Camping bingo

Camping bingo tips

• Hand out the cards in the car on the way in. Kids can claim the backpack, the water bottle and the cooler while unloading, which gives everyone a quick start before the slower squares come into play.
• Settle the owl rule before dark. Owls are far easier to hear than to see, so decide whether a hoot from the trees counts. Make a backup plan for the starry sky in case the night turns cloudy.
• Look at the trail map together and match squares to the plan. A paddle on the lake covers the canoe and maybe the fishing rod; a morning hike is the best shot at the deer, the compass and the mountain view.
• Give young kids a crayon on a string tied to a clipboard so it doesn't vanish into the leaves. Ask them to say each item's name out loud as they color it in; sleeping bag, binoculars and bug spray may be new words for preschoolers.
• Make the prize part of the campfire. Whoever finishes the first line toasts the first marshmallow of the night or picks the next campfire story, so the reward costs nothing extra.

Best for

Ages

4 to 12 years, with adults welcome to play

Group size

2 to 6 players, such as one family or a small group of friends

Duration

20 to 40 minutes per card, or spread across a full weekend camping trip