It’s Classroom Campout Time!

Have you ever had a classroom campout?  You can make it as simple as you’d like!  Really, it doesn’t have to be a ton of work to make it fun for your students! In this post, you’ll find some fun and easy ways to create a Simple Classroom Camp Out.

Decorating Your Classroom

Some teachers go all out on this!  But you don’t have to do any of it to have a classroom camp out.  Your students’ “tents” will make your room look decorated enough!  But, if you’re interested, check out this link to some ideas that I found on Pinterest.  Also… if you have parent volunteers, I’m sure they’d love to take on this activity!  Ideas for Classroom Campout – Pinterest 

Some ideas that are pretty easy:

• real trees & potted plants for that outdoorsy look
• lawn chairs – kid size if possible
• paper lake
• faux campfire
• Moon and stars decorations – glow in the dark if possible
• kids’ tents / sheets over desks 

Setting Up

Setting up your classroom should take place at the end of the day prior to the Classroom Camp Out or the first 30 minutes or so the morning of.  

This will include the following:

• creating a space – students will use sheets or blankets and desks to make a personal camping space.  This space will be used for independent reading and quietly working.
• if a student has brought a small tent, they will set this up at this time
• arrange lawn chairs if needed
• if your classroom is small, you will have probably already taken this into consideration and limited tents and lawn chairs

Games and Activities

Make the Camp Out fun for your students by having Camping Themed Games and Activities.  I like to keep it educational, so I created these for my first-grade classroom.  They are easy to make and can be used year after year.  Hours of fun in these four resources!

Who doesn’t love:

• Bingo

• I Have, Who Has

• Write the Room 

• A Game Show – End of Year Math Review

• Build a Camping Day

• Secret Codes

• Bingo Dabber Games

• Boom Cards

Click on the picture to check it out!

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Treats!  You Gotta Have Treats!

Having a Classroom Camp Out is like having a party!  It wouldn’t be a PARTY without TREATS!!!

Here are some ideas for some FUN & EASY TREATS:

Trail Mix is an easy treat and great for your “camp out!”  Here’s a recipe I found:  Easy Kid’s Trail Mix Recipe

Popcorn makes a great healthy snack.  If you have a microwave nearby, you can whip up a few bags in no time!

S’mores are the ultimate classic treat for campers.  Just three simple ingredients:  Graham Crackers, Chocolate Bars and Marshmallows.  To simplify this treat even more, use marshmallow cream instead of marshmallows.  No heat required.

Books with a Camping Theme

Having a themed read aloud using books with a camping theme will add enthusiasm and excitement to the day! (affiliate link – Click HERE to see disclosure)

Here are some that I have found:

 When your students are rowdy and excited… break out a camping book and read aloud.  This allows students to relax and calm down. 

But, If they need a little more incentive to calm down, here are some free award incentives with a camping them.  Click here to grab the Calm Camper Awards

 

It’s Picture Time – Instax Mini Picture Tent Craft

 

Tent Craft!  Yes!  This is going to be such a fun day that you’ll want to keep a record of it by taking pictures of your students.  You’ll then turn that little picture into a keepsake craft to remember the BEST CLASSROOM CAMPOUT EVER!!  Click the image to download the tent templates. Click here for the camera. (affiliate link – Click HERE to see disclosure)

Educational Assignments

There will be times throughout the day that you will want your students working quietly on an educational assignment.  For this time you will need something engaging Check out these two fun sets of Busy Work.

Literacy & Math 

Math – Addition & Subtraction

Kids will Need to Bring

 

To make your Classroom Camp Out a raging success, you kids will need to bring a few things if possible.

• flashlights – Kids love to read in the dark with a flashlight. For kids that cant’ afford to bring a flashlight, I have used the finger lights before  and  they  work  great. (affiliate link – Click HERE to see disclosure)
• A Small tent or a sheet/blanket
• A Pillow
• Books to read during Independent Reading Time

Parent Communication

To create a successful Classroom Camp Out, you’ll want to communicate every step of the way with the parents of your students.  Here is a short letter you can download, sign, copy and send out.  Click HERE to grab this Editable Parent Communication Pack.

Scheduling

When planning your Classroom Camp Out, having a schedule is a must.  I have outlined each of the activities presented in this blog post with a reasonable amount of time to complete each.  This should help you plan your day by scheduling each activity. 

 

Final Thoughts

I hope you have gotten some takeaways from this post.  If you’d like, in the comments, share your thoughts or actual photos or events from your own Classroom Camp Out!

Not Quite Ready?  Pin for Later!

So you are thinking about having a Classroom Camp Out but your not quite ready?  Save this pin so you can access this information when you are ready.  

If you like the Camping Clip Art in this post, visit my friend Amy’s Teachers Pay Teachers’ store. Clip Art Corral

Using a Number Line in 1st Grade

Do your students know how to use a number line for addition and subtraction?  If not, check out this post.  Or… if you want some amazing free resources for practicing this essential skill.