Swap tents for forts: Boy Scouts host virtual event as COVID-19 keeps families inside

Miss camping out? The Boy Scouts have a solution to “camp in.”

As the coronavirus pandemic lingers, campgrounds and outdoor spaces have shut down and, in many cases, remain closed. To help people fight off the cabin fever, the Boy Scouts of America are encouraging people to join their “National Camp-In.”

“Whether in your backyard or in your living room, join families across the country live on Facebook for a day of fun virtual adventures,” the Boy Scouts said on their event page. “From camp-style cooking and friendly competitions, to special guests and campfire singalongs, this virtual event will bring the best parts of Scouting to life!”

The event stretches all day Saturday, starting with campsite construction and ending with a national virtual campfire, according to the event’s website.

Each event throughout the day features a big-name presenter, including NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, ”MasterChef Junior” finalist Evan Robinson and “The Hunger Games” director Francis Larence, according to the group’s Facebook page.

Families across the country plan to camp-in with the Boy Scouts.

“We are all set here in St. Louis,” one Facebook user said. “Camping gear is out, cast iron is ready and firewood is ready to burn. It is supposed to hit 80 degrees on Saturday, so it will be a great day for a hike in the neighborhood.”

The group says the event is a small way for people to come together and enjoy the scouting tradition.

“My three kids were so excited that they set up the tent for this camp-in tonight (Monday) and started camping out early, planning to camp out all week, maybe for the rest of the school year and summer!” another Facebook user from Jackson, Wyoming, said in a comment. ”That’s their plan!”

The event will be hosted all day on the Boy Scouts of America Facebook page.