Backyard Campout!

Camping out appeals to the spirit of adventure in children of all ages. Even if the child isn't old enough to sleep outside, a backyard campsite for napping, picnicking and playing can provide many hours of fresh-air fun! And, remember the camera to take pictures for the summertime scrapbook. You can make it at the end of the summer as you reminisce about all the summer fun you had!

The Supplies

Tent If you do not have a real one, fasten blankets between two trees, a clothesline or another support. A tarp or waterproof sheet (like a plastic table cloth) spread under the tent will keep the moisture out.

Sleeping Gear Even if your child will not be sleeping outside, it's fun to curl up in a sleeping bag or nest of blankets and pillows. An air mattress, roll of foam padding or carpet makes a soft surface your child may even take a real nap!

Flashlight or Camping Lantern Young children love to play with light. Read a book using the flashlight!

Backpack or Duffle Bag Use this to carry special things and special friends including favorite stuffed animals, toys, games and books. Card games are great camp out activities.

The Campfire

A real campfire is out of the question but many fun activities that surround the mystique of the campfire can be enjoyed. Storytelling that is imaginative and funny can make the activity memorable. Singing songs and sharing thoughts are all things to do around the campfire.

You can make a campfire circle with stones, or logs and build a make believe fire in it with branches and twigs you collect in the yard. Children enjoy pretending to cook with toy or real pots and utensils.

The Food

Many foods taste better outdoors. It's fun to be exempt from table manners. And there is no worry about spills! Let your preschooler help make sandwiches by spreading peanut butter or layering pre cut cheese and sliced meat. A young child can cut raw fruits and vegetables with a plastic knife or pour juice from a thermos. It's even fun for everyone to help wrap the sandwiches and put them in a picnic basket or cooler. Don't forget the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate for the s'mores!

Daytime Activities

• Setting up the campsite is part of the fun. Let your child spread ground cloths, pitch the tent, mark off the campfire ring, and spread the picnic blanket.n Draw pictures in the dirt and make up stories about them.
• Go for a hike ad let your imagination create a wilderness wherever you are. A puddle or a lake, a crack in the sidewalk, a ravine. Talk about the insects and animals you see.
• Play hoop-toss or beanbag/ball tossing games.n Lie down, look at the clouds and tell stories about the shapes you can see.
• Use dolls and toy animals to act out imaginary camping adventures.

After Dark Activities

• Gather together at twilight at the campfire ring. Share stories about the day and sing songs.
• Play song games to see how many songs you can think of with a certain theme such as colors ("Little Red Caboose", "Yellow Bird") or weather ("Rain, Rain Go Away", "You Are My Sunshine"), nursery rhyme characters or any theme you choose.
• Tell stories. Everybody tells part of the same story, making it funny or scary.n Tell simple jokes or riddles. If you don't know many, check out a book from the library.
• Look at the stars and point out a few basic constellations, or make up your own star pictures and tell stories about them.

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