Camping is a family activity made more enjoyable with crafts for children.
A lot of people enjoy camping, including many children. The smell of the campfire, the fun at the lake, the pleasure of seeing nature up close and personal. However, even the most curious child might require more entertainment or might want to make something out of items found in the woods. Fortunately, there are plenty of craft ideas not only to entertain, but also to teach active children while enjoying the spectacular outdoors.
God's Eye
Yarn and twigs become a work of art for camping children.
This is a craft that children of all ages can do with guidance from the grown-ups in the group. The only materials needed are hard twigs, yarn and scissors. The method is straightforward enough, get two hard twigs that are the same length and make a cross. Wind the yarn several times tightly around the center of the cross and tie it, securing the base of God's eye. Then start winding the yarn in and out, wrapping it around the cross. Start from the middle and work outward. Ombre or multicolored yarn works best because of its variances in color. Continue winding yarn around the twigs until the God's eye is the desired size. Knot the yarn to secure it and cut off the excess.
Match That Animal Track
Animal tracks and a little plaster make for a busy day for kids.
You will probably find animal tracks, whether bird, deer or squirrel, on a camping trip. As an educational craft, take a small bag of plaster of Paris, a small bottle of water, some Popsicle sticks and paper cups. Take a nature walk with the kids, particularly looking for animal tracks. Once you discover tracks, mix a little plaster with water and pour it into the animal print. Allow the plaster to harden completely and pull the mold out of the animal's print. Try to collect a few different prints to make it into a game. Return to the campground, use a book of animal prints and allow the children to use the plaster molds to identify the animal that made the tracks.
Pony Bead Camping Bracelet
Pony beads are the key ingredient for a camp bracelet.
Even little boys love things with their names on them. Bring along a supply of plastic pony beads, some yarn and some alphabet beads and the makings are there for at least an hour of peace and quiet for the grown-ups while the kids string bracelets with their names on them as souvenirs of the camping trip. Cut a length of yarn for each child. Ensure the beads do not fall off as children string them by tying one of the pony beads to the end of the bracelet. Leave some extra yarn hanging down so the child will be able to have the bracelet tied on his wrist.
Rock Paperweight
Ordinary rocks can become a canvas for a child.
For this craft, the adults will need to bring some acrylic paints. The best ones to get are those that come in a set of eight colors in connecting containers so you can dispose of them and not bring them home. Also bring some disposable paint brushes and paper cups for water to rinse brushes between colors. Allow the children to find a rock that is large enough to work with, but not so large that the child cannot carry it! Wash the rocks and allow them to dry completely. Once dry, allow the kids to paint them any way they like to take home as a souvenir of their camping trip. Encourage the children to replicate an insect or animal while painting their rocks.
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