There is something special about camping as a family. These experiences seem to stick with us and help us grow closer together as a family. Whether it be from the lack of distractions or just the fact that we are all making intentional time to be together, something special is created. Read below for some tips to have a backyard campout with your family this week! 

Big Ideas

• Fun outdoor activities to do as a family.

• Budget friendly family activities.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1 (NIV)\

Growing up I loved going camping with my family. We spent a lot of our summers hitting up different state parks in Kentucky camping, playing miniature golf and hanging out by the fire. I have so many memories of these trips and hope to one day take my own kids on outings just like them. There is something special about camping as a family. These experiences seem to stick with us and help us grow closer together as a family. Whether it be from the lack of distractions or just the fact that we are all making intentional time to be together, something special is created. One of the amazing things about camping as a family is you can do it no matter the age of your kids!. While older kids are probably ready for a real campsite, younger children may not be prepared to rough it. Well let’s be honest most of us aren’t into roughing it.  By sticking close to home, you and your kids can feel safe and secure, be within walking distance of a bathroom, and still enjoy a wonderful family bonding experience. Backyard campouts are a great way to have some fun as a family and make memories that can last a lifetime. Here’s a few tips to get your backyard campout ready to go! 

1. Gather Supplies (Tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, and flashlights..ect)

   • Before you run off to the local megastore to buy equipment, see what you already have in your house. There’s tons of things laying around the house that make for a great outdoor adventure. 

2. Set Up Camp

   • Make sure the kids help put up the tent (a pop-up shouldn't take more than a few minutes to mount), unroll sleeping bags, and set up the tent's interior. Try out your sleeping spots and check on the supplies. 

3. Build A Bonfire

   • Kids love s'mores, so make sure to roast some over your campfire in your backyard. Telling stories around the campfire is also a classic camping experience. This could be a great opportunity to read or tell a bible story to your children. 

4. Get Creative 

   • Play games, go on a hike, watch a movie outside. One fun creative thing to do a night is stargaze (This is a great chance to teach your kids how God made the world.) “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1. 

1. Sleep Outdoors 

   • Don't bother trying to enforce a curfew. Let’s be honest not a lot of sleeping happens, especially if you've got more than one kid in a tent. Expect lots of giggling and tossing and turning. That’s part of the fun!

2. Eat Breakfast 

   • Be sure to use the time after everyone wakes up to eat breakfast together and talk about how much fun last night was. 

3. Clean Up 

   • Once breakfast is over have the kids help clean up and put everything away. This could be a great time to start brainstorming and planning for your next backyard campout or family adventure. 

We can’t wait to see how much fun you and your family have on your backyard campout. Share a picture on social media with the hashtag #NoOrdinaryFamily and show the world that you truly are No Ordinary Family!