There is something undeniably magical about camping, whether in a park or your own backyard.
Even indoors, camping makes a great theme for parties and activities at home or in the classroom. Roasting marshmallows over the campfire is memorable, but making s’mores in the oven is just as tasty!
Whether you’re a parent, Scout leader, or educator, the theme of camping is a great segway into discussing the importance of protecting the environment, respecting wildlife, and preserving parks. Below are three reviews of books on camping that you can pick up for your family or use as part of a lesson plan for future activities in your classroom. Enjoy!
Fred and Ted Go Camping
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Fred and Ted—beloved canine stars of P. D. Eastman’s Big Dog . . . Little Dog—are back in an all-new Beginner Book written and illustrated by P. D.’s son, Peter Eastman! In this story Fred and Ted go camping, and as usual, their uniquely different approaches to doing things (such as packing equipment, setting up camp, and fishing techniques) have humorous—and sometimes surprising—results. A charming introduction to opposites that beginner readers will find ruff to put down!
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
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S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet
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Next to baseball and fireworks on the Fourth of July, nothing else seems as American as the family camping trip. From what to pack, where to go, and what to do when you get there, S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet takes readers on an A-Z trail exploring this outdoor pastime. Veteran camper Helen Foster James tackles topics such as unique camping environments, equipment necessities, famous conservationists, and national parks and other attractions. Whether your idea of “roughing it” is a blanket in your own backyard or the subarctic ecosystem of Alaska’s Denali National Park, S is for S’mores is a fun and informative guide that is sure to help campers of all ages make the most of their wilderness adventures.Helen Foster James started researching this book when she was four years old – that’s when she went on her first camping trip. An educator for over 20 years, Helen is a lecturer for San Diego State University. Her first book, E is for Enchantment: A New Mexico Alphabet, was a WILLA Literary Award Finalist. Helen lives in San Diego, California. Lita Judge lives in New Hampshire with her husband. She studied geology and dug for dinosaurs before she turned to writing and illustrating children’s books. Her love of nature, animals, science, and history inspires her art.
Camping is an exciting family bonding experience. Looking for more ideas to make memories with you kids? Check out the blog post Lasting Memories your Kids are Sure to Forget (and that’s OK)
Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping
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Scaredy Squirrel is not too comfortable with the idea of camping … unless it’s on his couch! There will be no mosquitoes, skunks or zippers to worry about when he watches a show about the joys of camping on his brand-new TV. But first Scaredy must find an electrical outlet, and that means going into the woods! Will the nutty worrywart’s plans prepare him for the great outdoors, or will his adventure end up as a scary story told around the campfire?
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