As an avid camper, hiker, and all-around enjoyer of the outdoors, the pace of city life has been an adjustment since I moved to Chicago in the fall of 2024. Heading out into nature for a weekend of camping is one of my most sure-fire, tried and true ways to reset myself and feel better about the world around me. Many people, myself included, have encountered a common barrier to entry when it comes to getting into nature, and this comes in the form of having the proper gear and equipment. Tents, cooking equipment, cold weather gear, you name it—camping gear can be prohibitively expensive. That's why I was beyond stoked to learn about Chicago Tool Library and their mission to help break down this barrier to entry. Not only have they personally helped to provide me with gear that's served me well in the woods, but they're also working to help ensure that everyone in my community can get out there too, if they so desire. That's a team worth running for!