Get ready for a great camping experience with this fun family craft activity! Whether the family is planning an outdoor retreat to the woods or simply setting up a tent in the living room, this art project can help young children to learn about specific aspects of camping such as sleeping in a tent.
Tents and Camping for Children
Sleeping in a tent can be a worrisome experience for many young children. Unfamiliar sights, feels, and smells may all influence a child’s fear or anxiety. Before embarking on a family camping trip try reading about outdoor living. Choose a selection of books that introduce the outdoors and tents. Make sure to include books that have vivid illustrations or photographs of tents.
A second way to ease a child’s anxiety about camping is to promote creative expression. The art activity contained in this article presents an opportunity for the young child to create his or her own tent, and decorate it in any way imaginable.
Materials Needed to Create a Tent Craft
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Crayons
Steps to Create the Tent Art Project
Pre-activity
Before beginning this family art activity, look at a tent. This can be done by viewing photographs in books, family picture albums, or posters. If possible set up a real tent (that will be used while camping) for the child to see.
Process Steps
- Cut a square from the construction paper.
- Fold the corners together to make a triangle.
- Cut along the bottom of the triangle. There will now be two triangles. Cut one triangle in half. Set the two halves aside.
- Use the markers or crayons to draw a camping portrait on the whole triangle. This will be the interior of the tent. Items and objects to include may be a sleeping bag, a pillow, or clothing. Additionally, pictures or portraits of family members may be added.
- Take the two half triangles and place a line of glue along the slanted edges of each one. Place the halves on the whole triangles, and firmly press the glued sides.
- Set aside to dry.
- Open the glued triangles as flaps to look into the tent.
- Decorate the exterior with crayons or markers.
Create this simple tent inspired art activity prior to a family camping trip. Show pictures or photographs of a real tent, and then encourage the child (or children) to create an imaginative tent by using paper and markers. Add a special interior that includes a family portrait and basic camping items. Finish the project by decorating an artful exterior.
 |
 |
 |
