We recently stumbled upon ChesLen Preserve while camping nearby in Coatesville, Pa. We found this super cute KOA Campground right on the Brandywine River which sounded just heavenly.
I imagined that we would spend our days playing in the river right at our campsite and our evening falling asleep to it’s sweet ripples. Little did I know that the river was actually pretty gross right at that section and swimming wasn’t really an option. Cue the ChesLen Preserve.
ChesLen Preserve
ChesLen Preserve is one of many Natural Land Preserves in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey areas. Their primary purpose is to preserve land in it’s natural state. They strive to save open space and help people connect with the great outdoors.
This specific Preserve is over 1,200 acres near Coatesville, PA and includes river access, a pond, a nature playground, trails, and so much more. We absolutely fell in love with this area and spent most of our waking moments exploring, playing, and just enjoying nature and all the beauty that the ChesLen Preserve offered.
Books and Activities
This is such a fun book that describes this kiddos camping experience with his dad!
Activity: Go fishing and try to catch a fish! Cook dinner over your campfire. Tell fun stories before bed.
Hmm, who doesn’t love S’mores?
Activity: Build a campfire and make S’mores! Also, learn about how you can incorporate Letters and Numbers into your Nature Walks.
Curious George Goes Camping is another fun addition to this camping booklist.
Activity: Be a curious little monkey and explore your campground and it’s surroundings. What fun things are there to do and see where you are?
When We Go Camping will definitely make you feel like you are camping even if you aren’t.
Activity: Talk about all the differnt things you need when you go camping. How is camping different than being at home? If you will be camping near water of any kind make an Underwater Scope to help explore fish and other underwater creatures.
I couldn’t resist add this one to the list. Scaredy Squirrel is a major favorite at our house.
Activity: Draw a map of your campgroup or campsite. Talk about all the things that Scaredy is afraid of. Is there anything you are afraid of? Discuss ways to get over those fears or work through them.
As always I hope you enjoy these books, activities, and this amazing destination. I’d love to hear what you think of the ChesLen Preserve if you happen to visit! Even if you are no where near the East Coast, I encourage you to give camping a try, even if it is right in your very own backyard.
Until next time
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