Let’s go Camping!
This weekend is the Great American Backyard Campout! On June 23rd all across the country
families will be camping out in their backyards. Explore the wonderful world of
camping with young children either as a family or in your classroom.
For families:
Join the Great American Backyard Campout June 23rd and pitch
a tent in your backyard. Play games, stargaze, and connect with each other and
with nature. First time camping? Your backyard is a perfect place to start. It
is familiar and close to bathrooms (and beds if needed!). Experienced campers?
The backyard is still fun! Children love when the ordinary becomes
extraordinary! Pitch a tent, build a campfire, and watch their eyes shine.
For the classroom:
Can’t take your class camping on June 23rd? That’s okay! You
can go pretend “camping” in your schoolyard! Pitch a tent or tents, gather
camping supplies and go camping for the day. If you can, have a campfire and
roast marshmallows, make s’mores or hobo packs, sit around and tell stories. If
you can’t have a real fire, build a pretend one to sit around and share
stories. Ask kids to share if they have ever gone camping. What did they do?
Where did they sleep? What did they eat? Talk about what camping is. Provide
backpacks, binoculars, fishing poles (no hooks) and other camping gear and
activities. Let their imaginations take them on a wonderful adventure!
Backyard camping ideas (backyard and schoolyard!):
*Go on a scavenger hunt
*Sing campfire songs
*Watch for wildlife (what lives in your backyard? Schoolyard?)
*Gaze at the stars
*Watch the clouds
*Catch fireflies
*Make explorer walking sticks (cover stick with doubled-sided tape, children
stick objects they find to it)
NWF: The Great American Backyard Campout
10 Tips for camping with toddlers
NWF: Campfire Songs
NWF: Camping Recipes
NWF: Campfire Safety
NWF: Pitching a Tent
