Materials
Backpack filled with camping items such as flashlight, canteen, can of baked beans, pots andpans, binoculars, plastic tent stakes, rope, sunscreen, etc.
Instructions
1. Talk about outdoor camping with the children. Ask if any of the children have been on acamping trip and encourage them to tell the group what it was like. Explain that when we gocamping out in nature, we are away from such things as electricity, our own beds, etc. Wewant to take along the things that we will need, but not so many things that we becomedistracted from enjoying nature.
2. Pass the backpack around and have each child select one object from inside. The child tellsthe group what the object is, then some ways the object might be used on a camping trip.
3. When each child has had a turn, have the children place all of the objects in the center ofthe group.
4. Have all the children close their eyes. One child comes forward, removes an object from thepile and hides it. Ask the children to guess which object is missing.
5. The game continues in this way until each child has had a turn to guess and to hide an object.More to doDramatic play: Pitch a free standing dome tent in the dramatic play center, and add firewood,cookware, sleeping bags, backpacks and other camping supplies.Snack: Make trail mix with raisins, dry cereal, granola, chocolate chips, etc.Special days: Invite a local forest ranger to visit the classroom and discuss outdoor safety issues.
