One event to get your dusty summer plans going
You see it every spring. Families start thinking about all the big vacations and outdoor outings they’d like to accomplish by August. But then it happens. Ball games, summer classes and general out-of-school sluggishness get the best of them. By the end of July, everyone wants to know where those grand plans went, and often it’s too late to get most of them done.
Not this year. Why? Because we’re thinking small and working our way up. The Great American Backyard Campout is coming up. That’s right, the backyard. No packing up the family car with tents, coolers and fishing poles. No poring over the Internet in search of the perfect campground. You don’t even have to find someone to feed the family pet.
The June 26th event is sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation as a way to get kids outdoors and, if you want, to raise money for conservation efforts.
So how do you start? First register your campout at the NWF website. After you log in, the site will open up all sorts of ideas on how to plan the perfect overnight backyard bash.
Until then, here are some quick hints for how to make some fond summer memories for your kids and yourself.
Who’s coming?
Decide whether it’s strictly a family event or if the kids will invite their friends. Children ages 6-11 usually enjoy backyard camping the most.
What equipment do I need?
Make sure you have enough tent space for everyone. If you run out, ask a friend or neighbor if you can borrow one or two. You’ll also need something to cover up with. While sleeping bags bring home the ambience of rustic camping, they’re not always necessary. Go with an old comforter and pillow. Depending on what kinds of activities you plan, a small grill and flashlights should complete a basic camping experience.
What if I don’t have a backyard?
Not having the traditional space to sleep outside shouldn’t stop you from experiencing the outdoors. If you live in an apartment with a balcony, pitch a small tent there. If nothing else, make this a multifamily event and ask to use a friend or family member’s yard.
How do I keep the kids busy?
That will take some planning, but that’s often the most fun for parents. The NWF’s website has some good ideas. They’ll help you figure out meals, find campfire song lyrics and even learn to tell the perfect ghost story. Pick one, some or all the ideas. Just remember, this should be as fun for you as it is for them. Don’t sweat over planning every minute of the night. Kids will have a great time just messing around and having a good time with their parents.
What do I do after the campout?
Plan another one, a bigger one. The excitement this camping experience incites should get you and your family out of that summer slump and into some serious destination camping planning.
What did I leave out?
Parents, please share your home camping ideas with us. And don’t forget to come back after you pack up to let us know how they went. Until then, happy camping.