Write an article based on this "Understand backpacking. Understand packing a backpack. Pick a backpack. Gather additional supplies. Pack the right clothing. Check the program's recommendations."
article: Backpacking is the ultimate form of camping in the wilderness. It allows you and your group to carry everything you need for a successful and safe hike. Backpacking is also an exhausting endeavor. Evaluate your physical and mental strength before committing to a backpacking trip. This will help both you and your group. Most modern backpacks are top loaded giving you access to the main compartment through the top. The bottom of your pack should be reserved for items to be used in setting up camp like a tent. All heavy items should be positioned in the center of the pack. This includes pots, pans and other cookware. The top portion of your pack should include all the supplies you might need during your hike like snacks, tools, and a map. Check if your program provides a backpack for campers. Some will allow you to bring your own. You'll probably need an extended trip or multi-day pack. These are anywhere from 50 liters to larger. Get fit for your backpack at an outdoors store to avoid injury. You will definitely need certain supplies regardless of your trip. These supplies include a headlamp, sunscreen, matches/lighter, multi-tool pocket knife, and a water bottle. Most camps won't require you to bring food and cookware. You could play it safe by bringing nuts or other types of energy snacks. Make sure you bring a strong sealable bag to avoid animals from interfering with you. For a summer backpacking trip you should bring multiple wicking t-shirts and underwear. Wicking material allows air to breath through your clothes. You should also bring a rain jacket, sweatshirt, and a baseball cap or a hat that shades your face. Every program is different. Some trips specialize in winter backpacking trips. These are intense trips that require additional planning and preparation.

Write an article based on this "Explore chi kung (qigong). Focus on your energy. Work on the body/mind/soul connection."
article: Beyond the physical level the breathing and the movements that help you get in touch with your chi truly developing your chi will take moving it to the mental and spiritual level. Chi kung is a disparate group of practices from different civilizations that are aimed at bringing your mind to a higher level of consciousness and unleashing the true power of your life force. This will help to bring you to the next level of chi. As you do your breathing and exercise of choice, focus on areas of your body where the energy is not flowing. These are energy blockages, and each one will require focus and determination to fix it and get the energy flowing as it should. Some people are able to get their energy moving by themselves through breathing and physical practice, but many of us need help and guidance when practicing energy work. One easy way to find out how your body energy is functioning is to take the diagnostic test below, which can help you identify the elements present in your body, and which are lacking and need to be remedied. For the assistance of a licensed Qigong practitioner, who will be able to help you to higher levels in your energy work, consult the website below. This is moving to the highest level of chi. It will encompass all of the work you have done so far breath, physical movement, energy flow and add the spiritual element. This will lead you to a state of mindfulness or focused awareness. Similar to the Zen practice of Buddhists, the spiritual aspect of developing your chi can be a lifelong pursuit. We might be able to achieve the state we are seeking one day, but the next cannot come near it. To truly realize this spiritual connection along with the physical and energy aspects, you must be fully grounded in the present moment and completely aware it's not about going to some different plane of consciousness. For most people, meditation is the best way of reaching this highest level of chi development.

Write an article based on this "Observe your friends' behavior. Notice trends in when and how they are mean. Determine whether you might be influencing their behavior, regardless of whether it is voluntary or involuntary. Consider asking a trusted adult for advice. Avoid retaliating when they are mean to you."
article:
Take note if they are being mean to several people or if they are only being mean to you. This gives you a starting point in figuring out what might be wrong. It will also be helpful to observe who they are being mean to, if it is more than one person. What do these people have in common that make your friends target them? You can take mental notes of your observations, and just store them in your memory, or you can write them down in a private journal. Hide the journal well, though, so it doesn't make things worse if it's ever found. Your friends might be mean all the time, or they might only be mean in certain circumstances. What are the trends? Are they only mean to people who belong to a certain group (e.g. racial, ethnic, religious, et cetera)? Are they mean on certain days? What might be going on that this behavior only comes about on particular days? (For example, maybe it is always after a visit with a parent, if their parents are divorced.) Are they only mean when they are around a certain person or a certain other group of people (i.e. is that person or group influencing them)? Is it only one friend who is being mean and is getting others involved? Are a few friends all participating equally? Are they making mean comments to you or to others? Are they being somewhat physical in their meanness, like shoving, pushing, tripping, or something else? Are they threatening you or others? Is their behavior typical of bullying, or is it something more? If you are the only person to whom your friends are being mean, try to figure out if they are bullying you. Use the questions below to help you determine if you accidentally did something that caused your friends to get mad at you, or if your friends' meanness toward you is completely unprovoked and unnecessary: Did you say something that offended someone? Did you cancel plans with a friend for no reason, or hang out with another friend instead? Do they seem jealous of you? Have you been mean to them recently, by taking out your anger on them or being judgmental of them? Is there a past argument or disagreement with them that has not been settled? Is there something about you that they perceive as bad or a sign of weakness (regardless of whether it is)? Look for someone who is a good listener, and often has good perspective. They may be able to give insight into the situation, and also support you as you deal with it. Try talking to a trusted parent, relative, teacher, school guidance counselor, clergy member, or mentor. Explain what has happened, what you've done to try to deal with it so far, and how you feel about it. Adults aren't perfect, and aren't always good at listening or giving good advice. If their advice doesn't feel helpful, it's okay to ignore it, or talk to a different adult. While you try to figure out what is going on, it is best to avoid retaliating to your friends if they are mean to you. Being mean to them will only add fuel to the fire and make it harder for you to resolve the issue. You might consider distancing yourself from them for a couple of days to give all of you space and time to cool down. You could simply ignore the comments they make or things they do. Practice being nice to them in the face of their meanness. Treat them the way you would like them to treat you. It is best to not talk to other friends about their treatment of you, because that could start rumors and gossip, which very well may worsen the situation.