Backyard Safari Outfitters Perfect for Exploration! *Review*

This summer we were given the opportunity to review some new products from Backyard Safari Outfitters. Last year, my son and my nephew were introduced to Backyard Safari products and they were super excited to receive a ginormous box packed with hiking and nature stuff. The gear from Backyard Safari really helps to transform any backyard into a world of its own.

Our box of new stuff came with a Base Camp Shelter, Camouflage, Bird Watcher’s Field Kit and Hiking Stick. The kids loved playing with the bug magnifier and bird watching stuff, but the shelter and camouflage were definitely "super cool". The boys made it their fort, then their club- boys only, of course- and then eventually after we left, my niece was allowed to join her brother for a photo opp.

Since then, I was told that my nephew has explored every corner of their property, examined every bug, leaf, stick and rock, and has even allowed his sister and brother to play along on his adventures. I love the fact that Backyard Safari allows children to use their imaginations, yet encourages them to learn more about the world around them.

Mikey really does love his new Backyard Safari gear, and loved seeing the patches on the products this time around. He had them in his pocket for awhile, but he's pretty certain his little brother hid them.

We can't wait to see if he convinces his mommy to sew them on his vest, since his sister is a Brownie, he thinks it's pretty cool.

Backyard Safari products can be found online as well as at stores such as Toys R Us and Target.

Special thanks to our friends at Team Mom and Backyard Safari for allowing us to review this product line and for making summer that much cooler!

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Kmart Camping Guide Gets you ready for a Summer Staycation! + Giveaway

Back in June, I mentioned how my kids and I are trying to find things to do to keep busy this summer in our yard. A couple of years ago, we (and by we I mean my husband) tried taking my son camping in our backyard. It was before we had a fence, and I was paranoid that he would wake up, or go sleepwalking and my husband would sleep right through it. Alex fell asleep back there, but then we brought him in, and he woke up inside. This past April, we (and by we I mean *I*) actually took the kids camping for a whole weekend at a campground at one of our local parks.  They had a blast, and I actually enjoyed myself as well.

As much as I thought I was prepared for our two night outing, I realized just how much stuff we were missing after just a couple of hours. We rented a cabin, so I wasn't entirely roughing it with the kids, but one of the major things that I totally forgot to pack was a lantern of some sort. Not only did I forget a lantern, but I forgot extra batteries for the wimpy flashlight that I had. Thankfully the bathroom building had lights on it, and we were fairly close, but still- it is something that I made sure I would not forget for the next time.

This summer, Kmart has put together and online camping guide to ensure that on your camping trip you have everything you need. Run down the stuff you've packed with their essentials checklist, read tips on camping do's and don'ts, and get ideas for games and entertainment while you are roughing it.

Not only that, but through out the rest of July, some of Kmart's best selling camping gear and accessories are on sale. Right now you can take advantage of the Coleman Canyon Ranch Tent  on sale for just $239! This tent has a 7.5' center height, can be sectioned off into three separate sleeping quarters (which fit up to three queen sized air beds), is guaranteed to keep you dry, and has a built in LED lighting system.

You can also find this great Stars and Stripes Chair (orig. $13.99) on sale for $11.99. I love these chairs for more than camping. We take them along with us to the beach, fishing, to the parades, and best of all to the kids soccer and baseball games.

We usually have two in the minivan, and if it's not, it's always easily accessible. They take only seconds to set up and take down, which makes it a perfect product for families on the go. 

Another great item that you'll see on sale is the E-Z Up Jamboree 10ft x 10ft Canopy. Great for camping, for parties and more, this canopy offers a polyester top has a silver coating that blocks 99% of harmful UV rays, easy to use pull pin sliders, 100sq. ft. of shade, and adjustable legs that go to three different heights.

Visit Kmart’s helpful camping resources at http://www.Kmart.com/camping. As an added treat, Kmart is offering an additional 15% off all adult and kids Coleman sleeping bags for online purchases only at http://www.kmart.com from now until 7/24! Just use the promo code is FITFACEBK610.

Our new friends at Kmart have offered one lucky reader their chance to win a Coleman 2-Mantle QuickPack™ Lantern, so they are never in the situation I was the last time I went camping! This propane lantern comes ready to use, just add propane and light. The unique protective cover (included) doubles as the lanterns packaging to reduce environmental impact. The collar of lantern nests into base of lantern for stability. It provides 7 hours of light on high, and about 13.8 hours on low.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please refer to our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on July 24, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Disclosure: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. As always this does not affect my opinions on this product or the company. Any opinions expressed are 100% that of 4BabyAndMom. Your experience with these products, website and companies may differ.

Edited on 7/20:
This Giveaway has been featured as a Prizey Editor's Pick! Be sure to visit 4BabyAndMom on Prizey to keep track  of all of our giveaways, and find other exciting offers!

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