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22 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • June 2020 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BACKYARD CAMPOUT: Gather everything you'll need (like sleeping bags, activities and snacks) and bring it all outside ahead of time. If you have to keep going into the house, you'll lose the "feel" that you're camping. Make a rule that no one goes into the house except to use the bathroom! Plan kid-friendly food and games to keep things interesting. You don't need lots of fancy equipment, just a little imagination. BACKYARD BACKYARD WRITTEN BY ATLANTA PARENT EDITORIAL BOARD ages & stages Have a Have a CAMPING FUN AND GAMES CAMPING FUN AND GAMES LEAF RUBBINGS Collect leaves from different types of trees in your yard. Place them on a flat surface (face down works best) and cover with a piece of paper. Use a crayon to lightly color over the leaf to reveal its pattern. Source: firstpalette.com NATURAL PAINT BRUSHES Kids will have fun gathering the materials for these DIY paint- brushes and experimenting with the effects each type of brush makes. Gather pine needles and leaves from trees for the bristles. Bundle them at the end of a twig and tightly wrap with raffia, string or twine. Dip the paintbrushes into your favorite paints and create some nature-inspired art. Source: applegreencottage.com KNOT TYING Bring lengths of lightweight rope to your backyard campout and learn basic knot tying. Here are six knots that every camper should know. Source: coolofthewild.com MORE BACKYARD CAMPING GAMES Play flashlight tag, go on a nature scavenger hunt and more—all in your back yard. Check out the National Wildlife Federation's list of camping activities for kids. Source: nwf.org CAMP CAMPOUT OUT Whether you pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, create your own teepee, or just spread an old sheet on the ground, camping in your back yard is a fun way to connect with nature. Plus, you can always head back inside if it rains!