Backyard camping is families’ new normal

With regional travel bans set to keep West Australians confined mostly to their homes for months, there is no better time to explore the wonders of your own backyard. Katanning’s resident camping expert Swags ‘N’ Wags owner Nathan Marwick said the store had seen an influx of customers gearing up for a home camping trip over the Easter holidays. “I was quite surprised, even young adults are going out into the backyard with a swag and making a campfire,” Mr Marwick said. “There were even some pensioners. “You can set up a tent or a swag in the backyard and you can still experience the outside fresh air.” With seven children of his own, Mr Marwick knows a thing or two about keeping the troops entertained. His No.1 tip for roughing it at home was setting up the perfect protected campfire. “It is really about the fire; camping wouldn’t be much without a fire,” he said. Mr Marwick said teaching children to cook over an open flame was a great way to pass the time. “Get the kids learning how to cook and teach them about slowing down the heats with coals,” he said. “You can change your cooking methods using camp ovens, toasting and even gas — cooking in the backyard can be amazing.” He said most importantly, families should stay positive and enjoy their time together. “I think if we can all find some healthy options, such as outdoor living with family members in times of isolation, we can take a lot of positives from what is going on,” he said. “We can appreciate what we have rather than what is being taken away from us.”