The National Wildlife Federation has designated Saturday June 28 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
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages you to celebrate The Great American Backyard Campout at one of 48 Maryland State Parks in your own backyard on June 28-29. However you choose to camp out, enjoy yourself and your surroundings.