Camping in the Garden

CAMPING IN THE GARDEN IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO INTRODUCE CHILDREN TO TENTS, AND THERE'S THE ADDED BONUS OF HAVING YOUR OWN CREATURE COMFORTS SUCH AS A TOILET AND KITCHEN JUST A SHORT WALK AWAY.

Garden camping can be the perfect gentle introduction to sleeping in a tent in a known environment where the only wildlife you're likely to hear, apart from the dawn chorus, is the occasional snuffling possum or the neighbour's cat having an inquisitive scratch around the place.

It can also give youngsters a small taste of independence and older children the chance to camp in the tent without mum and dad.

After a couple of nights spent under canvas, but only a few metres away from everything that's familiar, the whole family will be bursting with confidence and excitedly looking forward to their first camping adventure beyond the boundaries of the backyard.

Follow these tips and you will soon be ready to set off to your chosen campsite.

CHECK THE WEATHER

When camping in the garden, pick a night when the weather is forecast to be mild and dry to ensure the whole family has the best chance of enjoying their first night under canvas.

WATCH AN EXPERT

Before you even tip it out of the bag, learn how to pitch the tent via the internet – many manufacturers post helpful videos online, which can make deciphering the written instructions so much easier.

Pop to the Loo

Remind everyone to make a last visit to the loo before snuggling down for the night.

WORK TOGETHER

Get the children involved with both pitching the tent and laying out their bedding. Make an effort to work together as a family to ensure your new home has everything you need.

PITCH UP EARLY

Erect the tent nice and early in the day so the children can have fun playing in it before settling down – tents make exciting dens.

MAKE IT FUN

Glamp up your tent during the day with bunting, fluffy rugs and outdoor fairylights. Cook dinner on the barbecue in the garden, then make a champion hot chocolate before bed. See recipe >>

HAVE A TORCH HANDY

Head torches are ideal for children in case they wake in the middle of the night. And it’s always worth a quick reminder to switch off the torch before settling down and to put it in a memorable place.

OUTDOOR SLEEPOVERS

Plan an exciting, fun-filled birthday party sleepover under canvas. Just set a ‘lights out’ time – and remember to tell the neighbours first!

BE PREPARED

Make sure the route back to the house is clear of obstructions so that, if necessary, you can carry them back to their own beds without tripping over something in the dark.

SLEEPING LIKE A DOG

Pets can be uncertain of new experiences, just like children. Introduce your pooch to camping this way too – I did. Our golden retriever Monty had a bout of the ‘zoomies’ when he first came face-toface with a tent in the garden, but is now happy sleeping in all manner of camping accommodation (although his snoring has been known to keep us awake).

CHAMPION HOT CHOCOLATE

At the end of a bracing day spent out in the fresh air, challenge the kids to create this campsite night-time in a mug. The hot chocolate represents the dark of the night, the small marshmallows are fluffy clouds and the sprinkles are twinkling stars!

PER SERVING

4 squares dark chocolate (you can use regular milk chocolate instead but you'll need a little more of it and probably less sugar)

just under a cup of milk

2 tsp sugar

canned whipped cream

a handful of mini marshmallows

sweet toppings such as sprinkles,hundreds & thousands or a dusting of cocoa

1. Melt the chocolate in a pan, stirringcontinuously to ensure it doesn't burn.

2. In a separate pan, heat the milk then pour iton top of the chocolate. Add the sugar. Continueto gently heat the mixture while stirring so thesugar melts and the chocolate blends with themilk. If using milk chocolate, mix it well as there willbe more oil that separates from the chocolate.

3. Pour into your mug and decorate first withwhipped cream and then those fancy toppings.

4. Use a spoon to scoop out dollops of thedelicious top layer before sipping the hotchocolate. And then just chill out as the daydraws to a close. (Mum and Dad might like tospice up their hot chocolate with a tot of rum.Just don't mix up the mugs!)

TEDDY COMES TOO

For the younger ones, don’t forget to bring their favourite cuddly toy or blanket camping too.

KEY MOMENT

If they’re garden camping without you, consider giving them a key to let themselves in for a loo visit or to clamber back into their usual bed.

>> Camping with Kids contains over 300 cool ideas, from car trip games to recipes and adventure activities. Seasoned camper Simon McGrath draws on a lifetime's experience to help you and your family get the most out of any camping experience.