How to Enhance Backyard Camping

Enhance backyard camping by adding fun, exciting, and different foods and activities. Create family memories or possibly a new family tradition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tents
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• Pillows
• Flash lights, battery operated camping lanterns
• Insect repellent (child safe)
• Ingredients for recipe links
• Glow sticks
• Clear plastic jars for collecting bugs

1. 

   Before announcing that you will be camping in the backyard, visit the library or book store for books on camping activities, crafts, and recipes. There are so many books with new inventive ways to cook over a campfire. If you are in an area where you can cook over a campfire, these books have great ideas for added fun. This is also a great way to introduce camping for the first time. After a few successful nights of backyard camping, you and your family may want to try a local campground next.
   
   BOOKS:
   1. Cooking on a Stick: Campfire Recipes for Kids, by Linda White
   2. Camp Out!: The Ultimate Guide Kids' Guide, by Lynn Brunelle
   3. Kids Camp: Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness, by Laurie Carlson and Judith Dammel
   4. Cooking in a Can: More Campfire Recipes for Kids (Activities for Kids), by Kate White and Illustrated by Debra Dixon
   5. Sleeping in a Sack: Camping Activities for Kids, by Linda White and Illustrated by Fran Lee
   6. The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book of Campfire Fun (Family Fun), by Jane Drake and Ann Love. In this book you will find campfire basics, games, songs, recipes, stories, campfire safety, and so much more. You can even learn how to bake a muffin in an orange rind.
   7. The Kids Summer Games Book: Official Book of Games to Play (Family Fun), by Jane Drake and Ann Love
   8. The Kids Nature Book: 365 Indoor/Outdoor Activities and Experiences, by Susan Milord
   9. Sharing Nature with Children, by Joseph Bharat Cornell
   10. Hands-On Nature: Information and Activities for Exploring the Environment with Children, by by Susan Sawyer (Contributor), Jenepher Lingelbach (Editor), Lisa Purcell (Editor)

2. 

   First, set up the tents on an area that is flat and possibly near an entrance or in direct path to an entrance to the home. Nobody will sleep very well if the tent has been placed on top of a tree root or on stones. Involve the kids in setting up the tent(s) and start early. Starting early will get the kids excited (and the parents too).

3. 

   Before it gets dark, take advantage of a hot day. Bring the board games outside and play a game of "Battle Ship Dip". This game was invented by my kids, and for kids.
   
   Battle Ship Dip:
   With the traditional game, Battleship, have two players play it according to directions. When a player sinks an opposing players ship, that player gets to take a "dip" in an inflatable pool filled with cool water. If you don't have a small pool, douse the player with water from a garden hose, sprinkler, spray water bottle or squirt gun.
   
   This is a fun way to get the evening of backyard camping started. Kids love to get wet and it's a great way to cool off on a hot day.

4. 

   Build a campfire and cook over it if your location allows it. If not, Mom/Dad can bring out the grill or small grill for outdoor cooking. The books mentioned in Step 1 contain many outdoor camping recipes that are fun and delicious.

5. 

   Parents can give in a little and allow the kids to bring a television outside. With a long outdoor extension cord, they can place a small television inside the tent and even bring along a DVD/VHS player. Older kids, especially teenagers will be more excited about backyard camping if they are allowed to do this. After the television is turned off, be sure to bring the electronic equipment and cords inside. You can also just plug the television in on a back patio and let the kids watch it in lawn chairs. Pop some popcorn and S'mores for them to nibble on throughout the night.
   
   I use this idea when it's a last resort to get our teenagers outside. After doing this once, they were more eager to go camping at area campgrounds.

6. 
   photo by Kristina N

   Purchase glow sticks. This is probably the one item that brings in the most fun when it's dark outside. Visit dollar stores and party supply stores for these. Kids love wearing them, twirling them, and just having fun with them.
   
   Visit the camping section at your local retail store. You may be able to purchase a longer lasting (one time battery operarted) glow stick that turns on similar to a flashlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up several tents and have the neighborhood kids camp in the backyard at the same time.
• Glow sticks often contain chemicals that could harm a dog or small child if chewed on. Be sure to use caution with using and disposing of glow sticks.

Resources

• How to make an edible campfire snack
• Ultimate Camp Resource

[Wasatch]

on 7/10/2009 Fun article ideas for back yard camping

[iknewthat]

on 7/9/2009 Great article. 5*

[Mitestarossa]

on 5/14/2009 Kids are great, they are even thrilled with camping in your back yard, what a money saver.

[Merriment]

on 4/27/2009 This is such a wonderful idea to fully go camping in your own backyard. I really like it! Thank you for all the helpful suggestions to make the best of backyard camping.

[MomWhoWrites]

on 4/26/2009 I love the idea of giving them glow sticks to use at night, I've never tried that, but will definitely have to next time. Great ideas on backyard camping!