Here are three activities that require little to no materials and are fun for campers of all ages.
Pass It!
About the game: You will need two small objects on hand. I like to use mini rubber chickens or small stuffed animals. Spoons are needed in one of the variations. This game is a good team-building activity!
How to play:
Divide your campers into two groups.
On your signal, the campers will pass the object around the circle as fast as they can. The first group to pass it all the way around is the winner.
For even more fun:
- Give campers a category such as “candy” or “fruit.” Each camper will have to name an object in that category before they pass the object to the next person in the circle.
- Give each camper a spoon and have them pass the object around the circle via a spoon.
- Have campers play this game “hot potato style” where you play music and when the music stops the person holding the object is out and must sit down.
Balloon in the Air!
About the game: You will need a balloon for this activity, which is another great team-building activity.
How to play:
Inflate a balloon and challenge your group to keep the balloon up in the air as long as possible.
For even more fun:
- Add another balloon and challenge your campers to keep them both from touching the ground.
- Make a rule that no one can hit the balloon twice in a row or, if you have a mixed group, that they must alternate between a boy and girl hitting the balloon each time.
- Make a rule that campers can only use their feet to keep the balloon in the air — no hands!
- Divide campers into two groups and see which group can keep their balloon in the air longest.
Switch Places
About the game: This is an excellent icebreaker activity that can help kids to find things they have in common with others and facilitate connections.
How to play:
Have your campers form a large circle.
Explain to them that you will make some statements and if the statement describes them, they will switch to a new place in the circle that another camper moved away from. There are no winners and losers in this game, and you can make the statements as silly or as serious as you wish.
For example, you could say, “Switch places if”:
- “You go to _______________ school.”
- “You are left-handed.”
- “You can speak another language and say ‘Hello’ while you walk.”
- “You like to swim and swim your way to your new spot.”
- “You have a sibling and hold up the number of fingers of how many you have.”
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.
