If there is one theme that has woven its way into the fabric of the past few weeks, it's camp. It seems like everywhere I turn lately friends are getting their children ready for camp, talking about camp, getting excited about camp... going to camp! I still count my first time at that enchanted place as one of my fondest memories, but I also remember my little sister's oh-so-very-sad eyes when my mother told her she was too young to join me.
It can be hard being the little one sometimes. I'm a middle child so I had a turn at each, being the big kid that got to do big kid things, and being the little kid who had to wait a few more years until she could join the fun. . .
. . . so, why not make a backyard camp for younger siblings who are too little to go away but big enough to want an adventure of their own?
With a few real "tools" to add authenticity. . .
. . . and a little imagination, you can travel the world. And while you're at it, you could even make postcards to share all of the places you've been with your older siblings at camp (see printable templates below). The world is waiting. . .
. . . right outside your back door.
Backyard Sleep Away Camp Activities:
- Bindle Making (à la Huck Finn)
- Camp Breakfast
- Flag Making
- Knot Tying
- Nature Study
- Scavenger Hunts
- DIY Cowboy Roll (for sleeping under the stars)
- Archery
- Nature Journaling
- S'mores
- Postcard Writing: click here to for printable world map post cards (you can mark your real or imaginary location on the front and the location of the person your sending it to). These can be great prompts for imaginary exploration and real geographical studies.
Happy Trails!
~Sarah
*Last time in Crafts and Activities: Journeys in July
