It's time, once again, for the Natural Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout this June 22nd. Register for free, the entire event is free. Even if it is impossible to camp out this Saturday night, register and get the packing list for camping and free activity guide, as well as recipes for fireside cooking and camp out later.
This camp out is to help get children back to nature and introduce many kids to wildlife they have only seen on television or computer. Each generation of children has to be inspired to help save endangered species of plants and animals. Every time a species goes extinct, it places another species in danger.
To teach children why and how to use natural medicine, someone has to help them identify beneficial plants. There are some things that just have to be experienced up close and personal before they are understood completely.
The camp out can take place in your own backyard, that of your neighbor's or one of 12,000 city, state or national parks, rivers, streams or trails. Go to Nature Find and plug in your zip code for an instant list of possibilities.
Don't miss this year's camp out event. Nothing fancy is needed. For camping at home, a few old sheets can transform an old swing set frame into a temporary tent. No frame to use? Use saw horses or tall-back chairs. Anything will do in a pinch. The main thing is getting back to nature. Listen to those crickets up close for a change.
It may not sound like much, but sleeping under the stars can be magic to a kid. Camping out gives children an experience without television, phones or other electronics. Turn everything off and go outside to play.
