The Great American Backyard Campout is Saturday!
Posted by MomOnMars on June 19, 2012
It’s that time of year again. And it’s bringing back memories of pitching a tent, cuddling up inside with flashlights and giggling together with the kids. Okay – so we were upstairs in the playroom. Don’t judge me.
You don’t have to do it that way. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) wants to help you and your kids to create those memories that will last a lifetime….outside. So mark your calendars for Saturday, June 23…because it’s time for the Great American Backyard (or in the case of my family – Playroom) Campout!
It’s a national night of exploration and fun. Register online and get tons of helpful camping tips, packing lists, campfire recipes, songs, games, and more. Campers of all ages and levels of experience and expertise are encouraged to sign up.
You might even learn a few things. Like…using your ceramic stovetop to make s’mores is most definitely NOT a good idea. And, add little ribbons to the tent stakes in the ground so they don’t get lost in the grass and your husband finds them when he’s mowing. So…you don’t have to ask how I just happen to know that happy little tidbit.
If your kids have never been camping before, this is a great way to introduce them to the fun of camping and the great outdoors. Plus, there are lots of benefits for your kids when you take them outside. Studies show that outdoor time helps kids grow strong, enhances their creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance.
And while you’re at it, why don’t you consider supporting the NWF’s programs that are fighting to reverse America’s indoor childhood trend. Eighty cents of every dollar you donate is used to establish and maintain programs that make outdoor time a priority for our children like Be Out There (of which I am on the Founding Mother Advisory Board), Hike & Seek, NatureFind, Trees for the 21st Century, and Certified Backyard and Schoolyard Habitats.
So head outdoors (or upstairs – I won’t tell) and enjoy the Great American Backyard Campout. Sleep under the stars…it’ll add a little something extra to your summer…and a little something extra to your child’s life.
Disclosure: I am a Founding Mother of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There campaign. This is purely a volunteer effort of mine and I’m not compensated for any posts. I just believe passionately that we need to spend more time outside with our kids. Unless it’s in a tent…at night…with bugs…in which case, I’m all about hanging out upstairs.
We didn’t do it this weekend, but we set up a tent in the backyard a couple of times a year (usually fall and spring since it is so hot in Texas). My kids absolutely love it, and I am still not ready to take them camping in the real wilderness. The backyard is great for little kids because we can go inside if someone can’t hack it, like Mommy for instance
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I agree…camping in the backyard is a comfortable choice! We’ve camped in the woods…but we’re inside a cabin. If we put the sleeping bags on top of the beds, that counts, right?