By: Danny May
As parents, we do plenty of planning and organizing all the time. But if we’re willing to be a little creative, spontaneous and try something new, memorable adventures are literally waiting outside our back doors.
Nothing says “summer” like camping. For the adventurous at heart, getting away and juggling all the stuff it takes to go camping is part of the fun. The last time we went camping our truck was loaded with so much stuff it looked like we were moving! There is a way to make it much simpler though: backyard camping!
Camping in your own backyard has its advantages: you don’t have to travel, restrooms are nearby, you don’t have to pay to camp in your backyard, and you can sneak back in the house if a rain storm pops up. There are many reasons backyard camping is a great option; maybe it’s a last minute idea or your other plans fell through, maybe it’s part of your “staycation,” or maybe you’re baby-stepping your kids into a real camping trip. Either way, here are some tips to make your backyard camping excursion fun and memorable.
The Mind-Set
First of all, relax! This is supposed to be fun. Murphy’s Law of Camping states that something unexpected is bound to happen and things will definitely not go as planned, but that’s what the kids will remember years from now. The last time we camped in the backyard I couldn’t find the stakes for the Buzz Lightyear tent so we tied one side up to the grill handle and the other side up to the top of the swing set. (Hey, it worked!) It’s a life lesson actually. Be flexible, just go with it, make it happen -then laugh about it later.
The Gear
Give everyone a task. Let the kids pack their own backpack with their favorite blanket, flashlight, pillow, favorite toy, and a book to read at bedtime. If you have a tent, let them help put that up too. If not, take the swings off the swing set, hang a tarp, blanket or sheet over the frame and you’ve got an easy up tent. Making a pallet on the deck or patio will also work or just put a blanket in the yard for some old fashioned “sleeping under the stars.”
Next, the campfire. Fire pits make perfect campfires. Taking the legs off a Weber grill is another great option, but any grill will do just fine for S’mores and hotdogs.
The Food
Eating as a family is one of the best things about camping. With no TVs or other electronic distractions, it’s a great opportunity for some good conversations. Again, give everybody a job – either packing a picnic basket in the kitchen and then carrying it outside or sending the kids inside on several trips for ketchup, buns, plates, and napkins.
Hotdogs on the fire is the classic go-to campout meal, but you could also clean out the fridge and make foil packets to roast on hot coals (or grill.) Fill the packets with carrots, potatoes, peppers, onions, beef or chicken, or anything else you need to use up. Or try “grilled nachos” in foil packets with chips and whatever toppings you like. They’ll remember that!
For dessert, try S’mores on a stick. Help your little ones roast their own marshmallow, then dip it in melted chocolate and roll it in crushed graham crackers. If mom and dad want a gourmet touch add some shaved coconut or chopped nuts.
The Fun
If you live in a neighborhood, hiking is probably not an option, but you can go “exploring” in any backyard. See who can find the most interesting leaf or the most colorful flower. Have toddlers count bugs and butterflies. Let the older kids set up a scavenger hunt or obstacle course for the smaller ones. Then do timed races or team events.
You could always take a family walk around the block and go bird watching. For techies, there are lots of “name that bird” apps. After the sun goes down, there are also night sky apps to identify constellations and planets.
Reading books by flashlight is something my boys really enjoy on camping trips. Usually that turns into a shadow-puppets-on-the-tent-wall show, which then turns into shadow puppet wrestling matches. (I mean, they’re boys!) It’s those spontaneous things that become inside jokes and classic family memories.
Just before they fall asleep, go around and ask what their favorite part was. Chances are it will be something that wasn’t planned – something that “just happened.” That’s the real beauty of backyard camping. Time spent together. It may cost you nothing and end up being priceless.