Camping in the Backyard with Family

Some of the many reasons, my kids love to camp are: They don’t have to shower. They can play in the dirt, stay up late, hunt for bugs and have my complete attention (iPhone not invited). Minus the shower part – that’s why I love it too.

If you need a reason to dust off the tent or roll out the sleep bags, I have one. This Saturday, June 25, marks the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout. It’s their annual push to get people outside and sleeping under the stars.

I don’t need to tell you that kids aren’t spending time outside. Most kids are spending more than seven hours a day in front of electronic media. Compare that with the four to seven minutes and average kids spends outside!

Studies show that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression and boosts classroom performance. Bottom line: healthier, happier kids.

Here’s how to make it happen:

• Pitch a tent in the backyard or drape a tarp over a clothesline for shelter
• Fill it with pillows and sleeping bags
• Make sure to put on bug spray and grab some flashlights
• Declare the house off-limits (expect for a bathroom run)
• Spend the evening sharing stories, snacking, exploring the backyard and checking out the stars

There are plenty of camping games, too. Try a scavenger hunt and compete in collecting items, such as a blade of grass longer than your index finger, an acorn cap and a pine cone.

Finally, don’t forget snack time, whether is s’mores, popcorn or trial mix. 

For those looking to camp beyond their own backyard, the campout website helps locate organized Campouts across the country including some in our area:

Action Camper Party Team Go, Forestdale, MA

Manic Mommies, Ashland, MA

Rocky Woods Medfield MA, Dover, MA

Action Camper Party Team Go , Forestdale, MA

Playground Hunters , Stoneham, MA

The Happy Campers , Wilmington, MA

Camp Drew & Friends, Brimfield, MA

Team A-M, Medway, MA