Any plans for this weekend?

Saturday 18th April 2020

Missing getting out and about? Fed up that the Bush Season isn't starting in 2 weeks' time? There’s never been a better time to enjoy the great outdoors at home!

Nature Play WA is calling on WA families to make April 18 the world’s biggest backyard campout from the COVID-19 safe surrounds of your own home!

Nature Play WA started as an initiative by our sponsor, DLGSC (formerly DSR), founded on the understanding that unstructured play outdoors is fundamental to a full and healthy childhood. While orienteering can't be considered unstructured, it is a great way to introduce children and their families to a different form of outdoor activity.

It's a WA tradition to hit your favourite camping spot during the April school holidays, but this year it’s important we follow government advice and stay put so that we can beat this virus together.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t bust out the camping kit and have a ball camping at home.
Let’s turn the COVID-19 restrictions into a chance to make memories as families and as a community!
If you don't have younger children at home, there's no reason why you can't be big kids and take part anyway.

How can you take part?

1. Mark yourself as "Going" at the Great Backyard Campout Facebook Event (and share the event with your friends!)
2. If needed there are Top Tips on planning a great campout
3. Share photos of you setting up, cooking* and enjoying your campsite in self-isolation with the hashtags #greatbackyardcampout #NaturePlayWA #OrienteeringWA for us to share with the Nature Play community! 

* Please bear in mind that prohibited and restricted burning periods are still in place across many parts of WA, which means certain activities that involve open flames could be prohibited in your area. If you are planning to have an open fire or use outdoor cooking devices while camping in your yard this weekend, make sure you contact your local government directly to check what restrictions may be in place.

Also, to ensure the conditions are safe, before you light a campfire:

• Always check the weather conditions in your camping area;
• Do not light or maintain a campfire on dry, windy days;
• Do not light or maintain a campfire when the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) is very high, severe, extreme or catastrophic;
• Check emergency.wa.gov.au to see if there are any Total Fire Bans in place

Don't forget to check the retic isn't going to run while you're in your tent!
Have fun!