In a media interview yesterday with MLive, our governor said, “We’re all eager to reengage [camping] because it is good to be outside…”
I agree… but there’s no need to wait.
So, whether you’re a kid who can’t wait to go to summer camp, or an adult that just needs to get out of the house… here are some ideas… six camp-inspired activities you can do at home.
1. Observe critters and birds.
It seems that they’re more active lately since we aren’t… so spend some time watching, identifying and maybe even drawing the swimming, crawling and flying things around your home. Sit on your patio, look out your window, or go for a walk to see what’s living in the bushes, trees and wet areas around you.
In the past few weeks we’ve observed Baltimore Orioles, American Goldfinch, and Brown Thrasher. Here’s a link to the Kindle edition of the Kid’s Guide to Birds of Michigan .
2. Do something crafty.
One of my favorite camp crafts is repurposing old leather belts into awesome, chunky wristbands. You can cut leather with sturdy scissors, and use screwdrivers and a hammer to imprint shapes, patterns and words.
If you want to plan ahead, here’s a link to some leather stamping tools that will take your new creation to a whole new level.
3. Color your world.
Set up outside with crayons, markers or paints and depict the landscape you see. Pay attention to details like different kinds of trees and flowers, and what the sky looks like. Paint what you see, then add something special that makes it magical… like a rainbow or unicorn. Seriously!
After your picture is done, why not snap a photo and share it on Facebook so the whole world can see what’s in your backyard! Here’s a few photos of what’s in mine.
4. Make a camp-themed meal or snack.
The logical choice is a s’more or marshmallow, but why not try making a campfire pie in your George Foreman grill… fill it with your favorite pie filling, or with pizza toppings and cook until crisp. If you have a spot to build a backyard campfire… that’s even better!
We love our double cast iron campfire pie makers.
5. Take a hike.
Even with stay-at-home orders in place, most states and communities still allow for hiking in public parks. On your hike, look for animal tracks, interesting rocks, and wild flowers in bloom.
This blog from Hiking Michigan has some cool guides to some of the more likely animal tracks you’ll find. Think they’re not in your area? Think again… yesterday we saw a Red Fox in our backyard!
6. Camp out, or in.
Set up a tent or hammock in your backyard, or build a blanket fort in your living room. Camping inside? Selectively turn off circuit breakers so you aren’t tempted to WiFi or watch TV.
There are so many hammocks on the market… but here’s one set we have that came with everything you need to get started hammock-camping at home!
Got other ideas? Share them in a comment… and post a picture while you’re at it!
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