It’s a whole different world…your backyard at night. Backyard camping is a great activity for family fun and learning.
I encourage you to open up a new level of nature study, done at night under the stars in combination with the Great American Backyard Campout!
Check the National Wildlife Federation website for dates and events in your local area: Great American Backyard Campout.
Backyard Camping with The Great American Backyard Campout
Each year, The National Wildlife Federation sponsors the Great American Backyard Campout and you are invited. From their website,”Spend the night under the stars with National Wildlife Federation and take your family’s first step into a lifetime filled with healthy, outdoor fun.”
Watch an introductory video!
If you have been reluctant to try camping, this is an easy way to test it out with your family closer to home. You may just end up liking it! Who knows where you will take your tent next?
I know that sleeping outdoors can seem scary and unfamiliar but overcoming the fear of being outside at night is worth the effort. You will realize there are some amazing things going on between sunset and sunrise right in your own backyard!
Combine nature study with an overnight backyard campout and you will build family memories that last a lifetime.
Nature Study Ideas from the Outdoor Hour Challenge for Backyard Camping Fun
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping Activities for Kids – fun!
- The Ultimate Guide to Nighttime Summer Nature Study Activities (great ideas here!)
- Using Your Words (Our FREE Getting Started Guide)
- Moths (Summer Curriculum)
- Crickets (Summer Curriculum)
- Bats and Summer Curriculum
- Fireflies (Summer Curriculum)
- Stars and Moon (winter study you can adapt – Winter Curriculum)
- Sounds (Summer Curriculum)
- Night Blooming Flowers (Summer Curriculum)
Pick a challenge, read the pages in the Handbook of Nature Study, and then look for an opportunity to apply what you learned. Keep it fun and always, always, always follow your child’s lead if they find something they are interested in. You can follow up with a library book or a Google search in the morning.
Bring a few art supplies outdoors and your nature journal so you are prepared if you find something of interest. If you have a nature related storybook or a favorite outdoor adventure book, bring it out for some after dark reading with a flashlight.
More than anything else, be aware of your surroundings and use all your senses, when you can’t rely on your vision…listen, feel, and smell the nighttime in your backyard. Try to spend a few minutes just sitting quietly in the dark if your children are able and see what you notice. Even a few seconds of quiet is good for younger children.
If you are new to nature study, you are invited to download and print our free Three Steps for Success.
More Summer Nature Study Ideas for Your Homeschool
Traveling for camping? Here are some ideas to start with:
Hikes and Field Trips Close to Home
Ultimate Guide to National Parks Nature Study for Your Homeschool
You might also like:
- 99 Nature Study Ideas to Get Your Family Outdoors
- June Nature Study Activities for Summer Fun
- Summer Nature Study Photo Challenge
- Delightful Preschool Nature Study Plans for Your Homeschool
- Summer Nature Study: Learn and Have Fun When It’s Hot Outside
- Enjoy Online Summer Art Camp
- 10 Favorite Ideas for Homeschool Summer Break
- Homeschool Summer Camp
Summer Nature Study with Homeschool Nature Study Membership
Join us for even more homeschool nature studies for all the seasons! With a new nature study each week, you will have joyful learning leading all the way through the homeschool year for all your ages!
Be inspired. Be encouraged. Get outdoors!
This is a great idea for a family nature study! We love camping and this would be a great way to do it at home.