| Are your kids begging you to take them | | | | Don't have a tent, or even a backyard for |
| camping, but you just can't find the time to | | | | that matter? That's no reason not to camp |
| take them on a camping trip? Or would you | | | | out. Just spread out your sleeping bags, or |
| like to introduce your kids to the fun of | | | | even just some blanket in the living room. |
| camping for the first time, but aren't sure | | | | Turn off the TV, radio and video games. If |
| if they will enjoy it, or might get scared? | | | | you have a fireplace, build a fire. |
| Either way, camping out in your backyard will | | | | Otherwise, order some pizza and pop some |
| be a fun way to spend the evening and night | | | | popcorn and you can even make s'mores in the |
| with your kids. | | | | microwave. |
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| Get the kids involved in setting up camp in | | | | No matter where you decide to have your close |
| your backyard. Have them help you set up the | | | | to home camping trip, take some time to sit |
| tent. Put them in charge of getting their | | | | together and talk. Telling stories, whether a |
| sleeping bags, flashlights and anything else | | | | campfire is involved or not, is always fun. |
| they may need into the tent. If it's an | | | | Your kids' imagination in creating new |
| option for you, you may even want to make a | | | | stories may surprise you. Don't forget to |
| campfire in your backyard. Check with your | | | | tell some handed down family tales. |
| fire department before hand if this is an | | | | |
| option in your area. If not, just dig out the | | | | Above all, think back about your favorite |
| charcoal or gas grill. Grill some hotdogs and | | | | camping memories and recreate them with your |
| make some foil backed potatoes for dinner, | | | | kids. Do you remember any good scary stories? |
| and of course you'll need some s'mores for | | | | Are there any games you enjoyed playing? |
| desert. If you are roasting the marshmallows | | | | What's your favorite card game? |
| over your grill, put some aluminum foil over | | | | |
| the grate to keep the melting marshmallow | | | | Have some fun with this, enjoy your kids and |
| from dripping onto your grill. | | | | create some memories. |
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