Childhood summers are marked by memories of biking around town with a pack of friends, listening for the bell of the ice cream truck, staying outside well after the sun sinks in the sky, and catching fireflies in a Mason jar. With the dawn of the Information Age, many children are missing out on traditional summer fun and are glued to their electronic devices instead.  It’s time to boot our children outdoors, so they can benefit from fresh air, green grass, and the carefree joys of a summer spent in nature.

A wonderful way to turn your child’s screen time into green time is by having your family participate in the Annual Great American Campout (GAC) on Saturday, June 27th.  The National Wildlife Federation, along with national studies, finds that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. The bottom line is outdoor time makes for healthier and happier kids.

The main premise of the GAC is you don’t have to have a lot of equipment to spend a night under the stars. Kids can explore a whole other world in their own backyard, with friends at a local campground, together with neighbors, or at a large community camping event. Escaping from technology for just one evening can help kids understand why it’s called the great outdoors.

Before June 27th, drop by your local Mast General Store to pick up a few items for your family’s overnight outdoor adventure. The North Face Sprout Daypack is a perfect size for a smaller child and will teach them to share in the camping preparation process.

Every happy camper should prepare themselves for a stray summer shower. The Girls' Switchback Rain Jacket and the Boys' Glennaker Rain Jacket, both from Columbia, are lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. Mast Store’s Outdoor Department can help you with planning your backyard campout or your next thru hike.

Checkout backyardcampout.org and register your campsite on National Wildlife Federation’s website. You’ll find great information to make your family camping experience a memorable and safe one. The site offers nocturnal wildlife guides, campfire recipes, nature activities, as well as campfire songs and games. Move your son and daughter’s childhood from the indoors to the outdoors this summer. It could be the start of a great diversion for your whole family – and just think of the memories you’ll make.

Here’s a wonderful resource for 21 easy camping recipes that we look forward to trying this summer: Add A Pinch