If your family has a goal to get outdoors more often or to help inspire others to do the same, then consider getting involved in this year’s Great American Backyard Campout.
The event, set for June, is a nationwide fundraiser for the conservation-focused National Wildlife Federation’s initiative to get kids outdoors. Once registered, participants -- along with their family members and friends -- can help raise awareness of and contribute to the “Be Out There” movement, an effort to reconnect kids with nature.
For those families planning to participate in the Great American Backyard Campout, here are 10 ways to celebrate the event:
- Start a mini-journal for recording thoughts, observations and ideas during the Great American Backyard Campout.
- Go on a scavenger hunt, toss a ball around, or play any of the games suggested here.
- Create a meal with recipes provided by the Great American Backyard Campout.
- Engage in a brief period of reflection, taking in the sights, sounds and beauty of your surroundings and thinking of what nature means to you.
- Create some of your own old favorite camping crafts, or get some great crafting ideas here.
- Observe the wildlife of the evening and night sky, from owls to moths to bats. For some helpful hints, read the National Wildlife Federation’s night time wildlife observation tips here. Don’t forget your binoculars!
- Sing songs!
- Gather ‘round the fire pit and tell traditional campfire stories, or share real-life tales of your very own camping
adventures. Check out some great storytelling tips here.
- Spend some time stargazing. Take time to identify constellations and observe the moon.
- Build your own s’mores. Try the classic recipe, or branch out with such non-traditional ingredients as flavored marshmallows, mint chocolate and wafer cookies.
How will you celebrate the Great American Backyard Campout?
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