🏕️ What You’ll Need

Parents/Gardians’ permission

The idea of having a mini adventure is that it’s designed to be fun, safe, and inspiring, but they must always be done with adult permission or supervision. All campouts, outdoor and bushcraft activities should be planned and carried out with the permission and support of a responsible adult.

You should never construct shelters, light fires, or use tools such as knives or stoves without adult supervision. Safety must always come first, and learning together enhances the experience even more. Every garden and woodland is unique, so ensure an adult assists in checking the area, setting up safely, and agreeing on what is acceptable to do.

Let’s make these adventures unforgettable for all the right reasons!

Shelter & Bedding

• A small tent, tarp shelter, or even a bivvy bag

• Ground mat or camping mattress

• Sleeping bag or blankets

• Pillow or rolled-up jumper

Lighting & Safety

• Headtorch or lantern

• Spare torch and extra batteries

• Access to the house if needed

• Keep a phone or whistle handy just in case

• Let an adult know the plan and check in at agreed times

Food & Cooking (Optional)

• Camp stove or BBQ (with adult supervision)

• Simple foods: sandwiches, hot dogs, marshmallows, baked beans

• Water bottles or a refill tap nearby

Bushcraft Fun

• Fire pit (if allowed) or a pretend campfire made from sticks and LED lights

• Carving & Whittling (with adult supervision and safe tools)

• Knot tying, shelter building, or making a bushcraft bracelet

• Stargazing, nature scavenger hunt, or storytelling

• Photography

• Reading!

Clothing

• Warm layers (it gets cold at night!)

• Waterproofs, just in case (check the forecast)

• Comfy shoes or boots

Extras

• Notebook and pencil for drawing or journaling

• Cards or small games

• Camp chair or log to sit on

🌟 How to Set It Up

1. Pick a Spot: Choose a flat area of the garden. Clear sticks or stones to make it comfy.

2. Set Up Camp Together: Everyone help pitch the tent or build the shelter. It’s part of the fun!

3. Bushcraft Time: Start with a small activity like putting up a tarp, carving a tent peg, or lighting a fire with flint and steel (with help).

4. Evening Fun: Cook simple food, toast marshmallows, tell stories, or listen to night-time garden sounds.

5. Lights Out Adventure: Try switching off torches for a few minutes to stargaze or spot bats!

6. Check-Ins: Adults don’t need to hover—but knowing someone’s nearby helps everyone relax.

✅ Safety Tips

• Always have an adult nearby (especially if using tools or fire).

• Keep a phone handy for emergencies, but try to go screen-free if possible.

• Stay warm and dry—check the weather before setting up.

• No campfire? Use battery lights or glow sticks to create an atmosphere.

🎉 Why It’s Worth It

A garden campout is more than just sleeping outside, it’s about learning independence, trying new skills, and creating memories. It’s a small step into adventure that feels big and exciting.

So grab your sleeping bag, set up a lantern, and step into the wild... Just a few metres from the kitchen!