5 BACKYARD CAMPING IDEAS

Keen for a family camping experience but not quite ready to go all out? JODY ALLEN from parenting website Stay at Home Mum shares some ideas for easing yourself in gently with a backyard camping adventure

Backyard Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, without having to lug all the gear into the car – all it takes is a little imagination to make a fun campsite in your own yard. One of the best things you can do for you and your family is to spend time together, and backyard camping is perfect for that, and for creating memories.

1. PITCH A TENT

Any type of tent might will work for backyard camping, but you should do some research. Sure it might rain but remember, the house is always only a few steps away. Don't run out and buy a top-of-the-line tent when a simpler and less expensive one might meet all the needs of a backyard campsite. Also, be aware of lightning when you are putting up a tent – it may be best to head back in the house. Make sure to set up camp as a family so that your children learn the importance of teamwork.

2. HAVE A BONFIRE

Sitting around a campfire is one of the best parts of camping, and if you have a fire pit in your backyard then you are one step ahead of the game. If you don't, consider getting one. Building an open fire in your backyard can be dangerous if it isn't done correctly, and the same techniques you use in the woods might differ depending on the size of your yard.

3. PLAN A CAMPING MENU

Another highlight of camping, that involves a campfire, is roasting in the flames. Try sausage or vegetarian hot dogs, and even chocolate, marshmallows, and sweet biscuits to make s'mores. You can also put a cast iron pan on the fire and make grilled cheese or nachos for dinner. Plus, don't discount the ol' banana and a chocolate bar wrapped in aluminium foil! The best part

is, if you forget an ingredient, all you need to do is run in the house and look in your kitchen. Gathering sticks to use for roasting your fares can be a wonderful family project to do together.

4. STAR GAZING

Looking up at the star-peppered sky is always priceless. If you live in a more urban area with a lot of lights, then it might be a bit more difficult. Another way to see stars is to get a telescope, but that can be very expensive. So you can always just take your chances, lying back and staring up at the night sky. As the darkness descends, try to identify constellations, such as the Southern Cross.

5. FUN AND GAMES

There are all kinds of games you can play when you are camping in the backyard. You can have a torch war with your family, a potato sack race before the sun goes down, or break out a deck of cards and play by the firelight. The games you play don't matter as much as the general idea of playing a game together as a family. You can have games that require teams so you and your children can learn to work together. Some fun ones include Ghost in The Graveyard and Kick The Can.

This is an edited extract of a story which originally appeared on stayathomemum.com.au. It has been reproduced with permission.

THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF GAMES YOU CAN PLAY WHEN YOU ARE CAMPING IN THE BACKYARD