Here are three summertime activities that are fun for campers of all ages.

Moving Water

About the Game: For this game you will need two containers and one sponge, cut in half, for each group. You will also need a large measuring cup to measure water before and after the game. This game is fun because the fastest team rarely wins. Teamwork and strategy are required to prevail.

How to Play: 

1. Choose a large playing area for this activity, preferably outdoors, since some water will be spilled as kids play the game.
2. Assign small teams of three to four kids for the activity.
3. For each group of children, measure the same amount of water into one of the containers, and place it in front of where they are standing. The amount may vary based on how long you would like the game to take! Place the empty containers across from each group with the two pieces of sponge.
4. Tell children that, on your signal, they will move as much water as they can from the full container to the empty one. Explain that they can only use the sponges. Give the rule that all teammates must help and that they may not touch / pick up the containers. Reiterate that the goal is not to be the fastest, but to get the most water from the full container into the empty one.
5. Explain that you will measure the amount of water that was moved to the other container using the measuring cup when all teams have completed the task. The winning team will be the one that has moved the most water. 
6. After the children have completed the activity and a winner is declared, allow each group to share the strategy they used. Play again if time allows, and challenge each team to try to move more water than in the first round.

Paper Plate Aquarium

Materials Needed: one paper plate, cardstock, clear tape, glue, construction paper scraps, coloring supplies.

Optional materials: small shells, sand, gems, plastic wrap, string.

Directions:

1. Give each child a paper plate and have them cut out the center part of the plate, leaving the bumpy edges.
2. Have children use the tape to fasten the paper plate onto the cardstock. They should then trim off excess cardstock so that it aligns with the plate.
3. Have children make fish or other sea critters from the scrap construction paper. They can glue it to the cardstock so they can be seen “swimming in the aquarium.”
4. Encourage children to add details, such as glueing sand to make an aquarium bottom. They can add small shells, make seaweed with the scrap construction paper, or use gems for bubbles.
5. After the children have finished decorating, they can add plastic wrap inside of the plate over the hole they cut to give it the look of a real aquarium.
6. If time allows, children can paint or color the outside of the plate aquarium.
7. Feel free to add a string so the aquariums can be displayed.

Foil Boat Challenge

Materials needed: aluminum foil; washers or cubes to fill the boats; large pan or small baby pool filled with water.

Directions: 

1. Have children work independently or with a partner for this activity.
2. Be sure to give each child the same amount of foil for the challenge to be fair.
3. Tell children that their challenge is to create a boat out of the foil that can hold five washers or cubes and remain floating. Explain that the most creative design and the design that holds the most weight will win a prize.
4. On your signal, children can work to create their designs. Give them about 10 minutes to finish their foil boats.
5. When the time is up, ask each child to put their boat in the water to test it in front of the group. Give them a chance to explain how they came up with their design.
6. Have the group vote on the most creative design. Determine which design can hold the most washers. Give small prizes such as stickers, a chance to be line leader, or funny certificates for the foil boat winners!

Amy Middleton has 25 years of experience as a teacher and camp director and knows how to make every moment count with campers. Her book, 50+ Nifty Ways to Keep Little Hands Busy, available through the ACA Bookstore, shares quality activities that provide simple, hands-on fun for kids.