Tarp Shelter Building Outdoors

A tarp (6x8 feet minimum — bigger is better)

About 20 feet of rope or paracord

Tent stakes or heavy rocks for anchoring corners

Two trees spaced 8-10 feet apart

Scout for a good location. You need two trees about 8-10 feet apart on relatively flat ground. Avoid low spots where water would pool during rain.

Tie the rope between the trees. This is your ridgeline — it should be about head height (your height, not your child's — they need room to stand underneath). Teach a simple clove hitch or just wrap and tie securely.

Drape the tarp over the ridgeline so it hangs evenly on both sides. Pull it taut along the ridge.

Anchor the corners. Drive tent stakes through the tarp grommets at a 45-degree angle. No stakes? Heavy rocks on the edges work. Tying corners to sticks driven into the ground works too.

Step back and assess the angles. Steeper sides = better rain shedding but less interior space. More gradual angles = roomier but water will pool. Help your child find the right balance.

Crawl inside and test it. Can you sit comfortably? Is there room for two? Does it feel sheltered? Make adjustments together.

This is the simplest A-frame shelter design. Once your child masters it, try variations — lean-to (one side only), diamond pitch (tarp angled 45 degrees), or a low stealth shelter.

Practice in your backyard first. Once confident, build on a camping trip or a day hike and eat lunch inside your shelter.

Knot-tying is a genuine skill embedded in this activity. Start with just two knots — a clove hitch for the ridgeline and a taut-line hitch for the guy lines.

If it starts raining while your shelter is up, stay inside and test it. There's no better way to evaluate your build than with real weather.