Each tent holds surprises for kids to discover.

At first glance, the exhibit's ubiquitous tan coloring and tents sparsely placed in a large, manicured space might not appear interactive. However, as our visit to Wilderness Camp demonstrated, once immersed, kids unpack layers upon layers of fun. Sometimes it can take a moment amid our urban distractions to realize there are few things more fun than playing with rocks and sticks.

Upon entering, kids are ceremoniously provided with their own wilderness vests and camping bags to pack up for a journey into the “wild.” Once my apprehensive 4-year-old got wind that pretend food, tools, and an empty bag were in the equation, he packed his gear to voyage into the unknown. He discovered new worlds as he stumbled on a flashlight conveniently placed under a dark tent, realizing infinite shadow puppets were at his disposal. He figured out he could “roast” a pretend marshmallow after “starting a campfire” by wrapping the artfully stacked wood with beautiful, bright orange strips of fabric. He also could make a pretend meal in his tent while migrating to new friends inhabiting the other tents.

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Kids will love camping in the tents, experimenting with shadow play and meeting friends.

Lined along the walls and showing Tattfoo Tan's brilliance were graphic posters of step-by-step survival techniques, from food preservation to tool making. Also displayed were cultural objects from the museum's collection alongside Tan’s artworks that use similar materials and techniques. As a parent, it was great to dig deeper into the exhibit and appreciate the immense research and artistry that went into the work. 

On Saturdays from 11am to 3pm, BCM educators are on site to facilitate little discoveries, enhance play with fun facts, and conduct workshops. A different wilderness skill is featured every week, through workshops, including a tie-dye lesson using natural dyes (beet juice to make red, for example); a station at which kids can dehydrate their own fruits and vegetables; knot-tying; and even a make-your-own compass using lodestone, a magnetized rock that enabled the invention of the compass. Each workshop continues for the four-hour duration, which helps with family management and overcrowding.

Probably the coolest part of this exhibit? The museum offers birthday party packages—talk about an original party! This intersection of art, nature, and play is sure to be a refreshing, “down-to-earth” excursion for your city kids.

Wilderness Camp runs through May 28, 2017. Admission is $11 per person. The museum is closed on Mondays except for school holidays, and with February break coming up, it might be just the right time to visit!

Top photo: Roasting marshmallows in a bonfire. Photos by the author.