IMAGINATIVE CAMPING TRIP

Children are given lots of opportunities to pack their "gear" for their campsite. Allow children to take their gear outside during out door playtime and extend time out side, if possible. Have at least one tent outside, with sleeping bags, juice bottles, trail mix for snacks, and binoculars and magnifying glasses for student observations. Children explore and experience the Outdoor Life with minimal adult guidance.

During Circle Time adult frames the camping trip by setting the appropriate props (campfire, tent, sleeping bags with children's favorite stuffed animal, flashlight, stars on ceiling with a half moon, etc.) Children then go on a hike (outside) then come back to the campfire for a bedtime story.

Adult begins a story and asks children to help embellish with their own ideas. After the story, children each have a turn to shine their flashlight on a hanging star and make a wish. After they curl up in their sleeping bags and pretend to go to sleep. Adults can add pictures or real props to enhance the story telling with nighttime pre-recorded noises (owls, bears, crickets, etc.).

Stories should include new vocabulary and emphasize camping safety rules, such as making sure to stay in your group, always have water, snacks and a whistle in case needed, always put out the fire, etc. This techniques weaves in the safety rules by allowing them to be part of the story telling.

Adults can retell the same story or create new adaptations with the children. Children are then allowed to re-enact telling stories with campfire props during free playtime.

Adults will be amazed how the children learn to begin to be story tellers with a good beginning, middle, and end with just a little modeling during circle time.