New Tent by Paul Carroll
Today’s post is by guest Roy Scribner, otherwise known as Camping Blogger.
This weekend, Saturday June 26th, marks the annual Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation®.
Back yard camping is the perfect way to be in the moment in your nature garden and to learn more about the birds and bugs.
Why Back Yard Camping?
Camping in your own backyard? Surprising, but true, camping in your backyard is one of the best ways to familiarize your family with sleeping and eating in the great outdoors. Best of all, if you forget the hamburger buns, or that special pillow, they’re only a few steps away!
Better Than Hawaii?
Family camping is enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity, after several decades of playing second fiddle to high-end destinations like theme parks and Hawaii. Blame it on the economy, or nostalgic baby boomers, but you are more likely to hear school children bragging about s’mores and sleeping bags this fall than roller coasters and sandy beaches.
You Don’t Need the Kitchen Sink!
Fortunately, taking family camping for a spin does not require a large investment in outdoor gear. While it might not be a good idea to tempt fate in the wild, without a proper tent, camping stove and other associated gear, you can take a lot more liberty in your own backyard. Most of us made tents out of blankets and sheets, when we were children – so why not now? I guarantee that the kids will think it’s a real hoot!
Back Yard Campers are Creative
Putting together a fun camping night in your backyard is all about being creative. A new camping stove might cost you $40 to $60, but there is no reason that you cannot use your existing barbeque grill.
Air mattresses are an essential backcountry luxury for all but the hardcore backpacker, but at $50 to $120 they are too expensive for a backyard campout. Luckily, your lawn is a lot more comfortable than a rocky campsite in the mountains!
Sleeping bags are another essential item that could set you back anywhere from $40 to $90, each. For one night in your backyard, though, blankets and pillows will be just fine.
For the Serious Back Yard Camper
If you are really serious about the camping experience, though, and think that this might be something your family will do on a regular basis, then you might consider renting camping gear for the weekend. Most specialty outdoor stores rent camping gear and this is a great way to try out different kinds of gear, before making a big purchase.
Few people would purchase a pair of shoes without trying them on and a sleeping bag is no different. It is also very difficult to determine, inside a store, whether a particular tent will actually be large enough for your family. So why not rent and try it out in your own backyard? You might go through several, before finding just the right one.
Family Equals Fun
Camping is a great way to get the family together, away from the distractions of our hectic lives. Taking that first step, with a backyard campout, is a fabulous way to test the waters and get the kids used to sleeping outdoors.
You just might discover, even after your family becomes seasoned outdoor adventurers, that an occasional backyard family campout is still one of the best camping trips, of all.
Roy Scribner encourages parents to experience the great outdoors with their children at CampingBlogger.net. Visit Roy for great family camping tips.
What was your first ever camping experience? Have you ever slept in your very own nature garden?
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Love it! Camping was one of my favorite vacation activities while growing up – I hope my kids will feel the same way.
Such a great adventure…backyard or otherwise!
Tara´s last blog ..20 Green ‘Mom-Approved’ Summer Tips
Great post, you two! We have decided that a backyard campout WILL happen this summer. Can’t wait to share our adventures with you!
What a fun idea! I’ve heard about backyard camping before but never considered it seriously. Didn’t know that you can actually rent camping gear. So I think I might give it a try.:)
Thanks Roy.
Manal´s last blog ..Start Today: 7 Simple Tips to Organize Your Space
Great post! In my family, we did it all the time. Usually it was just sleeping out in the backyard for us kids, under the stars, blankets and pillows, nothing fancy. Of course, I lived in a small town and then moved to a farm at age 7, so plenty of space, though all you need is a yard. Sometimes my parents had a big fire going in an outdoor fireplace, and friends visiting, lots of hotdogs and all that, marshmallows (I never heard of s’mores until I was an adult!)…sometimes a corn roast, fish fry, all that. Singing… And sleeping under the stars while the fire settles down to embers. It was great.
Leah McClellan´s last blog ..Of geese and grisly murders
PS Camping in Hawaii is great too! Super cheap! lol
Leah McClellan´s last blog ..Of geese and grisly murders
Great post, Roy. I am a huge camping fan. We hit the Sandbanks Provincial Park every summer for two solid weeks of outdoor living. It rejuvenates the soul. I love the idea of back yard camping for those who can’t get away or just want to give it a try. I once set up the tent in our living room for my daughter’s birthday party so she could have a camping experience in October. Tent are just plain fun. I think that’s what I love best about camping is the sound of the wind and waves as you fall asleep. Ahhhh, can’t wait. Exactly, one month until my yearly trip!!!
Katie´s last blog ..A Slacker’s Guide to Getting Things Done
Tara – I’m sure they will! And thanks for the plug in your ‘Summer Tips’ post.
Debi – that’s awesome! I remember getting freaked-out by the Goodyear blimp, one night in the backyard (Manhattan Beach, around 1970). It was flying towards our house and was all lit-up with advertisements – it looked like a UFO
Manal – good luck! Yes, renting is a great way to try this out, without spending a lot of money. Sometimes friends are a good resource for gear, too.
Leah – sometimes I think we were kind of crazy, as kids! We would usually just grab a tarp and whatever snacks we could get our hands on
Oh, and Hawaii State Park campgrounds can now be reserved online!
Katie – That just might explain my condition. I, too, used to setup tents in the house and “camp”!
Roy Scribner´s last blog ..Weekend Outdoor Reads for June 18th
Great Idea:)
I love camping, but have never tried backyard camping before. I must say one of the many advantages is cost savings, and you can easily access to your house with anything emergency.
Now I want to try this on my backyard this summer.
Jay Chua
Publisher, PorchSwingSets.com
Jay Chua´s last blog ..Uwharrie Veranda Swing and Arbor Set
I haven’t thought of this before, it sounds like frugal fun,what a fantastic idea!!!
Aileen´s last blog ..5 Signs It’s Time To Let Go