Backyard Campout Weekend in California
Friday, June 26, 2009
Cook up a batch of s’mores, tell campfire stories and sleep under the stars. Saturday is the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Great American Backyard Campout – and Californians are being encouraged to get out the sleeping bags and tents for a night outdoors.
David Mizejewski, naturalist and spokesperson for NWF, touts the benefits of spending time outside to get away from day-to-day distractions and busy schedules.
"The Great American Backyard Campout is a great way for families to get together, get unplugged, go outside without having to travel far, and it’s a great way to get re-connected with nature."
For the first time in the country’s history, there’s an entire generation growing up disconnected from nature, says Mizejewski. Camping out at home can offer kids unstructured playtime, which he says they need to boost exercise levels.
"You can have your outdoor experience, and you can have your camping experience, and you don’t really have to travel far – whether you’re camping out in your own personal backyard, or you're participating with a group somewhere in your community."
Participants can register their campsites – their own backyards or favorite campgrounds – online at www.backyardcampout.org. The site also includes suggested activities, recipes, wildlife guides and more.
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