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July 2026

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Fun Ways to Bring Summer Camp to Preschool

By Hema Khatri

Summer is the perfect season to bring a sense of adventure into the classroom. Camp-inspired activities encourage creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning while creating memorable experiences for young children. The best part? Many of these activities can be created using simple materials already found in the classroom.

Creative arts and crafts activities are a great way to spark children’s imagination. One fun idea is inviting children to create their own musical instruments using paper towel rolls and various craft supplies such as feathers, tissue paper, stickers, and colorful paper. Once their creations are complete, children can experiment with different sounds, volumes, and rhythms. Activities like these support creativity while encouraging self-expression and problem-solving.

Food-related projects also provide meaningful learning opportunities. A classroom lemonade stand can introduce children to teamwork, measurement, and sensory exploration. Children can participate in every step of the process, from selecting lemons and decorating signs to squeezing lemons and mixing ingredients. As they work together, they naturally practice communication, cooperation, and critical thinking while enjoying a refreshing summer treat.

Nature-based activities help children develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. Creating seed balls with recycled paper and flower seeds is an engaging project that combines science, sensory play, and environmental awareness. As children mix materials, shape seed balls, and learn about pollinators, they gain a better understanding of how plants grow and why they are important. Watching flowers bloom later provides an exciting opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world results.

Camping-themed experiences are another way to bring summer excitement indoors. Setting up a classroom tent, creating a pretend campfire, reading camping stories, and singing camp songs can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. Children can bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket from home to make the experience even more special. Through imaginative play, they practice social skills, storytelling, and cooperation while exploring the concept of camping in a safe and familiar environment.

Whether through arts and crafts, nature projects, food experiences, or imaginative play, summer camp-inspired activities provide endless opportunities for learning. Simple materials and children’s natural curiosity are often all that is needed to create meaningful experiences that inspire exploration, creativity, and fun.

Adapted from “Fun Ways to Bring Summer Camp to Preschool” by Hema Khatri.
www.edutopia.org – Edutopia, George Lucas Learning Foundation.

Activity of the Month!

Parade Streamer Wands

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks or sturdy paper straws
• Red, white, and blue ribbon or crepe paper streamers
• Markers
• Stickers (red, white, and blue, stars, or patriotic-themed
• Washi Tape
• Child-safe scissors (teacher use or supervised use)
• Tape or glue dots for attaching streamers
• Star-shaped stickers (optional)
• Glitter glue (optional)

Children decorate a simple handle (popsicle stick or paper straw) using markers, stickers, or washi tape in red, white, and blue. Teachers help attach ribbon or crepe paper streamers to one end. Once finished, children can wave their wands during a mini classroom “parade,” encouraging movement, music, and imaginative play.

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