Let's Go Camping!
I've noticed that there are 3 types of campers: 1) those that think Howard Johnson's is roughing it, 2) those that drive up to their camp site in cars or RVs and 3) those that hike for 5 hours to get to their camp site. I was proudly a member of the third group until my children were born and decided they didn't like hiking as much as I did. the following are just some of the many ways to introduce the sport of camping, be it from a car or in the middle of the wilderness. I hope you enjoy!
QUOTES-
The best thing to spend on your children is your time. Louise Hart
DISCUSSIONS-
Have the kids make a list of what you need to pack to go camping.
Talk about night sounds: like crickets, frogs, and owls.
Camping safety- Always put out the campfire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Swim in safe areas with a parent or buddy. When walking or hiking, always have an adult with you. Always wear a life jacket in the boat. Don't approach wild animals or pick up plants that you don't know about.
Compare camping outside to living inside a house.
ARTS AND CRAFTS-
Easel Ideas- Paint with leaves, sticks, flowers, and rocks. Paint with colors seen in the forest such as brown, green, yellow, and orange. Cut easel paper into the following shapes: tent, rabbits, chipmunks, and fish.
Camping collage- Collect leaves, pebbles, twigs, pine cones, etc. and provide sturdy tagboard and glue. Encourage the kids to create a collage on the tagboard using the materials found while camping.
Take a juice can lid. Hammer holes into it with a nail, older kids can do it while younger ones will need your help. Tape it to your flashlight. Shine it on the walls to see the stars you have created.
Color with glow in the dark crayons.
Make star gazers out of toilet paper rolls and wax paper.
Make stars out of paper. Ask the kids what they would wish for. Hang the stars on their walls or from the ceiling.
Make a Stick Man- Take the kids out to hunt for their own sticks. Let them paint and decorate the sticks with any misc. craft supplies you might have. You could add wiggly eyes or let them make features and clothes out of construction paper. Get a small flower pot and put clay inside. Secure the stick in the pot and fill with dirt or shredded paper. Name the man and let kids paint his name on pot.
Latest Articles