How to Back Yard Camp

These days most families are looking for fun and affordable alternatives to seasonal fun. We all could use a break from the ordinary. Even when gas and food prices increase regularly we don't have to feel stuck. A family of four can easily spend upward of $100 for a movie and quick meal out. What about turning your own back yard into a fun destination spot by camping out right at home? It's easy, affordable and fun. Read on to learn creative ways to make camping in your back yard a blast for you and your family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A back-yard
• A tent
• Sleeping bags
• Snacks
• Fire-pit (optional)

1. The first step to a back yard camp is to get organized. Gather your family and make some decisions about who will help with what. Pick a time that the weather will cooperate for a back-yard camp-out. Pick a place to pitch your tent. Ideally you want to choose a flat grassy area with trees surrounding you. Gather the kids and delegate specific jobs. For example, your son can be in charge of helping to put up the tent. Your daughter can be in charge of gathering games like a Frisbee and a deck of cards. You can collect a flashlight and favorite snack foods.

2. Next you'll want to have some creative activities on hand. Gather your favorite ghost stories, a pair of binoculars, sparklers and a deck of cards. Spend time doing these activities. Let the younger kids make decisions about what game they would like to play too.

3. Pack for the back yard camp out. Take what you need with you into the back yard so that for the night you can spend most of your time outdoors. It's not really camping and it's not that much fun if you go in and out of the house all night. Take your sleeping bag and pillow. Plan to stay out there until the morning. Pack some donuts and juice in the cooler and bring that along. You can even have your breakfast together in the back yard.

4. Invite neighbors to join you. Camping is the most fun when you have lots of people to play games, laugh and enjoy the outdoors with. Does a family live close by that enjoys the outdoors as much as you do? Invite them to pitch their tent in your back yard and join in the fun. Suggest they bring a snack and game to share.

5. Take turns camping out. If the whole family venturing to the back yard to camp doesn't sound like fun to you, what about a mother/daughter camp out night, or a father/son camp out? If your kids are getting older and wouldn't be afraid to camp-out alone maybe they'd want to invite a few friends to back yard camp with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the bug spray
• Create a fire-pit and make a fire