On June 23rd Americans all across the country will be joining in the 8th annual Great American Backyard Campout.

By Bruce

This national event was created by the National Wildlife Federation as part of its Be Out There campaign to encourage children to play outdoors, learn about nature, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. It’s as simple as it sounds- set up a tent, grab a flashlight and sleeping bag, make some s’mores and lifelong memories.

It’s called the Backyard Campout but you can camp out anywhere; by the lake, in a park that has camping sites, in the mountains or where ever your hiking boots take you.

Studies have shown that kids spend half as much time outdoors as they did 20 years ago and only 25% of kids spend significant time outdoors compared to 75% in the past. Kids who spend more time outdoors are healthier, more physically active, exhibit better mental concentration, and display less aggressive tendencies. So this is a great opportunity to turn off the Xbox, walk away from the TV, and put the cell phone in a drawer for one night in order to spend quality time with those you love and experience the awesomeness of nature.

There are some things you need to remember to bring on your campout. Have plenty of insect repellent whether it is the spray on variety or a candle. Have snacks and drinks, flashlights, lanterns, blankets, pillows, and most of all a sense of adventure. Bring your favorite family game to play under the lanterns or flashlights.

Have a scary book or scary story to share by the campfire or sing your favorite songs. Hide “treasures” in the area, provide your child with a compass and map and let them treasure hunt. Lay out blankets and watch the clouds and stars.

If you are crafty, use the resources nature has provided to make great keepsakes for the family. You can make an art collage by simply collecting leaves, wildflowers, sticks and arranging them into beautiful displays on construction paper.

You can also collect acorns, twigs, leaves, bark or anything else available and with a little glue create your own nature pals.

Roast some hot dogs over an open fire. After the coals burn down, break out the marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. If you are not in area that is safe for a campfire, a grill or camp stove are good alternatives.

There are so many possibilities all you really need is your imagination and creative spirit.

But most importantly, whether you choose to campout in your backyard or away from home, practice safety and check your local weather conditions to prepare for all contingencies. Hope to see you under the stars.

Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes

When Lightening Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco

The Graves Family Goes Camping by Patricia Polacco

Camping Made Easy by Michael Rutter

The Joy of Family Camping by Herb Gordon

Tags: Book Recommendations, Book Suggestions

This entry was posted on Friday, June 22nd, 2012 at 5:30 pm and is filed under Holidays and Special Dates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.