Science Camp: All Ages!

Today, after Mass, Jen and I were talking about Science Camp.  Three of us are planning the camp for this summer.  Jen has extensive early childhood experience.  She is developing sensory bins and other cool ideas.  I did science camp at our church in West Virginia, St. Leo’s for several years.  We would have around 50 kids, aged from 4-17.  The teens helped man stations, do snacks, and lead teams.  We tried to have activities everyone would enjoy.  Sometimes, it helps to have extra fun.  When the little ones get tired, they may go play outside.  Happily, we have a tot lot down the street.

Here are some ideas kids of all ages can enjoy.
1. Slime
2. Play dough
3. Chalk
4. Find It Bottles
5. Tornado Tubes
6. Cartesian Divers
7. UV Beads—on pipe cleaners to make bracelets
8.  Grow Crocodile (combine with Lyle, Lyle, the Crocodile)
9.  Rainbows and Color Change (combine with Mouse Paint and Hello, Red Fox)
10.  Roto Copters (airplanes, alka-seltzer Rockets, balloon launch—anything that flies.)

I like to take a theme, such as Color Change, and have loads of activities: Magic Colour Changing Potions, Optical Illusions, Flip Sticks, Heat Sensitive Color Changing Slime—thermochromic pigment, Photochromic Color Changing Slime (photochromic or UV Beads), and 3-D Chalk.

Just as a warning, my lessons at camp are open-ended.  I like to let the kids experiment and show me their findings.  I let the kids teach each other how to achieve the best results.  The teens often run a tight ship and insist everyone follow detailed instructions.  Absolutely fine.  Add games, stories, funny songs (O Tom the Toad or Great Green Gobs if Greasy, Grimy Gopher Guts), Charades, or
Minute to Win It Games.  Won’t Camp be fun?