National Wildlife Federation
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As we gear up for Independence Day (or as we like to call it ‘Interdepence Day'), prepare to do something with your family or friends that’s as patriotic as it is playful—go camping as part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout taking place this June 27!
Every summer, Planet Green’s non-profit partner hosts the event as a way to encourage folks to re-connect with nature. They provide Americana-style camping recipes, tips and activity ideas to both the most seasoned of campers—and the camping-challenged—to make the experience easy, relaxing and fun.
Not convinced camping’s for you or your Wii-addicted kids? We turned to David Mizejewski, spokesperson for the National Wildlife Federation and lifelong naturalist, who shares why time in the great outdoors plays such a vital role in our mental and physical well-being—and how camping can be a super way to have some good old summer fun affordably and eco-responsibly.
Planet Green: Why is something like the Great American Backyard Campout so important?
David Mizejewski: We know that increasingly people are spending less and less time outside, kids in particular. The average American kid spends over six hours a day indoors in front of electronic screens (TV, computers, video games, texting, etc.) and almost no time outside. We've seen a spike in health issues such as childhood obesity and a declining knowledge of the natural world as a result of this "indoor kid" trend.
At the same time, we know that parents are often hesitant to let their kids outside for perceived safety reasons or because they themselves aren't comfortable in the outdoors. National Wildlife Federation is committed to helping families connect with nature and combat the problems of indoor lifestyles by getting outside. We started the Great American Backyard Campout as a way to give families a great way to get unplugged, experience the wonders of nature and have some fun while they're doing it. You don't necessarily have to go to a far away wilderness area to have an outdoor experience—nature is literally right outside your door.
PG: What tips would you suggest to families going camping for the first time?
DM: It's easier than you think. The hardest part is often picking a date and making the commitment to do it. We've solved that problem by designating June 27 as the date of the Great American Backyard Campout. Before the night of your campout, decide if you're going to sleep in a tent, under a tarp lean-to or just under the stars. Then, plan a fun outdoor meal. Whether your "campfire" is a grill or a backyard fire pit, plan on cooking over the coals, eating corn on the cob, roasting marshmallows for s’mores, and other classic camp recipes. Plan some outdoor games to keep everyone engaged after dinner. Be sure to check the weather the day before to plan accordingly and don't forget the bug spray! Beginners can get dozens of campout activities, games, crafts, campfire songs, recipes and other activity ideas at www.nwf.org/backyardcampout.
PG: It seems like camping makes for a perfect, low-cost, low-carbon ‘staycation.’ Would you agree?
DM: Absolutely. With the current state of the economy, many families have decided to skip long-distance vacations this year. The Great American Backyard Campout is a way to still have a fun vacation experience without having to spend a fortune. Staying close to home also eliminates the need to drive or fly and the associated use of fossil fuels. Saving money and reducing your family's carbon footprint are things everyone can feel good about.
PG: What are some of the best ways to ensure your camping trip is eco-friendly?
DM: Saving gasoline is the biggest eco-benefit of camping out close to home. The Great American Backyard Campout is a pretty low eco-impact activity. For dinner, don't use paper or plastic plates or flatware; use your regular dishes instead. That will help reduce garbage. Go one step further and make your campout meal local and organic. See if you can use recycled materials for your games and activities. If you are camping at a community site, follow the old rule of "take only pictures, leave only footprints."
PG: And finally, if a family can’t carve out a camping trip into their busy schedule this summer; are there any outdoors alternatives that you would recommend?
DM: If families can't participate in the Great American Backyard Campout on June 27, that's ok. You can do a backyard campout at any time. If you can't camp, there are hundreds of other ways to get outside. You can go wildlife watching and see how many birds, flowers, bugs and trees you can identify in your neighborhood. You can collect interesting leaves, stones and shells and use them for nature crafts. Starting a garden is
a great way for the whole family to get fresh air and exercise (planting a veggie garden also means fresh, healthy food!) Sometimes getting outside time is as simple as turning off the TV and going for a walk.
National Wildlife Federation is here to help families get outside and have fun doing it—go to www.beoutthere.org for more information!
Thanks, David! I certainly don’t need any convincing when it comes to sleeping under the stars and enjoying some tasty campfire cuisine. (Did somebody mention s’mores?)
If you’re one of the families wishing to join the Great American Backyard Campout fun this June 27, head over to http://www.nwf.org/BackyardCampout/ to register today!
::National Wildlife Federation
More on Camping:
Eco-Friendly Camping Trip
Buy Green: Camping Tents
How to Go Green: Travel & Outdoors
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