Make a Pet Rock:
Have children hunt for rocks as you go on a mini hike; if not available, then adults hide small rocks/stones in playground campsite and have children go on a scavenger hunt. Children then decorate their rocks with paint either indoors or outdoors.
Nature Collage:
Children go on a nature hike (even the playground will do) with a small bag and they collect a variety of outdoor materials. They then make an art collage with their materials.
Paint with Branches:
Children use tree branches instead of paintbrushes to create a picture using a variety of paints.
Make a Bird Feeder:
Children cover rice cakes with peanut butter with their fingers and press on seed mixture. Then adult strings each one with yarn or hooks and children hang their feeders outside in clear sight from the classroom. Adult posts regional bird pictures with names (Cardinal, Blue Jay, Robin, etc.) on window with several pair of binoculars so children can observe birds and chart their "Bird Sightings".
Star Light- Star Bright:
Children decorate stars with glow in the dark paint. Adult hangs from ceiling so during campsite "bedtime" scary stories so children can shine their flashlights on a star to make a wish.
Camp Fire Logs:
Children decorate paper towel tubes with red paint and place at campfire (which can be located at circle time area).
Fishing Boat:
Children can decorate a large card board box that adult has cut into the shape of a boat. Children make and decorate fish and problem solve what can they use as fishing poles.
Camp Site Maps:
Children create campsite maps with stickers and drawings.
Create a New Nature Animal
Children will use stencils to create a new nature animal, then color and decorate.
Seed Collage:
Children will use a variety of seeds to make a nature collage.
Binoculars:
Children decorate two toilet paper tubes then tape together. Children then pack in their backpack for outdoor use.
Walkie-Talkie:
Adult strings two soup can together with a long string. Make several pairs so children can tell secret messages to a friend.
