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Choose a nearby park, open space, or large yard for your camp out. When deciding on your location, make sure you find out if it will be a place that allows you to use a barbecue grill or camp stove. If not, decide on an alternative food, such as cold sandwiches and chips.

Invite neighbors and inform them of the time and location of the campout. Ask them to bring their camping gear and any extras they would be willing to lend to those who don’t have anything.

Bring roasting skewers or wire hangers; hot dogs and all the fixings; and plenty of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for s’mores. Also have drinks, flashlights and lanterns, and wet wipes for sticky fingers and faces.

Find a neighbor who plays guitar and can lead everyone in some traditional campfire songs. Before dark, play a few family-friendly games such as a three-legged race, freeze tag, or kickball. As the stars appear, lie on your backs and see how many constellations people can name.

Helpful hint: Orion is one of the easiest constellations to locate. It is distinguished by the row of three bright stars, which make up Orion’s belt. The bright star above the belt and to the left is called Betelgeuse (pronounced just like the movie character Beetlejuice) or Alpha Orionis, Orion’s left shoulder.

Instant Intentions

When stargazing, you might say something about how great God is to create such a huge, beautiful universe. Mention how amazing you think it is that He holds the whole world in the palm of His hands. Also, if you or someone else does play guitar, throw a few praise and worship songs into the mix of campfire songs.

-          From the book, Field Guide to Neighborhood Outreach by Group Publishing, 2007.