The Great American Backyard Campout

It's the ultimate staycation: family camping, in your own back yard.

For the fifth year, the National Wildlife Federation invites your family to camp under the stars; this year's date is June 27 2009.

It's all part of NWF’s Be Out There™ campaign, to encourage families to spend time in nature. Says the NWF:

For the first time in American history an entire generation will come of age primarily indoors. Studies link lack of unstructured playtime outside to increased childhood obesity, less self-sufficiency and reduced creativity.

June has just been proclaimed Great Outdoors Month in the US, so the timing's right. 100,000 campers are expected this year: sign up at Great American Backyard Campout, which also has recipes and packing lists.

But don't stop after your June night campout...

The National Wildlife Federation has lots of suggestions for hiking, biking, nature trails-- see Nature Find for choices wherever you live or visit.

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* Photo courtesy of National Wildlife Federation.