Summer Camp Crafts to Try: Tried-and-True Projects from My Camp

After 21 summers running camp programs, you would think I would be fully prepared for every season. Yet each year, summer seems to arrive faster than expected. With July nearly here and our first session starting in a few days, I’ve been finalizing plans for activities and crafts. Over the years I’ve tested many projects with kids of different ages, and some have consistently been winners. Below I’ve summarized a handful of projects we used last year that worked particularly well—simple, inexpensive, and adaptable to a range of groups.

These ideas are intended to be flexible: modify materials, difficulty, and time to fit your cabin sizes, age groups, and available resources. I’ve included the original project links and images so you can see the finished results and follow full tutorials if you’d like. The images help set expectations for what the finished crafts look like and can inspire variations that match your camp’s theme or skill level.

Jersey Knit Headbands with Fabric Flowers

Jersey knit headbands are excellent for campers who enjoy wearable crafts. They use soft, forgiving materials that are easy for small hands to manipulate. The project can be simplified for younger children by pre-cutting the knit strips and providing a selection of ready-made fabric flowers to glue on. For older kids, include a brief demonstration on tying and finishing techniques so they leave with a clean, durable band. These headbands work well as counselor-led activities or station crafts where kids can customize colors and flower styles.

Jersey Knit Bracelets

Matching jersey knit bracelets are another great option that pairs well with the headbands. These bracelets are fast to assemble and allow for a lot of creativity—kids can add beads, charms, or braided accents. They’re an especially good choice when you want a low-mess craft that still yields a wearable keepsake. Consider grouping materials by color or theme (nautical, nature, camp logo) to make set-up and clean-up easier for staff.

Watercolor Art

Watercolor projects are a timeless favorite and work for a wide age range. They let campers explore color blending, texture, and simple composition without needing advanced drawing skills. Provide a few examples—abstract washes, silhouette landscapes, or simple themed stencils—and let kids experiment. For outdoor or nature-focused camps, encourage campers to paint scenes they see around camp. Watercolor is also an excellent calming activity at the end of a busy day.

Washer Necklaces

Of all the projects we tried last year, washer necklaces were the biggest hit. They’re an ideal mix of hands-on creating and instant gratification. Using simple hardware-store washers, paint or permanent markers, and cord or chain, campers can design bold, personalized pendants. The finished necklaces look professional enough to be treasured, and the activity can be scaled for different ages by changing the painting tools or adding small charms.

Tips for any camp craft session:
– Prepare materials in labeled bins to speed transitions and reduce questions.
– Offer a few quick demos so campers can see the steps before starting.
– Swap out complicated steps for pre-cut or pre-assembled options for younger groups.
– Leave time for drying and encourage campers to sign or date their work as a keepsake.

Now it’s your turn—what are your favorite camp crafts for kids or adults? Feel free to adapt any of the projects above to suit your group’s interests, and remember that the best activities are those that are safe, engaging, and leave campers with a tangible memory of their time at camp.