We're bringing camp home to you this summer with themed activities straight to your inbox. Enjoy a new guide each week as we explore select curriculum from each of our seven summer camps, recommended reads, and inspired videos. Gather your materials, and let's get started...
Objectives:
Have fun!
Learn about insects and animals near your home
Build fine motor skills
Inspire curiosity in young children
Materials:
Small clay pot
Smoothie straws
Jar candle
Milk carton
Dowel or chopstick
Craft sticks
Acrylic paint
Glue
Two empty toilet paper rolls
Twine
The amount of prep work required will depend upon the age of your child. We encourage you to have your child do as much of the work as possible. The learning takes place through the process.
#1. Insect Hotel
Prepare a clay pot by placing foil in the bottom, covering the hole.
Cut straws to fit the height of the clay pot and use string to bundle the straw bunches.
Melt a candle in the microwave and pour the melted contents into the bottom of the clay pot.
Place the straw bundles into the pot, in the warm wax.
Let the wax cool to harden and hold the straws in place.
Place the clay pot on its side in your yard.
Observe the insects that take up residence in your Insect Hotel.
#2. Bird House
Get creative making a bird house for your yard. Brainstorm supplies you will need. We have provided a few suggestions.
House: Utilize a cardboard or plastic milk carton. Be sure to make a golf ball-sized hole for your bird to fit in while also keeping out predators.
Perch: A chopstick, stick, or dowel through the house and just under the hole provide a place for your bird to sit both inside and outside the house.
A method for hanging: Twine is ideal. Can you find a spot where a squirrel will not get to it?
Roof and decoration: Paint your house. You can also glue craft sticks or other materials to create a roof, decorate the door, and make a beautiful house for your new bird friends.
#3. Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt
Construct binoculars from two empty toilet paper rolls and twine.
Secure this printout on a clipboard or notebook to prepare for your walk. Check off items as you observe them.
Walk through your neighborhood or make a special trip to a park. Enjoy your scavenger hunt together!
Draw pictures of the things you observed on your outing.
Older Children Accommodations
Use real binoculars.
Have your child create a customized scavenger hunt.
Use a camera or phone to document items found.
#4. Nature Bingo
Social Distancing Activity
Create a bingo card game for your neighbor using the observations on your scavenger hunt.
Invite the neighbor to fill out the card on his or her own nature walks.
Promise a prize for your neighbor completing the card.
#5. Pet Show and Tell
Social Distancing Activity
Call a friend or family member using a video platform.
Pretend you are conducting a virtual tour of a zoo.
Tell your audience about your pet or an animal or insect that you can find in your yard.
Prepare for the call by selecting your zookeeper outfit and planning the location you will conduct the call.
Have five facts prepared to tell your audience about the animal you are sharing with them. Be ready to answer questions from your audience.
Upload a picture to your social media, and tag Gilbert House to let us know which animal you highlighted.
Older Children Accommodations
Learn ten facts about the selected animal, including the classification.
