impose some much-needed order on the wilderness. They’ve got a color-coded map, emergency procedures, and a detailed list of “approved” snacks. “No, you can’t eat that yet, Bob! It’s only 11:45, and trail mix is scheduled for 12:30!”
The ESTJs have split the day into 15-minute increments and have a detailed plan for every task – from tent assembly (which they’ve optimized for maximum efficiency) to marshmallow roasting (they’ve got a precise marshmallow-to-stick ratio).
Do we really need a spreadsheet for firewood collection?” someone might ask, only to be met with a blank stare from the ESTJ. To them, the answer is as obvious as the necessity of a map for a treasure hunt. Delegation is their second language – and they speak it fluently. Each camper has a specific responsibility, along with a due date and a contingency plan.
ESTJs are also practical, almost to a fault. They’re the ones bringing a solar-powered phone charger on a camping trip, “just in case”. They’re the reason everyone else can forget their bug spray and still have plenty to go around. But remember, if there’s one thing more predictable than an ESTJ with a plan, it’s an ESTJ with a plan B. So, buckle up, and let’s get camping – ESTJ style.
Find out more about ESTJs: A Look at the ESTJ Leader
The ENTJ
Now let’s zoom in on the ENTJs – the Strategic Visionaries of this camping escapade. ENTJs, with their sweeping vision and a burning desire to make camping a revolutionary conquest for power, will likely be found pacing the perimeter of camp. They’re the ones with a stick in hand, marking out new territories that could be added to the campsite. They’ve got grand designs for a combined zip-line and water purification system that runs off sustainable energy. All they need is a little more territory and a few spare hands to turn their dream into a reality.
They’re less inclined to bother with the ESTJ’s meticulously scheduled snack times. “Who needs trail mix on a precise timetable when we could be installing a WiFi hotspot on that tree over there?” they’d ask. The ENTJ is always thinking bigger and bolder, and their ambition is as vast as the forest itself.
But let’s not forget that the ENTJs will be perpetually locked in a low-key power struggle with the ESTJs. The ENTJ sees the ESTJ’s efficient marshmallow-to-stick ratio as a mere stepping-stone to their grand marshmallow flinging catapult. But, they’re diplomatic, always veiling their power plays with a veneer of reasonable suggestions for “camping optimization.” You can almost hear them say, “Sure, we could continue hoarding firewood, or we could invest in my patented thermo-radiating campfire that doubles as a raccoon deterrent.”
So, while the ESTJ is busy perfecting the existing system, the ENTJ is looking ahead, grasping for more, aiming higher, and figuring out how to take power over the wild.
Discover more about ENTJ: 10 Must-Read Books for ENTJs
The ENFJ
Then there’s the ENFJs – the camp’s self-titled Benevolent Dictators. While the ESTJs are color-coding their clipboards and the ENTJs are negotiating borders, the ENFJs are quietly devising their own, kinder version of a hostile takeover. Their weapon of choice? Empathy and a saccharine sweet smile.
You see, ENFJs have this uncanny knack for making you feel like you’re the only person in the world – or, in this case, the only camper in the forest. They’ll put an arm around you, hand you a cup of cocoa (extra marshmallows, just the way you like it), and before you know it, you’re spilling your life story and agreeing that, yes, maybe we should do a group hug every morning to foster unity and positivity.
With their deep focus on emotional well-being, ENFJs have the entire campsite bought into their “better, kinder” vision before lunchtime. Their coup d’etat is so soft, so cuddly, that the ESTJ won’t even notice they’ve lost control until the 12:30 trail mix is replaced with a consensual snack time where everyone can “eat when they feel their body is ready for nourishment”.
In the end, the ENFJ’s reign is so wholesome, so delightful, that you’ll forget it all started with a cup of cocoa and a smile. So here’s a toast to the ENFJs – the benevolent dictators of camping, proving that kindness, indeed, can move mountains (or at least, campers).
Find out more about ENFJs: 7 Ways That ENFJs Make an Impact
The ESTP
Finally, we reach the ESTPs – the camp’s adrenaline-fueled Mavericks of Mayhem. While the ESTJs are ordering everyone around and the ENTJs are scheming expansion, and the ENFJs are psychologically cuddling every camper into submission, the ESTPs are nowhere to be found. Why? Because they’re busy having actual fun!
The ESTPs have already scaled the tallest trees, swum across the widest rivers, and raced the fastest squirrels (they’re currently 3-2 up against the woodland creatures). Rules? Pfft. Who needs rules when you’ve got adventure, danger, and a possibly sprained ankle?
When the ESTJ calls for a scheduled task, the ESTP is already halfway up a mountain, shouting down, “Hey, does this count as collecting firewood?” As the ESTJ holds up a spreadsheet in despair, the ESTP is off exploring a cave, because who knows, there might be a bear to wrestle!
The ENTJ’s attempts at expansion are met with an eye roll and a cheeky grin. “You’re still working? Dude, life’s too short for blueprints. Let’s go cliff jumping!” The ENTJ’s meeting room? The ESTP has already used the blueprints as a sled down a particularly steep hill. “Trust me, it’s way more fun this way!”
And our benevolent dictator ENFJ? Well, their heart-to-heart sessions are constantly interrupted by the ESTP bursting in, wild-eyed and breathless, offering everyone the chance to “come see the biggest freaking snake you’ve ever seen!” More often than not, the campers follow. And just like that, the ENFJs’ group hug turns into a group snake-hunting excursion.
So here’s to the ESTPs – the wild, the unpredictable, the bringers of chaos and fun. You never know what will happen next, but you can be sure it won’t involve a schedule.
Discover more about ESTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ESTP, the Daredevil Personality Type
The ENTP
Now we arrive at the domain of the ENTPs – the camp’s resident Inventors of Improbable Things. If the ESTJs are the taskmasters and the ENTJs are the empire builders, then the ENTPs are the mad scientists, conjuring up wild ideas faster than a blazing campfire. “Why pitch a tent,” they ask, “when we can build a fully sustainable treehouse with zip lines for transportation?!”
They’ve got a pocket full of multi-tools, a head full of blueprints, and an uncanny ability to turn a simple camping trip into an episode of “Survivor.” While the rest of the camp is busy adhering to schedules and expanding territories, the ENTPs are elbow-deep in a marshmallow catapult construction, debating the optimal launch angle and wind speed for maximum marshmallow trajectory.
Don’t bother trying to argue with an ENTP. They’ve got a counter-argument ready before you’ve even finished your point. And they’re not just quick; they’re smart, too. They can outwit the squirrels, convince the birds to change their migration patterns, and have the bears questioning their diet choices.
But the ENTP’s ideas aren’t always… well, practical. Their camping hacks may include a solar-powered coffee maker (because who can truly enjoy nature without a good latte?), a hammock made from recycled fishing nets (it’s all about sustainability, people!), and a complex system of pulleys and levers designed to keep their food safe from wildlife (Never mind the fact that a simple, sturdy cooler would do the trick).
While they might bring a dash of chaos to the great outdoors, there’s no denying that the ENTPs are the spark that keeps things interesting around the campfire.
Find out more about ENTPs: A Look at the ENTP Leader
The ENFP
And now, we turn our attention to the camp’s charming and free-spirited ENFPs – the Inspirers, the champions of self-expression. After days of surviving the ESTJs’ drill sergeant routines, the ENTJs’ empire-building, and the ENFJs subtle manipulations, the ENFPs have had enough! They didn’t come camping to be told what to do, they came for freedom, creativity, and yes, a bit of fun. So, they decide to break free and do what ENFPs do best: start a revolution. But this isn’t just any revolution; it’s a tree-top revolution (partly inspired by the ENTP’s zip-line treehouse)!
Armed with their boundless enthusiasm, a few hastily scribbled blueprints (which are more akin to abstract art pieces), and an array of rainbow-colored ropes, the ENFPs take to the trees. The ground is too mainstream, too laden with rules and schedules. The treetops, on the other hand, are a world of possibilities, each branch a path to a new adventure. Their motto? “Why walk when you can swing?”
To the untrained eye, it seems like chaos – ENFPs swinging from branch to branch, constructing treehouses that defy the laws of physics, introducing a new currency based on leaf size. But to the ENFPs, it’s a utopia. No rules, no schedules, just the wind in their hair, the earth far below them, and the freedom to be their ‘true’ selves.
This tree-top community becomes the talk of the camp. Some are intrigued, others bewildered, and a few (we’re looking at you, ISTJs) shaking their heads in disapproval. But the ENFPs don’t care. They’re busy organizing their inaugural tree-top karaoke night, complete with a zip-line microphone pass system.
Discover more about ENFPs: A Look at the ENFP Leader
The ESFJ
Let’s now shift our gaze towards the ESFJs – the camp’s self-appointed Leaders of Marshmallow Diplomacy. Amid the ESTJs’ meticulous scheduling, the ENTJs’ territorial aspirations, the ENFJs’ group cuddling, and the ESTPs’ daredevil antics, the ESFJs have a singular focus: getting everyone to sit down, relax, and roast marshmallows over a bonfire. And a rendition of Kum-ba-yah wouldn’t hurt either.
With their marshmallow bags in hand, they stride about the camp, their smiles as warm as the fire they’re trying to ignite. They approach the ESTJs with a polite reminder that “There’s no schedule for fun, is there?” They laugh at the ENTJs’ blueprints and suggest, “Why don’t we build friendships instead of empires?” They embrace the ENFJs warmly, whispering, “How about we cuddle around a warm fire instead?”
Despite the chaos and disparate personalities, the ESFJs somehow manage to gather everyone. As the sunset casts a golden glow, the campers find themselves sitting around the fire, sticks in hand, marshmallows impaled and turning slowly. The ESFJs finally sit back, their mission accomplished, their smiles brighter than the bonfire. Because in the end, they always knew – nothing brings people together like food, fire, and a bit of sugary sweetness.
Find out more about ESFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ESFJ, the Defender Personality Type
The INTJ
Ah, at last, we meet the INTJs – the camp’s resident Masterminds. While the ESTJs are bossing, the ENTJs are plotting, the ENFJs are empathizing, and the ESTPs are running off cliffs for fun, the INTJs are standing quietly in the background, watching it all with an unimpressed, bored expression.
The INTJ, you see, is the embodiment of the phrase ‘still waters run deep’. They may not say much, but oh, they’re thinking. Thinking and planning and plotting, all while drinking black coffee from a mug that reads, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how” – a quote from Nietzsche that perfectly encapsulates the INTJ’s relentless pursuit of understanding and purpose.
The INTJs look upon the ESTJs’ rigid schedules with bemusement, the ENTJs’ grandiose plans with skepticism, the ENFJs’ emotional play with detached interest, and the ESTPs’ reckless adventures with a shake of their head. But do they intervene? Of course not. They’ve got bigger fish to fry.
Instead, they retreat into their tent – a veritable fortress of solitude (okay, so it’s a one-person tent from Walmart, but let’s not split hairs) – where they plot their own, far more intricate strategy. They’re not after camp control, no. They’ve set their sights on something much grander.
You see, in the INTJ’s perspective, humans are an anomaly – a bug in the code of the forest’s ecosystem. They reason that the animals were here first, they never asked for s’mores, sing-alongs, and certainly not for a camp director with an iron-clad schedule. So, armed with a mug of black coffee and a whiteboard, they devise a plan. A plan so intricate, so brilliant that Da Vinci would’ve needed a Code just to decipher it. Their objective? To scare the pants off every camper and return the forest to its rightful owners – the squirrels, the deer, the birds, and yes, even the mosquitoes. Their secret weapon? A combination of strategically placed speakers, a looped recording of bear roars, and occasional bursts of eerie, ghost-like wailing. In the end, the forest becomes an episode of Scooby-Doo, with campers fleeing amidst screams of ‘ghost bears’.
Discover more about INTJs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an INTJ
The ISTJ
Next up are the ISTJs – the camp’s diligent Inspectors. When the ESTJs are issuing commands, the ENTJs are scheming, and the INTJs are concocting a radical rewilding scheme, the ISTJs are busy upholding tradition and preserving the order of things. Their motto? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – and for heaven’s sake, don’t replace it with a motivational huddle.”
While others view the INTJs’ detached demeanor with noted disinterest, the ISTJs see a kindred spirit. They observe the INTJ, mug of black coffee in hand, contemplatively staring into the wilderness, and think, “Ah, a fellow introvert with no time for this nonsense.” So, when the INTJ retreats into their Walmart fortress, the ISTJ naturally follows, offering a respectful nod and a cup of strong tea (milk, two sugars – the way it should be).
As the INTJ unveils their master plan, the ISTJ doesn’t blink an eye. “Return the forest to its rightful owners?” the ISTJ responds, “Well, that does sound like the fair thing to do.” They’re not shocked by the idea, rather, they’re taken aback by the INTJ’s audacity to change things. But then again, weren’t things always better in the past? Back when animals roamed freely and humans respected the boundaries? Indeed, the ISTJ finds certain merit in the idea. Maybe this INTJ is onto something.
This is how the alliance is formed. Together, they fine-tune the plan, the ISTJ bringing logistical precision to the INTJ’s grand scheme. From their harmonious cooperation, the Scooby-Doo-esque forest scare-fest commences in all its glory. So here’s to the ISTJs – the stern, nostalgic guardians of the old ways, partners in crime with the INTJs, and proof that, sometimes, the past really does know best.
Find out more about ISTJs: 21 Hobbies That ISTJs Love
The ISTP
Enter the ISTPs – the camp’s resident troubleshooters, mechanically minded and famously hard to impress. They sit, half-amused, half-annoyed, observing the ENFPs’ tree-top escapades. “Why walk when you can swing?” they mimic, rolling their eyes. “How about, ‘why swing when you can fall and break a bone?'”
ISTPs didn’t come to camp to swing from trees or take part in some bizarre leaf economy. They came for the thrill of the outdoors, the satisfaction of setting up a secure camp, the challenge of lighting a fire with minimal resources. Not to listen to the ENFPs’ badly tuned rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” echoing from the treetops.
Enough is enough. The ISTPs decide it’s time to join forces with the other introverts (read: sane people). They march over to the fortress of solitude, where the INTJ and ISTJ are busy plotting their ‘return the forest’ scheme. The ISTPs, practical as ever, point out the flaws in their plan. “Bear roars and ghost wails? Too obvious. You need something more… unpredictable.”
With that, the ISTPs offer their expertise in constructing ingenious booby traps, promising to make the campsite a real-life adventure puzzle that not even the most daring ESTP would attempt to solve. Unsettling rustles in the bushes? Check. Mysterious shadows dancing across the tents? Check. Gentle taps against the tents late at night? Definitely. The objective remains the same – scare the pants off every camper. But now, it’s not just for the animals, it’s time to finally bring some peace and quiet.
And so, the alliance grows stronger. The plans, scarier. The campsite, eerier. And the ISTPs? They’re just getting started.
Discover more about ISTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISTP, the Vigilante Personality Type
The ESFP
And now let’s introduce you to the ESFPs, the vivacious entertainers of the group, always ready to turn any situation into an opportunity for fun. With a knack for spontaneously gathering everyone together for events they didn’t know they wanted, the ESFPs have taken it upon themselves to lead their fellow campers on various adventures.
First up on the agenda are the thrilling hiking trips, which unsurprisingly, bear a striking resemblance to a reality TV show obstacle course. The ESFPs lead their troop with an infectious enthusiasm that can melt the resolve of even the grumpiest INTJ. So captivated are the campers by the ESFPs’ animated descriptions of the ‘lurking dangers’ and ‘hidden treasures’ that they willingly follow them up the steep inclines and across precarious log bridges.
Once back at camp, the ESFPs are far from done. They somehow manage to persuade the group to embark on swimming excursions, which are less about actual swimming and more about ridiculous pool noodle battles and synchronized splashing routines. Their energy is contagious, and soon even the most introverted campers are laughing and splashing around in the water.
And just when you think the ESFPs couldn’t possibly have any more tricks up their sleeves, they spot a mother deer nurturing her newborn just at the edge of their campsite. Within seconds, they decide that this is a golden opportunity for…an impromptu baby shower! They scramble to gather wildflowers for decorations, pop popcorn over the campfire for snacks, and even persuade the ISFP to strum a gentle lullaby on their guitar. The deer, although initially startled, seems to relax as the soft music fills the air. The campers sit around the fire, smiling at the absurdity of it all but secretly enjoying the whimsical celebration.
Find out more about ESFPs: 7 Ways That ESFPs Make an Impact
The INFJ
Now, we venture off the beaten path to find the INFJs, the camp’s resident counselors, deep thinkers and, let’s face it, low-key therapists. They’ve found solace by a tranquil stream, away from the tree-top cacophony and the ESTJ’s commanding presence. Here, the INFJs engage in their favorite pastime – psychoanalyzing everyone else at the camp. They exchange knowing glances as they watch the ENFPs swinging between trees, eyebrows raised at the ISTPs’ “practical” spirit of problem-solving, and shake their heads in dismay at the INTJ-ISTJ’s obsession with the ‘old order’.
With their notepads full of hypotheses about the subconscious motivations behind the ESTJ’s regimented schedule or the ENFP’s leaf economy, the INFJs are on a roll. Suddenly, the sound of rustling leaves arrests their attention. They look up to find an INFP, the camp’s dreamy poets, approaching. They invite the INFP to join, who, inspired by the INFJs’ insights, starts penning an epic ballad depicting the camping trip as a symbolic battle of personality types in the wilderness.
The INFJs join the INFP in communing with the stream’s soothing melody, the rustling leaves forming the perfect background score. They engage in deep, soulful conversations, discussing everything from the meaning of life to the existential crisis of the forest animals. Every now and then, the INFJ would look up from their discussion, peer towards the campsite with a thoughtful expression, and jot down another observation.
And so, they continue their joint venture of psychoanalyzing and poeticizing, offering an oasis of calm amid the chaos. So here’s to the INFJs, the introverted empathizers, reminding us that sometimes, the best way to understand the world around us is to sit back, observe, and maybe write a haiku or two.
Find out more about INFJs: A Look Inside the INFJ Mind
The INFP
Now let’s move on to the world of the INFPs – the camp’s gentle dreamers and poets. When they first arrived at the camp, their eyes weren’t filled with trepidation but with wondrous awe. They saw not just trees, but ancient beings carrying the wisdom of the ages. They saw not just a stream, but the lifeblood of the forest, humming an age-old lullaby. They saw not just a campsite but a stage set for a grand cosmic play.
The INFPs, contrary to popular belief, didn’t shy away from the tree-top chaos or the eeriness of the ISTPs’ booby traps. They rather saw them as plot elements, inspirational fodder for their exquisite poetry, maybe even a future bestselling fantasy novel. Morning found them in the tree-tops, swinging with the ENFPs, their laughter as bright as the sunbeams filtering through the leaves. Afternoons were spent evading the ISTPs’ traps, which to them felt like a thrilling adventure in an enchanted forest.
Evenings, however, were a different story. Overwhelmed by the day’s excitement and in desperate need for some alone time, our INFP retreats to their tent. Here, by the glow of a firefly-lit lantern, they pour out their experiences onto paper, their pen dancing in rhythm with the whispers of the night. They write about the ENFPs’ infectious energy, the ISTPs’ ingenious traps, the INFJs’ profound insights, all while silently chuckling at their own, rather odd, camping experience.
They emerge from their tent the next morning, bleary-eyed but with a satisfied smile. They’ve written a poem, a poignant ode to the symphony of personalities at the camp. They share it at breakfast, their soft voice barely audible over the crackle of the fire and the general morning chaos. But those who listen, can’t help but be moved.
So here’s to the INFPs, the dreamy idealists, reminding us that sometimes, the most chaotic experiences can be transformed into the most beautiful stories, if only we choose to see it that way. Oh, and if you’re wondering about the strange glow emanating from the INFP’s tent at night, it’s probably just the fireflies. Or, you know, the INFPs charging up their creative batteries. One can never tell with them.
Find out more about INFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INFP, the Dreamer Personality Type
The ISFJ
Now let’s turn our attention to the ISFJs, the camp’s resident nurturers and unofficial event planners. These unsung heroes of the campground have been busy since day one, striving to create a ‘home away from home’ ambiance in the wilderness. They’ve adorned their tent with wreaths of pine cones, a doormat woven from sweet-smelling ferns, and even a makeshift chandelier of fireflies in a jar for that warm, cozy glow.
Now, on to the culinary front. The ISFJs, in an ambitious attempt to bring a taste of home to the camp, decide to whip up some pancakes using acorn flour. Yes, you heard right. Acorn flour. The ESTJs look skeptical, the ENFPs look excited, and the ISTPs have already started laying out traps to protect the pancake stash.
Bustling around their makeshift kitchen, the ISFJs serve up a batch of surprisingly fluffy, albeit slightly crunchy pancakes. The result? A taste that’s a cross between a classic pancake and, well, tree. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? And in true ISFJ style, they’ve even remembered to collect some wild-berry syrup as a topping. Talk about gourmet camping!
But wait, what’s that shadow looming over the ISFJs’ beautifully decorated tent? The INTJ-ISTJ alliance has rigged their wagon to a tree branch, ready to swoop down on unsuspecting campers. As the shadow grows larger, the ISFJ’s eyes widen in horror. But fear not, for the ever-vigilant ISTPs, appreciative of their acorn pancakes, have laid a trap, diverting the wagon away from the tent at the last moment. Close call!
And so, amidst the chaos, the ISFJ’s tent remains a quaint slice of home, their acorn pancakes bring a dash of familiarity, and they manage to dodge disaster, ready to handle whatever the next moment brings. Here’s to the ISFJs, the warm protectors, teaching us that even in the wild, a pinch of warmth and a dash of creativity can create a haven of comfort.
Discover more about ISFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFJ, the Protector Personality Type
The INTP
Let’s roll onto the INTPs, the camp’s quintessential thinkers and seekers of logical coherence. They entered the camping trip with a simple setup, a backpack filled with books, a notepad, and a thirst for knowledge. However, they soon found the campsite to be a hotbed of uncoordinated chaos and emotions running awry, which to their logic-driven brains was the equivalent of a cacophony in a silent library.
The spark that lit the fuse was the ESTJ’s fervent attempt at establishing a campground hierarchy, an idea that clashed with the INTP’s fiercely independent and egalitarian nature. Having had enough of the illogical authoritarianism, our INTP packed their gear and set out into the wilderness, seeking refuge in the tranquility of nature.
Lost in thought, they stumbled upon a rare beetle. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they drew out their notepad, ready to document this fascinating discovery. They were so engrossed in their beetle observation that they failed to notice a black bear silently lumbering their way.
As the bear drew closer, the INTP, still oblivious, began hypothesizing about the beetle’s unique exoskeleton, scribbling down potential evolutionary explanations. It was only when the bear let out a soft grunt, probably due to being ignored, that the INTP looked up from their notepad. They blinked at the bear, glanced back at their beetle, and then back at the bear, their face a picture of calm curiosity.
“Interesting,” they muttered, less out of fear and more out of annoyed curiosity, “I wonder how fast black bears can run in relation to humans.”
So, here’s to the INTPs, the logical explorers, reminding us that sometimes, the pursuit of knowledge can lead you to the most unexpected of situations, like a face-off with a bear. And who knows? In a world where acorn pancakes are a thing, maybe a bear-bug INTP trio could be the start of a new sitcom. After all, stranger things have happened at this camp.
Find out more about INTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INTP, the Prodigy Personality Type
The ISFP
And now, a drumroll for the ISFPs, the quiet observers of the camp, the ones who have managed to create their own little oasis amidst the wilderness. These artistic souls chose the spot by the lake to set up their camp, a place where the moonlight dances on the water and the breeze carries the scent of wildflowers. Their tent, draped with a garland of chamomile and jewelweed and surrounded by an appreciative audience of ferns and moss, is nothing short of an art installation.
In the soft glow of their lantern, they sit, a guitar cradled in their arms, strumming a melody that seems to blend effortlessly with the sounds of the night. As their fingers move across the strings, creating music that tugs at heartstrings, they look on at the chaos of the camp with a bemused smile. Observing from a distance, they are both a part of the scene and yet removed from it, their thoughts providing a witty commentary that could rival any sitcom.
“Look at the ENFJs trying to mediate between the ENTJs and the ESTPs… again. The ISTJs look ready to draft a constitution right here in the wilderness. And oh, there goes another one of the INTP’s ‘groundbreaking’ discoveries,” they chuckle to themselves, their eyes twinkling with quiet mirth.
In the midst of all this, they find a companion in a fluffy little rabbit, who seems to have taken a liking to the gentle ISFP and their heartfelt music. The ISFP names it ‘Thumper’, feeding it fresh berries and sharing their thoughts about the camp’s shenanigans with their new friend.
As they strum the last chord for the night, the ISFPs look at the camp with a smile, their oasis of calm untouched by the mayhem, their quiet wit unspoken but ever-present, their rabbit friend nestled comfortably in their lap. Their music fades, but the melody lingers, a soothing symphony under the starlit sky.
Discover more about ISFPs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ISFP
What Are Your Thoughts?
So, dear reader, with the campfire extinguished and our camping trip drawing to a close, we’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures. Have you ever found yourself in a hilarious camping situation, or do you have a funny anecdote to share? Feel free to drop your comments below.
Discover even more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
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Yes as a ISTJ I think definitely leave the forest to those that dwell there and I will go home.
Omg. I loved this. (INFJ here). So funny and so true!
Loved your camping story!
We might want to get involved with your stories because we are storytellers
How large is your circulation?
I just wanted to add that there are times when the ENTJ does in fact want/need to take a vacation🌞
Woah I can imagine the situation! Where all of the personalities gather together lol
INFP here. Just returned from a trip to Idaho. Relatives drove us around to some spectacular areas including steep hillsides covered with slender evergreens, rocks with petroglyphs, peaks soaring to the blue skies, and water bubbling and flowing through twisty rivers. Bare golden fields. I could feel my spirit soaring with it all. And imagining stories.
lol I’m an ESTP and this would so be me if I weren’t afraid of trees haha
I am wondering .. many people/sites say that when one is getting typed it is important to explore the types that are one or two letters off.
I am ISTP. I resonate a lot with ISFJ, ISFP, INTP and ENTP, and to some degree with ENTJ and ENFJ. I mean, I can see some of me in all of them. These are the ones I can get caught by.
I wonder if we are constantly shifting by circumstance and, for a time, “becoming” these one to two letters off personalities.
Haha, maybe I’m an outlier here, as I usually agree with your descriptions for my type (INFJ), but I can’t think of anything I’d rather do LESS than chat “soulfully” with an INFP while camping. Camping is for doing things fun! 😉 I wouldn’t care if people were having fun (swinging between trees) or skinny dipping or trying to build a ladder to the Moon! We sound like we suck if we’re raising our eyebrows while people are doing their happy things during a fun event. I’d much rather go swimming or hiking or looking for wildflowers. At night, we could all look at the stars and tell stupid/spooky stories while making s’mores. Might as well stay home if all we’re going to do is view people from a distance, discuss boring existential nonsense, and write hypotheses and/or poetry in notebooks… Those are some of my least favorite pastimes. (And yes, I’m sure I’m an INFJ! :D) Maybe I’ve been with my ISTP for so long that his type has rubbed off on me.
INFJ – wow you had fun! I really do want to upend my ESTJ sisters spreadsheet sometimes! I love thinking about ISTJ and INTJ pairing up. ISTP will keep you laughing. I have one!
ISFP’s would never name a bunny Thumper. We’d either make a clever play on words, or come up with something that celebrated the uniqueness of this particular bunny. But the rest was spot-on!
I loved this! My husband and I were fortunate to full-time RV for 13 years. We lived in 46 of the 48 states. Not exactly CAMPING in a tent, but the reasons we chose this lifestyle were to have similar pleasures. America is a diverse and BEAUTIFUL country. Thousands of mountains, oceans, trees, plants, animals and people to love. I now live 6 months in Bangor, Maine each year and six months in Tucson, Arizona and can’t believe how lucky I am. 4,000 miles and six days in the car twice a year. With my Golden Retriever and Audible books on tape for company I love every mile!
As an INFP, I found that this is absolutely true. ☺
Sometimes when I went outside or into nature, I felt that the words inside my mind flowing like the river, as I walked between the trees, grass, or maybe picked up some beautiful flowers.
Camping in the mountains would be so much fun. For me, it’s a time for exploration and discovery. I’ve been typed as ani INTP and although I know this post is mostly for fun I can relate to the need for independence. If I was trying to go on a camping trip, I would be very irritated with someone trying to make plans nonstop and dictate what we should do. I understand that the ESTJ is trying to create a sustainable environment, but I need variety in life or I get bored very quickly. If I was in a group like this I would find everyone’s behavior very interesting. I’ve always had a lot of fun meeting people who are such characters in life. I also want to mention that even though I am an INTP, I actually enjoy physical activity to certain degree. Particularly in the wilderness. I guess what I’m trying to say is that a camping trip with any kind of exploration, be it in the physical or mental world, would be widely welcome. As long as there was variety.
Only read my type: Enfp and got a laugh out of it. But I must say the Intj would be shaking their heads also at us, I know from experience.
I (an INTJ) was expecting the INTJ to be the “Most likely to bring an axe and murder everyone in their sleep” person, but the entry was just a tiny bit less dark. Same result, different method. 🤣👌
I love the tale you’ve woven here! And as an ENFP, that is exactly what I’d be doing 🙂 I go camping every year and this has made me look forward to my next trip, thankyou!
I loved this SOOO much, thank you Susan!! As I read it, I was picturing my family and friends doing the things described for their personality type, and it was delightful to imagine them doing everything. I only wish there had been an “ending” to this lovely story. I was waiting for the story to go on!
Just so beautifully written ! You are amazing at discribing us all
Ok I love this but unsurprisingly I can’t resist a well ACKSHUALLY moment.
The INTP wouldn’t wonder about running from the bear. We would know that’s what you don’t wanna do since it activates the prey drive. Lol
To anyone who just read their own type: you’re really missing out! The story created by all the descriptions is hilarious. X) LMAO