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Step 1
Set up a tent in the backyard. If you don't already own a tent, shop around for an inexpensive tent that the entire family can sleep in at the same time.
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Step 2
Dig out some sleeping bags. If you don't have sleeping bags, use blankets and pillows. Place them inside the tent. If you don't like the idea of sleeping on the hard ground, get your hands on some air mattresses and you'll be able to sleep in relative comfort.
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Step 3
Spray insect repellent on yourself and the kids to keep mosquitoes at bay. You want to spend the night outside without becoming the main course for those pesky bloodsuckers.
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Step 4
Gather some large rocks and arrange them in a circle so that you can have a pretend campfire. Arrange sticks and twigs in the center of the circle and hide a couple of flashlights beneath the sticks. When it's nighttime, you can turn on the flashlights and you'll have a fake fire to light up the party.
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Step 5
Get out the barbecue grill and cook up some hot dogs. Make s'mores from graham crackers, marshmallows and miniature chocolates. It will probably be easier if you run into the house and nuke the s'mores in the microwave. Make or purchase trail mix so kids can snack on it later that night.
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Step 6
Gather the kids together and tell spooky stories around your pretend campfire. You can also sing silly songs. Another option is to play games like hide and seek or go on a backyard nature walk. Collect interesting leaves from trees and bushes.
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Step 7
Pack nonperishable breakfast foods such as toaster pastries and dry cereal so you'll have something to feed your hungry campers in the morning.
