The Art Of Crafting
Arts-and-crafts projects are one of the cornerstones of camp activities. It is important to plan and organize these projects so campers understand what’s expected.
Book 'Em, Danno
Naturally your camp is on the cutting edge as far as safety, staff training and child psychology. But are you on the cutting edge of the latest craft phenomena?
Craft Potpourri
Spend any time around kids at camp and you'll notice some… well… smells. There's the smell of pancakes in the morning and smoke around the campfire. Let's not forget the smell of a camper's suitcase where he
All That Glitters
Why make art projects with ordinary construction paper when you can use neon paper and lots of sparkly stickers? Put on your sunglasses and watch campers shine with creativity using these bright-colored supplies.
Tissue Paper Crafts
Looking for an inexpensive medium for a wide variety of craft projects? Bring out the tissue paper! These sheets of thin paper come in a variety of colors and designs. The paper cuts easily and glues quickly. Best
Programming for Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (okay it was in 1979), youth programs fell into three age groups. Pre-school activities were geared for
Crafts Most Camps Have Never Done
As summer approaches, camps across the country start to gather supplies for the inevitable craft classes, such as Popsicle stick picture frames, painted rocks and apple prints. Now there's
Color Me Happy
Bisque ceramics are like the bare canvas of the pottery world. They are often white in appearance and “naked,” without a glaze or finish. In fact, that’s the whole point--campers can
Nature-Based Arts And Crafts
One of the most magical aspects of summer camp is that it opens a child’s eyes to a world of nature filled with artistic opportunities that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Top Programming Ideas 2017
Every year, we invite readers to share their favorite programming ideas. While some involve arts and crafts and other involve the entire camp, we guarantee that all of them involve fun.
Rubber Stamping Isn't Just For Paper!
Rubber stamping may bring to mind creating an image on paper, but with the new generation of permanent watercolor dye inks almost any surface can be stamped.
Polymer Clay the Easy Way
Polymer clay is a wonderful medium for craft projects because you do not need a kiln to fire the clay. Polymer clay is the generic term for a family of man-made clays that are supple and pliable until baked, at
The Art of Arts & Crafts
Crafting an arts and crafts program for your camp may not be brain surgery, but the subtle precision and patience of a surgeon is often needed for a healthy program to take root.
Crafting A Journal
Journals make great camp projects as well as wonderful camp keepsakes. Whether your kids are camping for a day or for a week, a journal is the perfect place for them to jot down their experiences.
Quick Crafts
It's always nice to tie arts and crafts in with the idea of all that camp entails, rather than doing them to simply fill time or programming space. Here are some interactive craft projects that can be done with
Sensational CD Crafts
What's flat, round, free and invades your mailbox every so often? Hint: They hang also out at video stores, fast food outlets and other retail centers. Sample CDs, of course!
Sweet Treats
Some of my fondest camp memories are of sweet treats made around the campfire (S’mores!) and a few made at arts and crafts (cereal necklaces and gumdrop trees). There just seems to be an extra dash of
Crafty Recipes
I volunteer to teach different craft classes at a local senior center. Every time I visit I end up learning a lot more from the "students" than I could ever teach them. I'm also reminded that there was a time when there
Good Clean Fun
This isn't the soapmaking that your grandmother or great grandmother did. In the good old days, a day of the month was reserved for making soap.