Turn off computers, TVs, iPods, Wiis, MP3 players, cell phones and all things high tech, to experience a night with Mother Nature, listen for nocturnal wildlife (maybe even see a few), star-gaze, cook outdoors, tell stories about Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, and explore a whole other world right in their own backyard.
Last year thousands of people from around the country participated in the Great American Backyard Campout. You donâ’t need to go to Yosemite National Park to experience the great outdoors and the wonders it has to offer. Just open up your backdoor! June has been officially designated Great Outdoors Month by the White House and more than half of Americaâ’s governors and what better way to celebrate.
Where: Backyards across America
When: Saturday night, June 27, 2009
Who: Families, friends, neighbors, and communities
Why: This initiative is part of the National Wildlife Federationâ’s â’Be Out Thereâ’ campaign that encourages young and old alike to get outside and connect with the natural world. Itâ’s especially important for children because for the first time in our countryâ’s history; we have an entire generation that is growing up disconnected from nature.
Getting Started
The National Wildlife Federation is providing everything you need to head out into the great outdoors called your backyard. Or you can check out to see if a local group is planning a large family Campout near where you live. NWFâ’s web site has packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature guides and more. Check it out at www.backyardcampout.org.
Note : We will be putting up a projector and supplying popcorn. This should be fun.