Camping - 3 Reasons to Start in Your Own Backyard

If you have never been on a family camping trip then you don't know what you are missing!  It's a great way to spend memorable family time together.  And you don't have to make a long trek to the wilderness either.  Why not camp out right in your backyard?

Title: Camping - 3 Reasons to Start in Your Own Backyard

Author: Richard Killey

Are your children looking for a new adventure? Consider family camping. Each year millions of families take advantage of the many campgrounds that exist, both public and commercial. If you have never gone camping, consider practising in your own backyard.

Here are 3 reasons why you might choose to practice camping in
your own backyard.

Reason # 1: Easy Adventure for Children

To the average adult, camping in a backyard may not seem
glamorous, but to a young child it is a fun and exciting
adventure. In fact, to a young child it is probably better than
a proper campground, especially their first time. Considering
that the average child spends so much time indoors with their
internet and game machines, getting them outdoors like this is a
great educational experience. Hopefully you can pick a cloudless
night and spend time looking at the stars. Then there are
probably many sounds to listen to, whether something simple like
a cricket, or if you are close enough to a wooded area, perhaps
you will hear an owl.

Go on a "journey" while you camp. Wait until it is dark out,
then take a flashlight and wander about your yard, looking for
"things". You should be able to show your children some bugs
that they do not see during the day.

Do not forget the nighttime story. Pick one appropriate for your
child, or maybe even make one up if you have that skill. If you
can, get a Coleman lantern, or just point a big flashlight at
the top of the tent, and spin a tale. Children love this
activity.

Reason # 2: Easy Adventure for Mom and Dad

Backyard camping is also an easy adventure for mom and dad.
Think about how much easier the logistics are. No stocking up on
ice and supplies for eating and cooking. No careful planning to
make sure that everything you need is properly and neatly packed
in the car. There are obvious cost savings as well, both in
campground fees and travel costs.

You will not have to be concerned about personal safety as much
as you would at a public campground. If there are last second
changes in the weather, your home is just steps away.

Local laws and safety concerns probably preclude the nighttime
bonfire, but if you have or can borrow a small Coleman stove, or
mini barbecue, you can still do a traditional marshmallow roast.

Reason # 3: Practice for the Real Thing

If you have never camped in the past, this is a great way to get
the whole family used to the idea. Sometimes it only takes one
backyard session to prepare everyone. Then the next time you can
go to a regular campground.

If mom and dad are new at this activity, a backyard camping trip
is also a good way to practice. You can make sure that you know
how to set the tent up, and that you know how to use your
portable stove. Another important task that can use some
practice is the packing of the car. If your list of things to
pack is not complete, then you are at least right next to your
home, and you can adjust the master list.

Finally, you may find that the youngest members of the family
are not quite ready to leave the comfort of their own beds.
Several more backyard outings may be necessary before the real
thing.

Finally

Camping is a natural extension to hiking activities. It also
allows you a more economical way of spending time at outdoor
vistas that are too far away for a simple day trip. Leaving
early on a Saturday morning, setting up camp, participating in
several hikes Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, and then
returning Sunday evening is an awesome way to spend a weekend
with your children. If you normally spend time at church on
Sunday mornings, then mom and dad can lead in some Sunday School
songs during the hike, and dad can find a good object lesson to
take the place of the sermon.

"Have tent, will travel" may become your new family motto, and
it can all start in your own backyard.

About the author:
Richard Killey is a father of 3 and a grandfather of 2 who
writes about children from a grandfather's point of view. More
of Richard's articles can be read at
http://www.grandparichardskids.com

We love camping and some of our best camping trips have been right in our back yard!  Try it and then share your experiences with us!

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