The Decorator’s Guide to Creating a Campground in Your Backyard
 |
| seen on All Make Fun |
As the air continues to cool and the days become shorter, there is still a little time left for a camping trip. The perfect pastime for a family, camping challenges us to leave the comforts of our home in exchange for tents and cabins. Oh the memories we have of cheesy camp songs, grilled cheese sandwiches and s’mores. Before the weather gets too cold, take one last trip to the woods for a camping experience. Don’t have the time to leave your house? Bring the campground to your backyard with these decorating ideas.
Pay Attention to the Forecast – There is no sense of jeopardizing your family’s heath for a night under the stars. Be sure to check the weather forecast and check it twice. Nights below freezing are never ideal for little ones in tents. Hopefully you will come across a mild evening perfect for camping.
To Tent or Tarp? – If you are the proud owner of a tent then you are ahead of the game. Place your tent(s) far enough away from the patio door (won’t see glare from the lights inside), but close enough to accessible bathrooms. If you do not own a tent, get creative with tarp. Canvas tarp is a good material for its thickness and neutral appeal. Using rope or twine, anchor your tarp to a tree or your patio to create your own rendition of a tent. Just make sure you have enough material to enclose your space.
Sleeping Bags and Comforters – Once you figure out where you will lay your head, it is time to work on its inner parts. Sleeping bags are a quintessential camping component due to its soft feel and insulating ability. If you don’t have any sleeping bags, double up on comforters (at least two to three) to keep you and your family warm. Regardless of what you decide to use, we recommend laying down a blanket so you aren’t sleeping on the grass.
Intra-Tent Checklist – There are still a few more items that your tent should have. Examples of tent accessories include:
- Alarm Clock
- Flashlights
- Light Torch (electric or gas)
- Extra Pillows
- Books (for camp stories)
- Water Carafe
- Thermos with Cups (for warm drinks and/or soups)
Create a Fire – Toast s’mores and sing classic camp songs around a toasty fire. Gather log wood together and surround it with rocks to enclose the fire. Caution: Be sure to keep an eye on the fire and all accessories (e.g. lighter fluid, etc) with children around. If you would rather not use a real fire for your campground, emulate the look with LED candles bunched together.
Want to try a fun family project. Using paper bags (white or brown), decorate each bag by creating noticeable cutouts in the shape of stars, animals and any other reminder of the great outdoors. Place a small LED light inside each bag and watch them come to life under the moonlight.
(Related Article) DIY Decorating: Create an Indoor Campground for Your Kids
