Camping Day Arrival Activity
Begin with a camping day arrival activity. Place different sizes of fish templates (simple fish shapes made from poster board) on the classroom tables. Children may trace fish shapes on construction paper, cut, and color. For younger preschoolers? Fish are pre-cut, and the children may color. Then, add large paper clips to the fish for Go Fish! (Fishing activity while campers are setting up camp.)
Setting Up Campsites With Ms. CeCe’s “Camping Out” Song
Next, books to share before setting up the campsites? Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes. When his brother and sister bunny scouts go camping, Bailey the bunny camps creatively at home. Llama Llama leaves all his gadgets behind in Llama Llama Loves Camping by Anna Dewdney. “This no gadget thing is tougher than I thought.” Lana’s World: Let’s Go Fishing by Erica Silverman and Jess Golden, is the perfect pairing for fishing pond dramatic play in the pre-k classroom. Next, sing CeCe’s “Camping Out” (tune of “Bingo”). We are campers, camping out. (Name the first group of three campers.) Child’s name, Child’s name, and Child’s name. (Repeat the same first names.) Child’s name, Child’s name, and Child’s name (repeat first names), Child’s name, Child’s name, and Child’s name. Setting up our campsite. We are campers, camping out. (Name the next group of campers). Child’s name, Child’s name, and Child’s name (repeat the same first names), Child’s name, Child’s name, and Child’s name. (Repeat the same first names.) Child’s name, Child’s name, and Child’s name. Setting up our campsite. (Continue until all groups have been named. Each group of campers is given a backpack with supplies.)
Camping items (in backpacks) could include:
- blankets (to drape over chairs as tents – or wherever the imagination leads)
- eco-friendly bowls, plates and utensils or kitchen items from housekeeping
- food items from housekeeping
- flashlights
After setting up campsites – this is a fun fishing activity to catch the big one! (For this activity – one child fishing – is safer for the children.)
Campers Go Fishing
- 1/2 inch dowel cut or purchased in preferred size
- yarn or heavier string
- large circular magnet with a hole
Tie one end to the dowel and the other to circular magnet. Drape a few tall chairs (fish are hidden from view on chair seats). Another way to keep fish out of sight? A large cardboard box or laundry basket. For the younger preschoolers, keep the fish in sight!
Pre-K Camping Trail Trek Mix
Place ingredients in separate serving bowls with serving spoons. Children create their own mix. Trail mix ideas:
- tiny twist pretzels
- dark chocolate bits
- cranberries
- raisins
- banana chips
- pineapple chips
- yogurt bites
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds
Gathering Time
In closing, gather around the campsite with Pre-K Trail Trek Mix and S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster and Lita Judge.