Summer at our house is flying by this year! Beach trips, sleepovers, and day trips to the mountains have been fun-filled and action-packed. Why not squeeze in one more family trip this summer... right in your own backyard?! It’s time to go Backyard Camping! Make a menu, gather up essentials, and head right out the backdoor with the kids to make a night to remember under the stars.
The Essentials: Make a list of all the things you and your children will need, and once outside pretend you are in the woods and can’t go running back to the house for things you forgot (maybe only to go to the bathroom!).
- Tent, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags (For extra comfort: Use a blow-up mattress or blow-up pool and pile comfy blankets and pillows on it.)
- Bug Spray
- Glow Sticks (for extra light in the tents of course!)
- Flashlights
- Head Lamp (for nighttime exploring!)
- Chairs
Menu: If you don’t have a fire-pit, have the kids help gather sticks and teach them how to build a campfire. This is a great opportunity to talk to them about fire safety.
- Hot dogs with crescent rolls-- -Skip the buns and try this easy recipe. Simply wrap each individual hotdog in crescent roll dough, put on a stick or skewer, and roast over the fire until golden brown.
- Ketchup/Mustard
- Smores (graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars)
- Water
Activities:
- Place Glow-in- the-Dark Bugs around the yard and let the kids search for them with the headlamps after dark.
- Stargazing: Discuss facts about the moon, stars and constellations.
- Catch Fireflies
- Tell Ghost Stories or Read age-appropriate stories
- Sing Songs around the campfire
- Discuss sounds you might hear outside at night to ease the minds of first-time campers (ex: crickets, frogs, the neighbor’s air conditioning)
This overnight activity is a great way to disconnect from the electronics your kids might get consumed with during the day. Re-connect with nature and emphasize the importance of nighttime fresh air, glowing bugs, and courage in the dark. Happy Camping!
