Preschool
The preschool age group generally falls between the ages of 3 and 5. Bringing along plenty of pre-made non-perishable snacks and foods such as canned foods and trail mixes will keep cooking time minimal because of the need for high supervision. One activity may include a hike. During the hike have the girls pay close attention to natural items that have fallen such as pine cones, leaves and types of flowers. They can gather the items to take back and create a collage.
After they complete the collage, have them talk about where they found the items and what they think the items are. Allow the presentations to open up discussions about nature and the area surroundings. Painting with colored pudding can create non toxic art creations---as long as it is followed up by a rinse down or supervised dip in the pond.
Elementary
Elementary girls love to learn and absorb everything they can. The ages of 6 to 9 is a great age to teach them about campfire and campground safety. Take the girls on a walk and hike around the campground or campsite area. Point out danger zones such as the roads and water sources that they cannot go to without another adult. Have campfire time and talk about the safety of being too close to fire and staying away from unmanned fire pits and hot coals. Pop popcorn and make s'mores over the fire to make the evening time fun. Teach the girls simple campfire songs and tell silly stories as a group.
Middle School
Middle school girls between the ages of 10 and 12 are approaching their teenage years and want to be active, social and independent. Setting up a chance for the girls to create their own skit allows them to display their creativity and skills. Give the girls ideas to start with that would fit into the camp theme. Examples include reenacting favorite storybook tales, teen celebrities, occupations or restaurant scenes. Have the girls really get into using imaginary items or natural items to make the skits come to life. Utilize man-made noises and actions so guests can understand the skit. The skits can start with a theme and then are acted out as everyone goes along---without a script.
Junior High
Having a series of relays available for junior high girls ages 13 through 15 is a great way to keep them busy during camp. After setting up camp and getting settled in, begin to set up the relays or obstacle courses. Relays can include a run around the campground combined with swimming a small section of the lake or pool, bike riding around the campground twice and then balancing on nearby logs or playground equipment. Tug of war and beach volleyball can also keep them active and busy. Finish the night with the girls making their own pizza concoctions with a pie iron over the campfire.
High School
For high school girls between the ages of 16 and 18, it is all about expression. One way they can do this while camping is through art. This could be by selecting an area in the campground to draw, paint or write about. They could also create a collage or utilize digital photography to complete projects. Group efforts making large-scale sand castles can also be enjoyable for many teen campers. An early-evening campfire with snacks and popular music is a great way for the girls to discuss issues and get to know one another better.
Article Written By Julie Boehlke
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
