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15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Family camping is quite challenging nowadays and if you really want your kids to get their faces off gadget screens, and off the couch, you need to plan exciting family activities around the campfire. Camping gives the kids time to appreciate nature’s beauty, make friends with the wildlife, and smell the flowers. Pretty soon, they will be going off in all sorts of directions away from our home and I can only do so much. My kids may feel forced to go camping but I’m sure these will become their fondest memories when they’re all grown up. Check out this list of classical campfire activities that we’ve tweaked a bit for the whole family to enjoy!

15 Fun Family Activities for a Wonderful Camping Experience

1. Campfire Songs

Campfire Songs | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Enliven the campfire group with good ol’ campfire songs and singing games. Everybody loves karaoke so everyone will definitely join in this vocal chord-exercise activity. Don’t forget about singing games like ‘Name That Tune’ or try this singing game where you start a song from the last word of the previous song. Don’t forget to bring your trusty guitar along!

2. Shadow Puppet’s Play

Shadow Puppet's Play | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Shadow Puppet's Play | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

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Forget about bringing a projector to a campfire. Where’s the fun in that? Why not make your own shadow puppet show using your hands and put your and your kid’s imagination to good work.

3. Playing Dress Up

Playing Dress Up | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Playing Dress Up | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Who doesn’t want to play dress up? Whether your kids are up for magical fairies or a wild-wild west theme, it’s going to be extra fun in the campfire. You can put up a play around the campfire too!

4. Toasting Marshmallows

Toasting Marshmallows | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Toasting Marshmallows | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

What’s a campfire without roasted, toasted, and even burnt marshmallows? Before you pack up for the big day, be sure you’ve got the big bag of marshmallows all secured. Get the campfire list entry on marshmallows checked!

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5. Roasting S’mores

Roasting S'mores | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Roasting S'mores | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

The classic never gets old. So, it’s great to add our favorite S’mores on the list! It’s a favorite traditional campfire treat that we can proudly call our own. Your kids will definitely dig this treat they can make themselves.

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6. Lighting Sparklers

Lighting Sparklers | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Lighting Sparklers | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

It doesn’t have to be the 4th of July for you and your kids to light up sparklers around the campfire. In fact, the setup and timing couldn’t be any perfect with sparklers you can easily lit in the campfire. Make sure to get a good shot with your camera of the sparks and lines.

7. Scary Story Time

Scary Story Time | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Scary Story Time | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Remember ‘The Midnight Society’ from Are You Afraid of the Dark? They tell scary stories all around the campfire which surely sets the mood. It’s funny that I can be a scaredy cat but this was my most awaited part of the campfire as a kid. Don’t forget about Bigfoot or the scarecrow, they are classics that just never grow old. You can also check out the best scary story to tell in the dark here!

8. Grilling Barbecue

Grilling Barbecue | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Grilling Barbecue | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Whether it’s chicken, pork, steak, sausages, or hot dog barbecue, lay them all out in the fire to grill. With the activities and the fresh outdoor air, you’ll soon have a bunch of hungry campers. Make sure to throw in some healthy fruits and vegetables to balance everything out. You may also want to check these campfire recipes for a delicious variety.

9. Stargazing

Stargazing | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Stargazing | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

When was the last time you gazed up at a night sky and appreciated the stars, constellations, and all? Sadly, it’s not possible in a well-lit night in the city or even in the suburbs. Stargazing may seem like a boring activity for your kids, but wait till they try it. They might spot a wishing star or two and wish for a campfire each year. Make sure you’ve got your constellation expertise covered and be ready for a barrage of questions.

10. Campfire Games

Campfire Games | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Campfire Games | 15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around The Campfire

Playing in the dark, even with the campfire blazing can be difficult. Luckily, we have fun games to pass the time around the campfire where you don’t have to move around and potentially hurt yourselves in the dark. You can enjoy games like ‘Pass The Message’ where you simply whisper a message around. You’ll find it funny how a message changes as it goes around.

11. Glow in the Dark Ring Toss

Kids love playing with glow sticks. So why not make a game with them? Use one large glow stick and plant it on the ground. Get some smaller bracelet sized glow sticks to use as your rings. Kids will be able to compete with each other and keep the fun going for hours as they sit by the warm campfire while playing dark ring toss.

12. Truth or Dare

Truth or dare has always been a staple of every fun friendly gathering. Get to know your friends better with truth or just have them act silly with a dare. The possibilities are endless and you’ll have the best time around a campfire.

13. Charades

Playing charades has always been especially fun for both children and adults. Competing to guess the correct word can be exciting. When playing around a campfire, it’s fun to take some creative liberties with the campfire to bring out imaginative interpretations.

14. Truths and a Lie

This game is usually an icebreaker to get to know someone new. It can, however, be just as exciting when playing with friends as you get to see their hidden depths unfold. Each person must give three statements; two truths and one lie. Everyone else must guess which statement is false. So huddle up around the campfire and get to know each more!

15. Hide and Go Scare

As the name implies you play ‘Hide and Seek’ but with the added twist of also scaring your opponents. Get creative and use the darkness around the campfire to scare unsuspecting victims as they try to scare you.

Want to try a cool trick? Add color to your bonfire by checking out this video from Rick’s Tips:

These family activities will remind you of your own camping trips from way back. They may be classics but they sure are the essence of an unforgettable campfire. If you want to go camping just near your home, you can also try to build a fire pit in your backyard. We hope you’ve found a favorite on this list. Don’t forget to bring these fun family activities on your next outdoor trip!

What are your favorite family activities around the campfire? Let us know in the comments section below!

Up Next: 27 Campfire Recipes For Your Next Camping Trip | Homesteading

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on June 19, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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