On Sat, 3 Jun 2006, bizby40 wrote:

I'm looking for some ideas for crafts at a summer camp. The
requirements are that it is good for ages 9-10, boys and girls, can be
done out of doors, far away from any facilities, and that it be very
inexpensive.


I'm big on recycling or having the kids bring in some part of the project.
Decorating t-shirts which have been brought in can be fun -- the owner
starts out with some part decorated, and then the other campers sign or
add on to the t-shirt. Glass jars can be recycled into cool candleholders
by painting the outside with I *think* glue mixed with food dye or other
tint -- I *think* the glue is okay on the glass. I just remember it ended
up being clear so the candle would show through. Other options for clear
jars/bottles/etc would be layered sand inside to create a design for the
outside of the bottle (being outside would be a bonus because you DON'T
HAVE TO SWEEP IT UP!) and using yarn, string, fabric etc. to make
penholders.

Cardboard frames decorated with various (uncooked) pastas and then
spraypainted with regular or metallic paint can be cool. Paper bag and/or
sock puppets can allow lots of leeway between creative vs. utilitarian and
let the kid have something to play with in the future -- scraps of yarn,
paper, fabric, buttons, felt, etc. can be attached with glue and/or a
large-eyed needle and thick thread (yes, boys can use this skill!)

Sets of fridge magnets using cheap magnetic tape (peel-off adhesive, etc)
can be mounted on stuff found in nature -- small rocks, cool-shaped dried
wood, seeds glued in a pattern, etc. Or consider using rocks, stones,
pine cones, leaves, etc. all to "stamp" on paper with paint or ink --
making stationery?