| The great outdoors gives kids a whole new | | | | 3. Scavenger Hunt |
| perspective on the types of games they can play to | | | | What kid doesn't enjoy hunting for and finding things? |
| pass the lazy days of summer. Here are 5 top games | | | | Create a scavenger hunt for your kids using stuff in |
| kids can play while camping. They'll be talking about all | | | | the campsite, campground, or things you might find on |
| the fun they had for weeks to come! | | | | the hiking trail. It can be a short list, or a long list that |
| 1. Obstacle Course | | | | would take the entire day. The level of difficulty should |
| Obstacle courses are always a fun way to expend | | | | be age-appropriate for the kids participating. Prizes are |
| some energy and enjoy the outdoors. This game can | | | | a must at the end of the hunt! |
| be played by children of all ages. Using what is already | | | | 4. Stories Around the Campfire |
| in the campsite, create a fun obstacle course, keeping | | | | Everyone likes a good story, so why not encourage |
| in mind the ages of the children who will be playing. | | | | your children to use their imagination and create their |
| Use camp chairs, firewood, the tent, trees, picnic table, | | | | own original story? An adult can start the story with a |
| and anything else you like to set up the course. Once | | | | brief few sentences and then the next person adds to |
| you've specified what each person has to do to get | | | | the story. The story can be funny, serious, or scary - |
| through the course, set a timer and get started. For | | | | whatever you choose. It may be useful to set some |
| older children, perhaps they would have to answer a | | | | guidelines for the older children so that the younger |
| riddle in addition to the physical requirements in order to | | | | ones aren't up all night! |
| go on to the next area of the obstacle course. At the | | | | 5. Rainy Day Camping Games |
| end, have prizes such as cookies, fruit, or lollies for the | | | | It's almost inevitable that you'll have at least one rainy |
| winners. | | | | or inclement day while camping. Plan to bring a few |
| 2. Tag | | | | decks of cards for Rummy, Go Fish, or Solitaire. UNO |
| A classic game that never loses its appeal is good, | | | | is another great card game that the whole family can |
| old-fashioned tag. All ages can play, making it ideal for | | | | play together. If you have room, plan to bring a few |
| several people to participate (adults can play too!). | | | | board games to play under the canopy or inside the |
| During the day, simply designate a location as "base" | | | | tent if the weather isn't cooperating. The Alphabet |
| and then choose someone to be "it". You know the | | | | Game is fun too. One person begins by saying, "I'm |
| rest, yes? Flashlight tag is a fun activity at night, but | | | | going on a camping trip and I'm going to bring an apple." |
| perhaps would only be safe for older children. One | | | | The next person has to repeat what the first person |
| person is "it" with the flashlight. If they tag someone | | | | said and then add their own item that begins with the |
| with the light, that person is "it". Just be sure the area in | | | | letter "B" and so forth. This game has the potential to |
| which the children are playing is free of potential | | | | make everyone laugh hysterically! |
| hazards. | | | | |