Camp Out in the Back Yard

Kids today spend 55 hours a week indoors using electronics, and less and less time outdoors. But how do you get your kid to experience the wonders of nature, develop creativity and learn to appreciate the virtues of quiet? Here, The Daily Green presents some ideas in conjunction with the National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There campaign, which urges parents to give their children a "Green Hour" each day: one hour outdoors engaging in unstructured play (BeOutThere.org).

One idea? Camping. The outdoor vacation is making a comeback! Hiking and camping have been increasingly popular in recent years, and there's no better way to introduce your child to the wonders of the outdoors. But if your family's not quite ready for wilderness camping, organize a campout in your own backyard! It's cheap, fun and easier than you think. The Great American Backyard Campout is June 25, 2011. For more information, visit BackyardCampout.org.