There’s no place on earth like Arkansas in late spring and early summer for evening walks, stirring around the garden and taking it easy on the deck. And, there’s no better time than now to pitch a tent in the backyard.

“Kids need to experience camping, especially in their youth when the wonders of the outdoors can influence their future love for nature and wildlife,” says Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for the National Wildlife Federation. “[Camping] develops a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wildlife around them.”

The NWF’s 10th Great American Backyard Campout encourages people to camp out in backyards and campgrounds June 28, but the experience awaits you right now.

Kelly Farrell, chief of interpretation and program services with Arkansas State Parks, says camping, be it the backyard variety or in one of the state’s parks, shakes us loose from the stress of modern life.

“Nighttime experiences in the wild reunite visitors with the pioneer spirit,” she says. “We have become such an ‘indoor’ society that for many people—kids especially—simple things outdoors are novel and captivating, like being aware of the weather, waking with sunrise and bird calls, feeling the air change as twilight arrives, and being amazed over and over again at the majesty of the night sky.”

The Natural State loves the outdoors; in fact, more than 176,700 campsites were occupied in Arkansas state parks last year. Backyard camping is a great way for beginners to break in slowly or introduce the activity to even very young children.

“For young people, camping offers an ideal time and place to explore life skills,” Farrell says. “I encourage parents to include children in as many aspects as possible. Have kids help choose the campsite, write the grocery list and give input on planned activities. The sense of independence that can develop for kids through (this) is valuable.”

A backyard campout can be as elaborate or as simple as you like: The NWF’s suggested packing list includes a tent (or tarp over a rope line), sleeping bag, flashlight with extra batteries, insect repellent and bottle of water. Lawn chairs or a sitting blanket are also good ideas.

Close proximity to the house means access to the kitchen, but don’t pass on going camp-authentic with an outdoor meal. Grill hot dogs or roast marshmallows over a fire pit or charcoal grill, or invest in a camping stove to cook the many easy, campsite-friendly recipes available online. Pack a picnic dinner ahead of time or even bring along a pizza; the point is to have fun, not to give a six-year-old a lesson in survival training.

The best part about backyard camping is the time it gives you with your child, particularly when you minimize distractions. So, start by making a pact that the campground is a phone- and electronics-free zone.

“Statistics show children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using electronics,” says Karoline Hurd, NWF director of events. “Backyard camping lets them unplug and promotes physical and mental development as well as reconnecting parents with their children, creating a stronger family unit.”

Distractions silenced, invest in conversation and games that challenge the imagination and stress family connection. Burn off some energy playing tag or capture the flag. Walk around the neighborhood for a game of “I spy,” or count to ten and play hide and seek.

As the evening winds down, munch on trail mix, popcorn or other snacks and tell ghost stories, embark on a firefly-lit scavenger hunt or just gaze at the sky to point out cloud shapes, evening colors or starry constellations. Share some of the games and songs from your own childhood before falling asleep—you’ll be amazed how little has changed since you were a kid.

“Life slows down at the campsite,” Farrell says. “Daily tasks are performed together. Funny things happen, memories are made and family traditions are built. ‘Remember that time our tent pole broke and we worked together to fix it?’ ‘Remember when we stayed up past midnight telling stories around the campfire?’ Shared experiences from camping trips can strengthen parent-child and sibling-sibling communication for a lifetime.”

Resources

State Parks of Arkansas: Provides information on state park campgrounds, programs and activities at each park, plus prices and a wealth of other information.

National Wildlife Federation: NWF’s Campout page features packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature games and more.