Giving your children a feeling of surprise and enthusiasm about camping and the great outdoors while they are young is critical to instilling a lifelong love of nature in them.
But getting kids out the door for school in the morning, much alone, into the woods for an extended weekend may be difficult at times. What is the solution? It is camping in the backyard.
It’s a terrific way to pull out the gear and get kids excited about camping without requiring weeks of planning. Or, they’re additional batteries for the nightlight. So, before you look for the best sleeping bags, let’s start!
Get Their Help with the Tent
Setting the tent up may come naturally to you. You’ll find it done faster if you do it yourself. But that’s not the objective. Children like making things, trying new things, and helping others.
All of this will come together when they put up the tent. And having everything ready to go will make them even more excited for their backyard campout.
Make a Fire
A tent (that you have) plus a fire truly make camping seem like camping. It may need some extra effort and, depending on what you have available, some imagination. But, a campfire will make or break your outdoor picnic.
Allow the children to assist you with this as well. They can sort and stack firewood and kindling. Also, they can help with tinder and kindling placement. And learn about fire safety and how to make a campfire.
Get a “Real Camp Meal”
Since you’re a veteran car or RV camper, you can probably prepare whatever you can make in your home kitchen on a camp stove. It’s a useful talent. But it’s not what this is about. It’s all about hot dogs in this case. Get some roasting sticks and pre-cooked hotdogs.
So, you have spares in case they burn. And let the kids have their barbecue. Check out the Fire Buggz Roasting Sticks if you want to have some fun with it. You can cook both sides of a hotdog or a marshmallow with a flick of the wrist, and youngsters adore them.
Create S’Mores
Let’s be frank: this was largely an excuse to make S’ mores on some level. Why attempt to hide it when you and the kids are both aware of it? Allow children to toast their marshmallows if you have a bonfire.
However, you may want to practice a few flaming marshmallow exercises first. This is to ensure that a soaring, burning lump of molten sugar does not spoil someone’s night.
Make Bedtime like Camping
Ensure the sleeping places are prepared ahead of time with the best lightweight sleeping bag, stuffed animals, blankets, and any other comforts the kids may require. If you have any little children who need a nightlight, consider whether you’ll supply them with a battery-powered light.
Or, they’ll be OK with the porch light left on. The goal is to be able to make one run to empty your bladder and clean your teeth. Then snuggle into your tent, just like you would on a genuine camping vacation. Backyard camping may be a pleasant ritual in and of itself.