'International Camping Day', 29 June
- Simon O'Donovan
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
International Camping Day – Introduction
Welcome to my International Camping Day activities! Camping has long been one of the most popular ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it's sleeping under canvas, cooking over a campfire or waking to the sounds of birdsong, camping encourages us to slow down, appreciate nature and spend time together. Today's activities will test your knowledge, spark memories and celebrate everything we love about life in the countryside.
Let's Talk About Camping
Many people have happy memories of camping holidays, Scout or Guide camps, caravanning, family adventures or simply spending time outdoors. Some loved the freedom and fresh air, while others remember the rain, midges and uncomfortable nights! Share your camping experiences, favourite places, funny stories and whether you'd still enjoy spending a night under the stars today.
The Countryside Code
Looking after the countryside helps everyone enjoy it safely while protecting wildlife and the environment. The Countryside Code reminds us to respect nature, leave gates as we find them, keep dogs under control, take litter home and leave only footprints behind. It is all about enjoying the outdoors responsibly so future generations can enjoy it too.
Planning Your Camping Trip – What Will You Need?
Packing for a camping trip takes a little planning. You'll need somewhere comfortable to sleep, equipment for cooking, warm clothing, waterproofs, lighting and a few essential tools. Thinking ahead helps keep you safe, dry and comfortable. How many camping essentials can you remember before you set off?
Camping Quiz
Time to test your camping knowledge! From tents and campfires to outdoor equipment and countryside skills, see how many questions you can answer. Don't worry if you're not an experienced camper - the quiz is designed to encourage discussion and sharing memories as much as finding the correct answers.
Glamping
Not everyone enjoys sleeping on the ground! Glamping - short for glamorous camping - offers all the fun of being close to nature while enjoying many of the comforts of home. Luxury tents, cosy beds, electricity, heating and even hot tubs have made glamping increasingly popular with people who love the countryside but prefer a little extra comfort.
Whilst Camping – What Might You See?
Camping brings you closer to nature than almost any other holiday. Depending on where you stay, you might spot deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, butterflies, dragonflies, birds of prey, woodland flowers, lakes, rivers, mountains or spectacular star-filled skies. How many things can you identify from the pictures?
Name the Movies About Camping
Camping has inspired plenty of memorable films and television programmes over the years. Some are hilarious comedies, others are adventures or dramas, but they all feature life under canvas or outdoor holidays. See if you can recognise these classic camping-themed movies from the pictures alone.
Name Some Camping Foods & Drinks
Simple food always seems to taste better outdoors! From bacon sandwiches and sausages cooked on a camping stove to toasted marshmallows around a campfire, camping has its own special menu. How many traditional camping foods and drinks can you spot or remember?
CST Song of the Day – The Happy Wanderer
A cheerful song celebrating walking, travelling and enjoying the countryside, The Happy Wanderer became an international favourite after being recorded by the Obernkirchen Children's Choir in the 1950s. Its famous refrain, "Val-deri, val-dera," has encouraged generations to sing along and appreciate the joys of being outdoors.
CST Song of the Day – Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!
Allan Sherman's comedy hit from 1963 is written as a humorous letter home from a miserable child at summer camp. Despite the complaints about rain, insects and homesickness, the ending reveals the child no longer wants to leave because they're having such a wonderful time. It's one of the funniest novelty songs ever recorded and captures many classic camping experiences.
CST Song of the Day – Kumbaya
Kumbaya is one of the world's best-known campfire songs. Believed to have originated within the African-American Gullah community in the early 20th century, its title is generally understood to mean "Come by here." The song became especially popular with Scouts, Guides and youth groups, bringing people together around campfires to sing in friendship and unity.
I couldn's find a combined song, so here are The Seekers singing Kumbaya ...
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