Activity Idea of the Week: Sharpie Tie-Die

I am going start trying out some of the activities that I have seen on Pinterest. I have noticed that a lot of camp staff have been pinning the 'Tie-Die with Sharpies' activity.....I have been really curious if this activity actually works! I have read some of the pins and watched a few video links.
It is really easy and it does not create the unique designs like a 'real tie' die activity--but it does offer a similar effect that is really fun and easy to create!
Directions
Materials:
Sharpie/permanent markers in various colors
A cup--(whatever size you would like the tie-die circles to be)
Rubbing Alcohol
A dropper
Q-Tips
Rubber bands
A cotton T-Shirt or cloth item

• Start by taking a cup and placing the fabric around the open circle--use rubber bands to secure the fabric tightly on the rim of the cup.
• Use the permanent markers to create a design with in the circle--using multiple colors.
• When your design is complete....fill a dropper with alcohol and add to the design--the alcohol will cause the ink to blend into each other.....use the Q-Tips to help blend the design.
• Allow the circle to dry/set before moving onto the next circle.....
• Continue to add as many designs as desired--lay on a flat surface to dry....wash the fabric in cold water before wearing.

Helpful Hints:
I added in the Q-Tip technique because I think it helped blend the ink...
I was also really generous with the amount of rubbing alcohol I used--the cup will catch all of the liquid.
I also did not wait for each circle to completely dry before moving onto the next design because we wanted the circles to blend into each other.

I hope these tips help and you are able to try out this fun activity!

Happy Camp Planning!

Game of the Week: Over sized Outdoor Games

Over sized outdoor games are a 'HUGE' trend right now! There are many available including Tic-Tac-Toe, Chess,Checkers and dominoes. These games are a 'BIG' hit with kids but can also cost BIG bucks if you purchase them.....here are some ideas on how to create these games with the campers using items from around the center!

Tic-Tac-Toe: Make an over sized Tic-Tac-Toe game using cut out X's and O's from foam board,  use side walk chalk to draw the grid on the black top!

Chess: Paint the game grid on an old sheet....create the chess pieces using 2 liter soda bottles--fill the soda bottles half way with sand for stability. The chess pieces can be drawn on the bottles or decorated using construction paper or  craft foam sheets.

Checkers: Use the sheet idea for the checkers board or draw it out using sidewalk chalk. Use two different color sets of Frisbees for the checker pieces or sturdy colored paper plates wok too!

Dominoes:: Use foam board to cut out large rectangles to look like dominoes--the dots can be colored or painted on....use wood pieces for a more sturdy game that will last longer!

Have BIG fun creating and playing these over sized games! Please leave a comment with any other ideas to add some over sized  games to your out door environment!!

Happy Camp Planning!!

Song of the Week: I Had A Tiny Turtle

Check out our CDI/CDC YouTube song of the week link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTYcI8HGUU8 I Had a Tiny Turtle! We will be posting song links frequently! The video clips are a great way to learn the tune of the songs and some movements too!
Here are some tips on leading camp songs:

• Be an enthusiastic leader!
• Be creative with the song lyrics and movements.
• Encourage campers to lead the songs.
• Sing during transitions and in both large and small groups.
• Try out new songs but also sing camp favorites!
• Make up your own camp songs and chants.

Do you have any song leading tips? Please leave a comment below, we want to hear your ideas!
Also, please leave a comment about any songs you would like to request to be on video!

Game of the Week: Improv

Dramatic games and skits are always a big hit at camp! Try this improv game is a great activity for drama camp!



Divide the whole camp into groups of 8 or 10 campers (each with a counselor). Have the campers and leaders go all over camp collecting items in a bag.......the arts and crafts area, the kitchen etc,...Each group will have their own bag full of stuff. Give them a half hour to come up with a skit using all of the items (note: the items do not need be used for their actual purpose--for example: a broom can be used as a microphone).

Then take turns presenting your prepared skit to the other groups. The skits can also be recorded for the campers to view later!

Camp Song of the Week: Funky Chicken

I will be posting videos of camp songs or games weekly! Click on the link below to see a video clip of this fun song--The Funky Chicken!

http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activity/funky-chicken.html

I want to see your funky chicken (leader)
What’s that you say (Campers)
I want to see your funky chicken (leader)
What’s that you say (Campers)
Chorus:
Ooh ahh ahh ahh, ooh ahh ahh ahh
Ooh ahh ahh ahh, ooh, one more time
Ooh ahh ahh ahh, ooh ahh ahh ahh
Ooh ahh ahh ahh, ooh 1234
(Do actions with chorus, ie flop like a funky chicken)

Repeat verse using Frankenstein, Schwartzenager, Superman, Ballerina, Sumo Wrestler, Surfer Dude, Egyptian…

I love the variations they have added--I am sure CDI/CDC campers will come up with many ideas to add to this song!
This Ultimate Camp Resource website is a great website for camp counselors!
Also, we are always looking to video counselors singing camp songs....are you ready to sing on camera?

CDI/CDC Weekly Idea: Space Shuttle Sighting

Each week I will be featuring a CDI/CDC idea from one of our camps or a trend happening at many of our camps! Please send me any camp ideas that you would like to be featured!
This photo was taken as the space shuttle was flying over one of our centers in Southern California!
I was so exciting seeing everyone share their space shuttle sightings across California.....It really got me thinking about camp and center sharing! I have fond memories of writing to my pen pals from another school! There are so many ways we can stay connected during camp time and it really adds to the campers experience and camp memories! Here are a few ideas I came up with.....please comment below to add some ideas on how we can stay connected and share experiences state wide during camp time.

Pen Pals--writing letters to campers at other centers
Email Pals--email correspondence with other camps
Face time or Skype--video conferencing with other camps
Shared Events--logging a project or sharing ideas on current events (sharing a video, thoughts on the summer or winter Olympics).

I look forward to hearing your ideas on how campers can stay connected!