The weather on Saturday is going to be perfect for a great campout and the stars will definitely be shining bright so get out, be inspired, and participate in the Great American Backyard Campout.

Yes, you-and you're family, of course!

Our beloved Virginia State Parks are also participating in this event and oh yes, yes, I know the idea of actually camping may be a little intimidating, AT FIRST, but it's just beginners nerves. It really isn't that bad. Trust me!

I certainly didn't jump on this whole camping experience wagon with a big smile but after a few s'mores I was definitely hooked.

So today, I'm issuing you a challenge: on Saturday (June 23) I think you should join the thousands of people across the nation (including my family) and gather in your backyard or at a local campground and take part in the one-night event that will provide you with an experience to connect with nature, tell stories, sing songs, and roast hotdogs on a stick, and eat lots of s'mores.

This weekend, while sitting by the fire, I think I may even teach the little one a new campfire song I found while searching for some new camping ideas.

It's called Shake My Sillies Out and you can borrow it too! Here it is:

I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out,

Shake, shake, shake my sillies out,

Shake, shake, shake my sillies out,

And wiggle my waggles away!

I've gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out,

I've gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out,

I've gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out,

I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out…

All you really need to do is take a leap of great outdoor faith, gather your family together, and go out and enjoy a great big breath of fresh air underneath the stars on Saturday evening.

Once out there, the fun times are sure to start flowing and your family will begin making memories together that will last forever.

I surely can't think of a better way to kick off the summer.

So here's to happy campers and successful camping!

The Great American Backyard Campout is part of the National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There program. The National Wildlife Federation is the nation's largest conversation organization working to protect wildlife and reconnect people with nature. For more information on how to plan your Great American Backyard experience visit: www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Great-American-Backyard-Campout.aspx.