Summer Fun :: Nature Day Camp 101

 

Summer is here and finding things to do with the kids can be trying sometimes.  That is why we are creating a Summer Fun Series where we make suggestions for activities to do with the kids that won’t cost an arm and a leg!

Last week we hosted a Nature Day Camp for my daughter and some of her pals. It was a fun day and one that didn’t take a ton of planning and/or money!  Stuck On You was kind enough to sponsor this fun day and provided the cool messenger bag, postcards and other goodies for the kids.  These bags were perfect on our walks through the park and they used them to store the things they found on their hike.

Studies have shown that children’s academic performance in science, math, English and social sciences increases when they have hands-on experiences with wildlife and the outdoors (Source: National Wildlife Federation). So let’s get the kids outside enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds nature has to offer!

Here are some ideas to host your own Day Camp.

 

Things You Will Need:

A Teepee or tent

Blankets (I borrowed some colorful tablecloths from a friend)

Snacks

Binoculars

Scavenger Hunt list

National Wildlife Federation Checklist of wildlife found in your state.  Go here to download.

Journals and postcards

Pencils, crayons and markers

Small table

Stools

 

 

Pick Your Location:

We decided to head over to a city park that is near our house and set up camp.  You could do this at a park near you or even in your own backyard.  The idea is to get the kids outside enjoying nature!  Check out the National Wildlife Federation site for a list of wildlife and plants found in your state!  They even offer a pdf you can download and print out for your nature hike and have the kids check off any creatures they see!

 

 

Set Up Camp:

The teepee is a gift from my mother and we use it all the time – in the house for a little reading nook or  outside for a snack.  My friend brought these cute IKEA stools and colorful buckets.  Look around and use what you already have in your home.

 

 

Build a fire pit:

We had the kids go around and collect sticks and we brought some river rocks to place around the edge of the fire pit. You could bring some smores to add to the fun!  Minus the fire – this sweet snack would add to the ambience.

 

 

Snack Time!

And of course one of the most important items to have at your party is a snack table.  We provided some fruit, trail mix (you could have them make their own), crackers and a treat (OREO’s are always a hit), bottled water and you are set.

 

 

Journal Time:

We had the kids write in the personalized journals Stuck On You provided about what they want to do over the summer and what they love about wildlife. Check out the National Wildlife Federation site for a list of wildlife and plants found in your state!  They even offer a pdf checklist you can print out for your hike.

 

 

Make sure to bring some crayons, pencils and markers so they can create to their hearts content.

 

Ready-Set-Go!

Provide the kids with a list of things to look for.  You can download a scavenger hunt pdf here.  The Stuck On You messenger bags were perfect for placing their finds inside.  This handy bag can be used on any day trips or camping excursions.  Our kids were super excited getting their personalized bags which they had each designed themselves.

 

 

A Walk in the Park:

We brought some binoculars, a night light (this little guy wouldn’t put it down) and off we went to look for wildlife!

 

 

The kids loved seeing a lizard sunning himself on some rocks.

 

 

It’s a Bird, it’s a Plane, it’s….

Have the kids take turns looking through the binoculars (and pretend binoculars).  We talked about the wildlife that live in our state.  Our city park is filled squirrels, coyotes, rabbits, and a ton of different birds since there is a large lake so we see geese, ducks, and even turtles sunning themselves on the rocks.

 

 

Write home about it:

One of my favorite thing about going off to camp as a kid was sending home postcards!  I love the cute selection of postcards that Stuck On You offers.  We had the kids write a postcard to a friend telling them about their adventures and what sights they saw.

 

 

A big thank you to Stuck On You for sponsoring today’s post.  We are looking forward to using our travel kits on our next family trip and I really like the personalized labels.  My daughter is notorious for leaving her things at school so I plan to put these labels on everything! They also offer personalized tags that can be attached to school backpacks or sport duffle bags. You can see all that they offer for school, play and camping here.

All photography is by the very talented Beatta Bosworth.  You can find her work at BMB Photography.

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the first of our Summer Fun series where we offer some inexpensive ways to have spend quality time together this summer break.  The memories you are creating together are worth the effort you put in for making it extra fun!

 

 

Good news!  Stuck On You is providing 2 $50 Gift Cards for our lovely dandelion moms!  Good luck!

You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

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