Road Games, Camp Crafts & Memory-Making Magic
Camping season is almost here—and in our house, that means excitement is buzzing! It’s our favorite time to unplug, unwind, and reconnect. As a family of five, we live for the simple joys of being together outdoors: no screens, no deadlines, just laughter, campfire crackles, and the great wide open.
Camping isn’t just fun, it is the mental recharge we all need. Combining physical activity, social engagement, and a digital detox for teenagers, camping is great for mental clarity and positive mental health.
Key Benefits
Reduced Anxiety and Depression – Research indicates that time in nature lowers stress hormones, helping everyone manage anxiety and depression (Berman et al., 2012).
Increased Mindfulness—Practicing mindfulness in nature for teens fosters present-moment awareness, reduces negative thoughts, and improves emotional regulation (Lymeus et al., 2018).
Unplugged Fun for the Drive
With teens, you might assume the drive is all earbuds and eye-rolls—but we’ve found a few tried-and-true car games that actually keep them laughing:
I Spy
A classic. “I spy with my little eye something beginning with B…” or “…something green.” Great for younger kids but still surprisingly fun for older ones too.
The Rainbow Game
Spot something red, then orange, yellow, green… you get the idea. It sounds easy—until you’re on a dirt road with nothing but sagebrush.
The Alphabet Game
Pick a category (like animals or candy) and go through the alphabet. “A—Aardvark, B—Beagle…” Made-up answers get called out with laughter and sometimes a little friendly protest.
License Plate Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for more populated routes. Print a sheet to check off states or see who can spot the rarest plate!
Tradition, Togetherness & Just Enough Chaos
Once we’re settled, we dive into our traditions—games, hikes, crafts, and plenty of s’mores.
One of my favorite childhood memories is carving spoons and forks from sticks when we forgot our utensils on a backpacking trip. We even carved our initials in them and “planted” them in the dirt before heading home. Amazingly, they were still there the next year. Over 30 years later, we still talk about it.
Favorite Camp Activities
Bean Bag Toss Tournament (yes, with prizes!)
Spike Ball & Croquet
Slack Line (we did learn the hard way not to bounce people off…)
Family Hike with personalized snack bags—each one with a favorite treat and a handwritten note to make it special.
Rainy Day Crafts
Even a rainy day can’t stop the fun. This year we’re doing some of the usual stuff and a new craft as well.
Coloring in camp-themed coloring books
Painting rocks and decorating journals
Crafting mint tin mini med kits—a great creative + practical project
Designing a small fairy garden next to the camper
Campfire Cooking & a S’mores Twist
Camp cooking deserves its own blog post, but for now, here’s a fun idea: Try a twist on classic s’mores using peanut butter cups or chocolate-covered pretzels instead of regular chocolate!
🧡 Share Your Stories
Do you have favorite road trip games, camp traditions, or unforgettable memories? I’d love to hear them! Whether you’re in a tent, a rental camper, or your own RV, I hope your adventures bring you closer together and leave you with stories you’ll tell for years to come.
Amber has a BA in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Human Resources. She spent 9 years working in youth and multi-generational ministry where she focused on making faith fun. Her book, The Beginner’s Guide to God, is for anyone wondering how to have a relationship with God. She is the author of the blog AuburnRaven – Balancing Faith, Family & Fun. She has a passion for introducing people to God’s love and biblically equipping parents and teachers so children can grow in faith. Her journey, tips and lessons can be found on her blog www.AuburnRaven.com. You can connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
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