The National Wildlife Federation has designated Saturday June 26 as the Great American Backyard Campout. It’s part of their Summer-long “Great American Campout” campaign to celebrate exploring the wild outdoors through camping. Camping out in the backyard is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the nature and wildlife that surrounds us every day and introduce adults and especially children to a healthy, active lifestyle outdoors. This is a great activity if you have children visiting. 

The NWF encourages everyone to start easy, make it fun, and build a lifelong connection with nature and wildlife! 

Camp in –Pitch a tent or build a fort in the comfort of your own home. 

Camp out – Grab your gear and head to your own backyard or an open park. 

Camp on – Remember, wherever you are, take the time to enjoy the nature that surrounds and connects us all. 

Whether indoors or outdoors here are some tips to make your camping more enjoyable: 

Make it comfy with mattresses, pillows, cuddly toys, and family pets 

Open the windows and let the sounds of nature indoors 

Design an outdoor scavenger hunt 

Eat a gooey sweet dessert 

Gaze at the stars 

Read your favorite bedtime story 

Make shadow puppets with a flashlight 

Play your favorite board games 

Have a singalong 

 

However you choose to campout this weekend enjoy yourself and your surroundings.