Camping Out in Your Own Backyard

Aug 5, 2020 | Backyard Fun

Camping Out in Your Own Backyard

 

On August 8, individuals around the world will trade their beds for sleeping bags and take to the great outdoors for the Global Sleep Under the Stars Night. #SleepUnderTheStarsNight It is a worldwide initiative designed to encourage people to enjoy and experience nature and turn a new generation of citizens onto the wonders of camping out. While some Americans will spend the night among our country’s beautiful national and state parks, many will participate from the proximity of their own lawn. Backyard camping out is a fun and exciting activity for the whole family, and one that can help children explore and appreciate the natural world around them. Here are some tips to make it a night to remember.

 

Camping Out…Let the Kids Set Up Camp

Learning how to pitch a tent can be overwhelming for new campers, so it is best to learn the process in a no-pressure situation, like the one backyard camping offers. Allow your kids or grand kids to select the best ground for the tents, while you advise them on important details such as finding level ground and keeping a safe distance from the fire. The more children learn about the process the more fascinated they will become, so take the opportunity to highlight the tent’s unique features, like the rain fly and ground sheet, and why each is important.

 

Go on a Hunt

Backyard camping may limit your ability to enjoy outdoor sports like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, but there is still plenty to do to pass the time. One of the best activities to engage youngsters is a scavenger hunt. Sending kids and grand kids on a quest to find nature items such as various plants, insects, rocks, and feathers will stimulate their interest in learning about nature in the form of a fun game.

 

Campfire Cooking

It is almost a rite of passage for campers to spin scary or silly stories while sitting around the campfire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. A time-honored tradition that can be enjoyed just as easily in the back yard as in some faraway forest, campfire cooking is one of the many advantages that come with having a fire pit. Cooking over an open flame can limit your options, however, so we will not blame you if you opt for a larger meal prepared in your outdoor kitchen.

 

Look to the Skies

Perhaps nothing sparks a child’s imagination like looking at the brilliant night sky. Stargazing is one of the perks of sleeping outdoors, so spread out some blankets and introduce your kids or grand kids to the vastness of space by pointing out constellations, planets, meteors, and other out-of-this-world sights. For a more intimate view, set up a telescope on a flat surface like a deck or patio, and watch the wonderment as children explore faraway galaxies.

 

Camping out is an exciting activity for all ages, and some of the best camping trips can be had in the comfort of your own yard. But if your yard could stand to be made more comfortable, Excel Fencing & Decking has plenty of ideas that might be just what you need. From decks to pergolas to outdoor kitchens, our installation experts can create the perfect look and fit for your property, so call us today for a free estimate!

 

 

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