When the night chill is too chilly for us to enjoy an overnight camping trip, my family enjoys a "no camp" adventure. We rent a campsite at a nearby state park, do our favorite outdoor and camping activities during the day, then -- see ya, cold forest floor! -- head back when the sun goes down.

After a hearty lunch at home, we strike out for our campsite and stake our claim by making a family name sign upon arrival.

What you'll need

• Cardboard
• Twine
• Acorns, twigs, and leaves
• Tacky glue

How to make it

1. Before leaving the house, punch holes in a piece of cardboard and tie twine to it.
2. Collect acorns, twigs, and pretty leaves, then attach them to the cardboard with tacky glue and let it dry for 15 minutes. Hung from a branch at your campsite, the sign is a sweet greeting when you return from your hike.