View Full Version : any ideas for 8 - 10 year olds?
I'm off for a bunkhouse with my Cub Pack this weekend to do a Captain Caveman sleepover . I've got bunch of things to do, such as building a couple of benders with some hazel and tarps; collecting tinder and kindling and messing with firesteels and making a hot drink; a bit of tracking and stalking; throwing bunny sticks about (safely, naturallly!). There's not much woodland that I can use but it is very close to the sea. Does anyone have any bright ideas for other things I could do to fire them up more for the great outdoors?
Thanks
Mazeman
Andy2112
13-03-2008, 12:34
Mazeman,
one of the downloadble pdf's on the site has got things to do in it which would be suitable i think, have a look.
Madoc i hold dear to my heart, spent many a weekend and longer at Blackrock.:D
Mike Ameling
13-03-2008, 16:03
Do some simple "leather craft", but with clothe instead. Pick up a couple pairs of jeans that are too far gone to wear. Cut the legs off and talk them through sewing up their own Ditty Bags.
Scrounge some flint nodules from along the beach and teach some simple flint knapping - like making a simple cutting knife edge or scraper.
Go through several variations of starting and tending a fire (besides getting that initial spark/flame) - heating, cooking, reflector, tipi/log cabin style, etc.
Talk them through making their own Billy Can - using carefully chosen modern food cans (not plastic lined) and some wire. (cut one end out completely, smooth up any sharp edges, punch two holes, and loop some wire through those holes to create a bale)
Have them make a simple folded and stitched paper journal, and then go document things found/seen on their hikes. (Fold several long strips of paper in half, then use yarn or thick/heavy thread to run a few stitches up the fold to hold them all together. A piece of heavy paper or thin cardboard on the outside makes a good cover.)
Go through some of the many ways to set up a rectangular tarp as a shelter/tent.
Go through some of the ways to fold one or two blankets together to form your "sleeping bag".
Just a couple simple ideas to share. Take them as such.
Mikey - yee ol' grumpy blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
DoctorSpoon
13-03-2008, 16:59
Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective. Few kids who live in towns/cities have experienced real darkness before. If the night is fine get them outside, all torches off, and try to get everyone silent ... just for a bit! If there are stars, all the better. Organised star gazing is good, but just lying on your back experiencing them when everything around you is still is really fantastic. The beach is also magic after dark - you really experience the sounds and smalls that way.
Fish in the sea, turn over rocks etc for crabs/shellfish,
scraping bark off sticks and cooking marshmallows is good for kids
Too Much Kit To Carry
13-03-2008, 18:54
one of the downloadble pdf's on the site has got things to do in it which would be suitable i think, have a look.
Hi,
Is there a link to the URL please.
Phil.
What about putting a message from the group into a bottle and leave it go on the out tide?
Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective. Few kids who live in towns/cities have experienced real darkness before. If the night is fine get them outside, all torches off, and try to get everyone silent ... just for a bit! If there are stars, all the better. Organised star gazing is good, but just lying on your back experiencing them when everything around you is still is really fantastic. The beach is also magic after dark - you really experience the sounds and smalls that way.
As Scout leaders we always try to satellite spot when camping where it is dark. If you are lucky you might get to see some shooting stars.
Richard
makeitmyself
13-03-2008, 21:52
things I could do to fire them up more
Mazeman
Hello just a tip make sure the fire is nice and hot or they might not be done in the middle.;) :lol:
Hello just a tip make sure the fire is nice and hot or they might not be done in the middle.;) :lol:
I wrap 'em in foil emergency blankets - seems to do the trick! :lmao:
And thanks everyone, it'll be a better weekend for alll your suggestions.
:You_Rock_
Dave Budd
14-03-2008, 17:14
I wrap 'em in foil emergency blankets - seems to do the trick! :lmao:
And thanks everyone, it'll be a better weekend for alll your suggestions.
:You_Rock_
is that a cookery tip?
:p
is that a cookery tip?
:p
naturally!:D
Maybe some of the idea's on here will help you...
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23768