On April 12th, MBG education staff hosted the first ever Family Camp Out in My Big Backyard. 13 families made the garden their home for the evening and enjoyed a fire-roasted dinner and s'more's bar! Bacon, icing, vanilla wafers, and of course marshmallows were just some of the fantastic array of potential toppings for s'mores with a twist! We highly encourage you to experiment with new toppings at home! A warming, hearty oatmeal and sausage breakfast was served in the crisp morning air.
| Campsites were tucked into the edges of My Big Backyard where families
could feel like they were nestled among the trees and magical
play-places. Some of our family guests were first-time campers, some
were no stranger to the under-the-stars experience, and for some it was
just the child's first time camping. Everyone enjoyed this new camping
destination! |  |
| We had so many activities planned to keep the little (and big) ones
busy. Activities like pond dip-netting to find critters in the water,
building homes for fairies, making tree cookie necklace name tags and
playing in the garden kept everyone busy during the daylight. Nocturnal
crafts included wolf fur pouches and stories, firefly and glow games,
and fireside pins. |
As the sun began to set, the stars, planets, and moon appeared. We had two large telescopes on the Leaping Lawn with help from the Memphis Astronomical Society and excitement was brewing as we awaited the International Space Station which made a pass overhead that night. Despite not being able to see it, just thinking of the great beyond captured our imaginations. The MAS volunteers and another visitor did, though, observe an actual satellite explosion in mid-space!
| We also made a trek through the forest, without flashlights, to
explore our night vision and heightened senses. Here, with just the
moon as our light, we made crystal explosions, heard stories of pirates,
and practiced night crawling over roots and under branches.
Adventures and discovery came to a close with sleepy eyes and
campfire songs to top off the evening. In the morning, we reheated the
fires and filled our bellies before cleaning up our sites and leaving no
trace. | 
|
The first ever Family Camp Out was great fun and we look forward to hosting more in the future. Till then, make sure you come out to one of our Campfire Parties!