25-Day Nature Camp Activity Plan (Ages 5-8)
Week 1: Exploring & Observing Nature
- Nature Scavenger Hunt — Search for different textures, colors, and shapes in nature.
- Meet a Tree — Blindfolded, feel a tree’s bark, then try to find it again by touch.
- Bug Investigation — Observe insects up close with magnifying glasses.
- Nature Art Creations — Use leaves, sticks, and flowers to make art.
- Animal Tracking — Look for footprints, nests, or burrows and guess which animal they belong to.
Week 2: Outdoor Skills & Creativity
- Building with Nature — Create small forts, bridges, or fairy houses using natural materials.
- Leaf & Bark Rubbings — Use crayons and paper to capture tree textures.
- Stone Soup — Read Stone Soup and gather natural materials to make a pretend forest soup.
- Nature Mapping — Draw a simple map of the area, marking interesting landmarks.
- Silent Wildlife Watch — Sit quietly and observe birds, squirrels, or insects.
Week 3: Water, Weather & Survival
- Net Fishing — Scoop and observe small aquatic creatures in a safe, shallow area.
- Cloud Watching & Weather Logs — Identify cloud types and make weather predictions.
- Nature’s Camouflage — Play hide-and-seek while blending into the environment like animals do.
- Edible vs. Poisonous Plants — Learn about safe and unsafe plants in the area.
- Natural Paints & Dyes — Use crushed berries, leaves, and mud to create colors.
Week 4: Storytelling, Movement & Adventure
- Storytelling Circle — Make up and share nature-inspired stories.
- Music from the Forest — Use sticks, stones, and leaves to make rhythms and sounds.
- Move Like an Animal — Hop like a frog, crawl like a bug, or run like a deer.
- Sun & Shadow Play — Track shadows and learn how the sun moves.
- Forest Obstacle Challenge — Balance, climb, and jump over natural obstacles.
Week 5: Reflection & Connection
- Nature Mandalas — Arrange natural materials into circular designs.
- Gratitude Tree — Write or draw something you’re grateful for and hang it on a special tree.
- Nature Journals — Draw or write about a favorite outdoor moment.
- Giving Back to Nature — Clean up, plant seeds, or create small animal shelters.
- Forest Celebration — End with a picnic, storytelling, and nature games.