Subscribe by EmailGreat American Backyard Campout: Part Two
There is a lot to be said about camping close to home and in your backyard for many reasons. No need to pack and unpack the car. No need to prepare breakfast out of a cooler on a picnic table, among other things. But one of the biggest advantages to camping in your own backyard is when it rains. And rains. And rains…
Any campers in the upstate NY, VT, NH and MA regions more than likely spent the 2008 Great American Backyard Campout in the rain like we did here in southwestern NH (as there were no doubt other rainy spots nationwide). But the rain did little to dampen the spirit of the campers in our yard on Saturday night.
We managed to get the tent set up before the rain started and then spent a wonderful night under the pitter-pat of rain drops and the occasional downpour. Both our four year-old and one year-old campers were all too happy to be zipped into the tent, warm and dry, and eat Rice Crispy squares as the evening wore on. In the morning we woke to a shiny, wet world ready for the sun to dry everything off again.
Overall, the National Wildlife Federation, the sponsor of the Great American Backyard Campout, recorded 24,396 registered campers on their website ticker for the event. We were encouraged to hear and read about families all over the country participating in this fun and easy outdoor experience with their kids. By spending more time outdoors, even in simple ways, we help kids re-connect with nature and appreciate the world around them. This has been the mission of the National Wildlife Federation and the Great American Backyard Campout and we were excited to set up camp in our own backyard and be part of this growing campaign. Wet, but excited.
Did you particpate in the campout? Leave us a comment and fill us in on your camping adventures, stories or funny mishaps.
You can learn more about the Great American Backyard Campout and the National Wildlife Federation at www.nwf.org/backyardcampout.
Better Planning Next Year
Our family lives in Arizona. We have participated in the Great American Campout in the past while living in Massachusetts several years ago. This year we decided the morning of the campout to participate again from our Southwest home.
At 8:00 am in Gilbert, AZ, the tempature inside our air conditioned home was a pleasant 78 degrees. Knowing we only had to move our camping items from garage to backyard, we spend the first part of the day doing weekend chores. By 3:00 pm, we found ourselves dripping from sweat and looking at the tempature climb past 110. The news reported that the heat was continuing into the night. We regrouped and made a family decision to move the camping to the next weekend and find a place in the cool mountains to setup our site. More on these adventures later.
Good on ya Karen and family! I’m sure camping in the desert has its own set of unique challenges. Good luck with your “postponed” camping adventure.
Better Planning in Arizona
The following weekend was much better. My husband, myself and our 2 sons (7 & 14 years old) set out to camp at the South end of the Mogion Rim July 4th weekend.
Although there were a lot of people packed into commercial campsites, we took our Avalanche truck further down the National Park road and found a place a little more out of the way. The temperature was a perfect 78-82 degrees during the day. The area was blanketed with pine needles making for great kindling and soft bedding. There was a bit of rain each evening but we were prepared with some tarps and umbrellas so it added to the adventure rather then “dampening” it.
The highlights of the trip other than the obvious amazing view from the top of the Rim, included building a camp fire, making s’mores, playing monopoly and card games by lantern light, finding a friendly little horny toad, and seeing several small elk along the road side.
Once our oldest resigned himself that there would be no cell phone signal, he began to explore the area. At this older age we could finally begin to involve both boys in more complex setup activities like tent raising and building the fire pit. Keeping them involved really helps keep the spirits up.
In the end, fun was had by all. Being prepared and being willing to adjust our plans were the keys to this camping trip’s success.