Summer Camp Craft Ideas from 21 Years of Experience
After 21 years working at summer camp, you’d think I’d be completely ready for the season — but somehow summer still sneaks up on me every year. With July just around the corner and our first session beginning in a few days, I’ve been finalizing craft plans and refreshing a few favorites. Below are the projects we used last year that were big hits with campers. Click the links under each picture for full instructions and supply lists.
Jersey Knit Headbands with Fabric Flowers
Why it works: Jersey knit headbands are a fast, forgiving sewing or no-sew project that looks polished with minimal effort. Campers can choose fabric scraps, create a simple loop, and add a fabric flower or felt accent to personalize their headband. Materials are inexpensive and the final product is wearable, which always delights kids.
Good for: Ages 6 and up (with assistance for younger children). Prep tips: Pre-cut strips for younger campers, provide hot-glue alternatives for groups without sewing skills, and set up a small station for embellishments like buttons and felt petals.
Jersey Knit Bracelets
Why it works: These bracelets use the same soft, stretchy jersey fabric and are ideal for a quick craft rotation. They’re comfortable, durable, and allow campers to experiment with braiding, knotting, or adding beads. Because they require minimal tools, they’re perfect for larger groups and quick sessions between activities.
Good for: Ages 5 and up. Prep tips: Pre-cut lengths for different wrist sizes, supply a bead selection and safety scissors, and demonstrate a few simple knots or braids so kids can make something they’ll want to wear home.
Watercolor Art
Why it works: Watercolor projects are versatile and encourage creativity. They can be adapted to any skill level — simple washes and color mixing for younger campers, or guided techniques like wet-on-wet and masking for older kids. Watercolor also pairs well with nature themes, which makes it a natural fit for outdoor camp settings.
Good for: All ages, with age-appropriate techniques. Prep tips: Use absorbent paper, have plenty of water and palettes available, and protect tables with washable coverings. Encourage campers to experiment with salt, resist techniques, and layering to extend the activity.
Washer Necklaces
Why it works: Washer necklaces are a favorite because they combine upcycling with easy jewelry-making. Using painted or wrapped hardware washers as pendants, campers can create bold, modern necklaces by adding cord, ribbon, or beads. The result is durable and unique — and campers love the industrial-chic look.
Good for: Ages 7 and up. Prep tips: Pre-drill or smooth any rough edges, offer non-toxic paints or permanent markers for decoration, and provide cord with adjustable knots so each piece fits comfortably.
Overall, these four projects — jersey knit headbands, jersey knit bracelets, watercolor art, and washer necklaces — offer a balance of wearable crafts, open-ended art, and low-cost materials. They scale well for groups, require minimal specialized tools, and can be adapted to different age ranges or time slots. Last year, the washer necklaces were the biggest hit, but every group brings its own favorites depending on age and interests.
Planning tips for camp crafters: organize supplies into individual kits when possible, set up clear stations for each step, and include examples to spark creativity. Keep safety in mind with scissors, glue guns, and small beads. Most importantly, let campers personalize their pieces — when kids feel ownership of a project, they’re more excited and proud to take it home.
Now it’s your turn: what are your go-to camp crafts for kids or adults? Share your tried-and-true ideas and any helpful tips for making them run smoothly at camp.
