Camping is one of the most popular activities in the United States. In 2010, 40 million people went camping for a total of 515 million outings. The following year, 42.5 million people went camping — 2.5 million more — for a total of 534.9 million days, 19.9 million more days or 54,520.5 years more than the previous year.

Typically, people find campgrounds near their homes to enjoy, but there are some out there who have recently chosen less-than-traditional campsites. These folks aren’t just camping for the fun of it. They’re on a mission!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set to open soon, and fans are already lining up. In fact, many started camping out in front of theaters a staggering 10 days before the movie premieres. Consider how tough it must be to camp out on hard pavement, there are a few things we can learn about camping from their mission.

• Lesson 1: Make sure you’re comfortable. The hard, cold ground is tough enough to sleep on. Imagine trying to get a restful night’s sleep on pavement. In order to get comfy on the sidewalk, many fans have likely invested in a good sleeping pad and/or mattress, as well as a good sleeping bag. Having thick layers of comfortable material to lie on may not make up for your bed, but they’re definitely comfortable enough to rest on.

• Lesson 2: Eat well. You need to keep your strength up when you camp, which is why it’s important to have plenty of food with you. Those waiting in line for Star Wars can probably take turns going out to grab meals at fast food chains or grocery stores, but only if someone stays behind. In order to keep hunger at bay when camping, it’s a good idea to have food you don’t have to worry about cooking. Things like fruit, peanut butter, cold cuts, bean salads, and pastas can all make hardy meals that need little prep.

• Lesson 3: Stay warm. It’s December. It might be a rather mild December so far, but it’s still cold out, and there’s nothing that can make a wait even more unbearable than the cold. When you go camping, be sure to bring plenty of layers. That way, you can dress to your comfort level. A t-shirt, sweater, pullover, and coat do wonders to keep the cold out.

Camping out is certainly fun, and while many might not consider Star Wars worth the hassle, it certainly adds a fun element to the experience. After all, who doesn’t want there to be a prize waiting at the end?