My colleague Peggy Spear wrote the most charming story this week about doing a DIY summer camp – a rollicking, good time in your own backyard. She had such great ideas, that we’re excerpting some of our favorites over the coming weeks.

“It’s less than a month into summer vacation,” says Peggy, “and already the natives are getting restless. And while the weather’s hot, the economy is anything but, so for many families pricey summer camps and vacations are not an option. Yet help is as close as your own backyard. Literally. With a little imagination, parents can create summer fun for their kids by hosting Backyard Camps — loosely organized activities that will amuse parents and kids.”

But make sure you don’t end up hosting the whole neighborhood. “The key to success,” says Peggy, “is finding other families in the same boat. Church groups, swim teams, even the school roster are great places to start.Backyard Camps run on the assumption that everyone shares in the planning, and different families take responsibility for different days.”

Tune in Monday, when Peggy dishes on Day 1 ideas – Neighborhood Olympics! – and we add our two cents.