One of my favorite things to do in the summer is camping, or some may say ‘glamping.’ There is nothing better than enjoying the outdoors. National Camping Month is observed in June every year and be it with family, friends, or even by yourself, camping is the best way to reconnect with nature and yourself. Whether you are camping in a tent, cabin, camper, or maybe you are sleeping under the stars on a hammock, they all give you the amazing experience of camping.

Camping can give you the ability of being unplugged for the weekend. No need to worry about cleaning the house, doing laundry, or mowing the yard. You can sit back and relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some activities to do to relax while camping may be reading a book, stargazing, birdwatching, or maybe watching the sunrise and sunset. Often times, it is just peaceful being removed from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day tasks.

My family enjoys making memories together. Nothing better than going for a hike and experiencing nature.  It is an extra bonus when we stumble upon a waterfall, beautiful view or creatures roaming the path. Fishing is another opportunity to sit back and relax, unless you are my husband and a kid needs another worm put on the hook and the fishing line gets tangled!  We always make the best of it and we enjoy making it a competition to see who can catch the most fish.

Hiking or fishing may not be your thing. However, there are plenty of other things you can do while camping. Here are some ideas:

• Playing board games
• Corn hole
• Scavenger hunt
• Catch fireflies
• Start a collection of nature items
• Outdoor movie night (cook popcorn over the campfire)
• Skipping stones
• Boating/water skiing
• Go for a bike ride
• Throw a frisbee

At most camping locations, there is the opportunity to go swimming. Relaxing on the beach and floating around is another great way to relax. We also like to go kayaking down the river or tubing. This allows you to enjoy the views of nature around you.

Now you can’t forget about cooking while camping. This can be a fun activity to do as a family. Making s’mores around the campfire is a must! Nothing better than cooking food over the fire. A bowl of warm stew or chili over the campfire is a great way to warm up if camping during cooler temps.  A fun trail mix is also a good snack to have around the campfire and telling stories, scary or otherwise, is a camping staple. Sit back and relax and enjoy the storytelling.

For those of you who do not like bugs, no worries. There are plenty of things you can do to prevent the pesky mosquitos or bugs.  Here is a list of some options:

• Burn citronella
• Keep your camping area clean
• Bug spray
• Use bug blankets
• Have a fire
• Essential oils that repel insects
• Use a fan
• Wear an insect repellent bracelet

Everyone’s camping experience may look a little different. I started journaling all of my family’s camping trips 10 years ago. It is amazing to look back and see all the trips we have gone on and most amazingly all the wonderful memories we have created. I highly suggest you plan a camping trip this summer and start making some great memories. Happy Camping!

-Lisa Bock, YWCA Northwestern Illinois Director of Child Care Resource & Referral