60 Ways to Enjoy an Old-School Summer

Attention, campers and camp parents! Welcome to the inaugural session of Camp Country Living, a virtual summer camp featuring 60+ badge-worthy ideas across four categories: Food & Drink, Arts & Crafts, Fun & Games, and Gardening & Outdoor Pursuits. Before you settle in, we'd like to go over a few housekeeping-related things.

Are you a kid? Check in here!

Congratulations, campers! You have officially arrived at the ultimate summer camp—one where you can happily handpick your activities all while going to sleep in your own comfortable bed (or sleeping bag, if you so choose). Our editors have teamed up with some of the smartest, most creative experts around the country to dream up ways you can make the most of summer without resorting to a screen (well, other than this one, but you get the general idea). How many badges can you earn? Print out our checklist and mark them off one-by-one. By summer’s end, you’ll have plenty to write home about—even if you’re already there.

Click the image to download your badge checklist!

Are you a parent? Check in here!

Maybe you forgot to sign up for camp until it was too late. Maybe your child was out of school for less than 24 hours before uttering the dreaded phrase “What can I do now?” Regardless, the expanse of summer stretches uncomfortably before you like a not-quite-wet-enough slip-and-slide, and you’re wondering how to embrace the time in a way that’s more stimulating than screens. You’re in luck. We’ve assembled 60+ ways that you and yours can make the most of summer the old-fashioned way. How many badges can you complete as a family? Print out our checklist above and mark them off one-by-one. By summer’s end, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your kids are better versed in rock-skipping than Roblox.

If you’re not already an All Access subscriber, you’ll likely have to sign up to enjoy all 60 activities. It’s a lot cheaper than camp tuition, and it will unlock all of the other great content on CountryLiving.com. (It's worth it for this recipe alone.)

Now that we’re all squared away with check-in, please peruse our many camp offerings below.