Great American Backyard Campout Inspires Camp Coleman

Last weekend my family and I were privileged to attend “Camp Coleman”, an event held in conjunction with National Wildlife Foundation’s campaign Great American Backyard Campout to get people outside enjoying the joys of camping.

There were Camp Coleman events held in four states, and we attended the one in Colorado.  It was 100+ degrees outside, with not a lot of shade … but thanks to the hard work and planning of the Coleman staff, a good time was had by all.

Great American Backyard Campout Camp Coleman

One of the most exciting aspects was receiving a full campsite of Coleman gear for free!  Each family checked in at the front entrance, was told what number their campsite would be for the night, and was greeted with this sight.

Fortunately, the tent they provided for each of us was a “60 seconds to put up” Instant Tent for 8.  Intended to take the stress out of tent raising for newer campers, I was surprised at the ease with which this tent went up.  I do think it takes two people, though – so bring a buddy.

It didn’t take more than 10 minutes of setting up camp in the intense heat for my daughter and I to start working up a thirst.  Queue the Coleman Staff swinging by to drop off another little present… a cooler fully stocked with ice and drinks!

Have to say that this Xtreme Wheeled Cooler is one of the pieces of Coleman gear that I was the most excited about.  By far, the nicest cooler I’ve ever owned in my life – and keeps ice up to 5 days in 90 degree temperatures!  A feat I did not realize was possible.

Soon it was lunchtime and we needed to head over to the central gathering tent for a cooking demonstration by local Celebrity Chef Hosea Rosenberg.  He walked us through the preparation of two very tasty lunchtime menu items.

Then we split up into four groups, each with our own cooking stations.  The stations were stocked with utensils and ingredients, and we were tasked with preparing our own lunch using Chef Hosea’s recipes.

As a mom, I find thinking of food ideas for our camping trips very daunting.  I believe Coleman’s intent was to help give us some new camp food ideas, and teach us how you can cook even in outdoor, away from home conditions.

This was such a great idea, and was how our evening meal was also handled. (Although they did much of the cutting and prep work for us ahead of time!)

I know I will be making “BLAT”s (bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes on a tortilla) again on a camping trip in the future.  Easy to grab-and-go, and such a great idea.  Yum!

Camp Coleman Activities

Afternoon quickly arrived, and it was time for the activities to begin!  Sign up sheets were used to space out the traffic, but everyone got a chance to participate in anything they wanted to try.

Air conditioned vans shuttled us back and forth from camp to the activity locations throughout the park.  (I won’t lie, this was a highlight.  It was H-O-T out!!)

 

 And the fun continued that night, with another cooking demo.  That evening we were dining on trout with lemon caper sauce over couscous, and filet mignon stir fry.  Slightly fancier fare than my typical hot dog campout dinners.  Very, very tasty!

 

There were musicians on hand playing live music all evening, which added a great background atmosphere as the camping families mingled back and forth between the four campfires.

An astronomer was there with telescopes, which was an exciting opportunity.  We misunderstood that this activity would also be wrapped up by 9 PM, and thinking we would wait until dark to check it out – we missed out.  Too busy having fun!

Didn’t capture the S’mores roasting on film, but there were generous supplies of the ingredients made available by the Coleman staff.  They truly thought of everything, and even walked around handing out quarters for the showers the next morning!

Since this is a Happy Post, let’s fast forward past the not-so-cool-night-spent-in-tent-with-wild-baby-hopped-up-on-too-much-chocolate-and-a-missing-pacifier part.

Aaah!  Morning time it is!  Baby who has yet to receive his first haircut was sporting some pretty crazy Camping Hair the next day.

Bright and early, we headed out on a short hike to where promise of breakfast (and I was praying, coffee) awaited us.

And sure enough, a lovely continental breakfast display was waiting for us a short 15 minute hike away.  And even better:  cartons of Starbucks!  I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again:  I love you, Coleman.

Ooohh, but the best was saved for last!  This was the highlight my daughter and I had looked forward to the most:  Horseback riding!

 

And that’s it!  It was a fantastic experience, and we can’t thank Coleman enough for all their hard work and generosity.  We definitely made some great camping memories with our families!

Great American Backyard Campout Held Annually in June

I do not know for certain whether Coleman will hold this event next year?  It was part of the Great American Backyard Campout, which is held annually on June 23.  So watch Coleman’s Facebook page, and if they do hold it again – I strongly encourage you to enter.

If they do hold one next year, it will likely be another essay type entry.  As a blogger who hosted the contest this year and selected 3 winners – take my advice:  write your entry carefully.   You have a MUCH BETTER chance of winning something like this than a “button click sweepstakes” type of contest!

Read the contest rules before you enter, they will likely give you crucial tips on what they are looking for.  Entries were scored equally on creativity, relevance to theme, and grammar/punctuation – and that’s what brought it home for the families who ended up winning this year.

Get Outside and Play!

Above all, please try and take your family camping at least once this summer!  Your kids will cherish the memories that you make together enjoying the outdoors.