Backyard Camping
I realize it is August 22 and I usually post on the 2nd of the month but my summer went from a month of nannying my cousins straight to RA training at school so it’s safe to say I’m only just finding some breathing time where I want to write. Did I mention they are 7 year old twins? Yeah, exhaustion. One thing you should know is that they have only ever lived in cities so when I had them out in the country I knew I had to get them covered in mud, eating around a fire, and sleeping in a tent.
We went on day hikes and played outside but there’s something different about spending the entire night outside, especially when the kids think any movement is a bear trying to eat them. I think it was a basic success and easy to replicate for those looking to introduce youngsters to the outdoors without truly being in the wilderness.
What you need: kids, pjs, tent, sleeping bags, pillows, stuffed lovies that can’t be left inside, fire pit, hotdogs, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, water bottles.
What you don’t need: toothbrushes, cooking equipment, a backpack, proper shoes, breakfast items.
Step 1: Build excitement! Make camping and sleeping under the stars seem like the most fun they’re going to have all week. Set a date and continually remind them to get them to anticipate it and so they know it’s coming - surprises are nice but having something to look forward to is fantastic. Tell stories of your (good) adventures and memories from camping with your family and friends!
Step 2: Wieners! Have an unorthodox non-healthy dinner and all the s’mores they can eat (well maybe only 3 maximum). No need to worry about veggies and you get to cook your own food! Have them scavenge for sticks (or buy skewers at the store) and show them how to properly roast a wiener over a campfire. They can eat it off the stick or put it in a nicely toasted bun (and since you’re in your backyard you have the luxury of ketchup and mustard and any other toppings you wish).
Step 3: Camp songs! If you were a camp kid or counselor brush up on your campfire songs and teach your kiddos as the sun goes down. They love to see you wild and free singing at the top of your lungs and dancing like a fool and their uncontrollable laughter will only encourage you to up your game. If you have “repeat after me and do as I do” songs those are absolute winners because they get to participate.
Step 4: S’mores! Once the sunset is fading and the stars are starting to peek through reuse the sticks and start roasting ‘mallows. Teach them how to use the coals to make a perfectly golden brown marshmallow that’s lightly toasted on the outside and absolute goo on the inside. If they choose to incinerate theirs think about where you went wrong (and if you char your ‘mallow know that there’s just no hope).
Step 5: Sleeping under the stars! As they wind down and you snuggle in with them point out constellations and see if you can spot a shooting star. The tent I have has mesh on the top so we could lie down and see the sky directly above us.
Our night was not perfect - one kiddo bailed around midnight because their bed was just more comfy and the other woke up at 5 with the sun to be shocked as everything was covered with a light dusting of dew. I knew I had succeeded though when both of them wanted to camp again the following week.
The outdoors is for everyone and I am a believer in sharing what you love with those you love. I hope they grow up to be Lorax’s who know the beauty and value of nature and advocate for its preservation.