Supplies:‍

• Trays (one for each CAMPer)
• Containers
• Clear Jars with Lids (Honey Bear Jars, Mason Jars, or other shape)
• Colored Loop Cereal (edible)
• Colored Sand (not edible)
• Paper Funnels (Cardstock + Tape)
• Sandwich bags (with closure)
• Kid Scissors
• Googly Eyes
• Stickers
• Adhesive Gems
• Paint Markers

Prep/ Set Up Details:

• Prep a tray for each CAMPer with their jar and a funnel (or paper to create one)
• Prep a hidden treasure sand jar (or 2-3 jars) for the wrap-up play/perform activity
• Organize all shared supplies in containers (e.g., paper, markers, gems, adhesives, etc.)
• Prepare a few relevant fun facts or questions to enrich the activity discussion!
  • Where do you think we can find sand in nature?
  • Have you ever played in sand before?  What did you do with it?‍

Preparing for younger CAMPers (ages 3-6)

• Pre-make paper funnels
• Opt for edible cereal sand
• Pre-sort and crush extra cereal sand in case your campers need some help
• Consider pairing campers to hold a jar while one pours their sand
  

Preparing for older CAMPers (ages 7+) 

• Allow them to create the paper funnels
• Challenge them to find different ways to make their patterns more unique
• Consider more sophisticated decorative options (e.g. glitter, etc.)

Activity Instructions

Counselor(s) Prep (30 minutes before)

Doors Open (5 minutes before)

Gather (right on time)

• When all CAMPers are seated, welcome everyone!
• Introduce yourself and any other Counselors assisting the activity
• Give CAMPers a brief overview of what to expect and show CAMPers a completed “demo” or what the final product of this craft can look like
• Briefly review the tools they’ll be using and highlight any tools/techniques that require either (1) special care or (2) direct Counselor intervention
  • E.g. “Scissor edges can be sharp, so take care to always grab them by their handles and set them down gently every time!”

Icebreaker (5 minutes)

• We’re going to play Nice to Meet Ya!
• Instruct all CAMPers and Counselors to sit in a circle
• Go around the circle having each participant tell everyone their name and their favorite type of cereal (or favorite thing to eat for breakfast).
  • If you are using real (not cereal) sand, ask them their favorite thing about going to the beach.
• Counselors can go first to set an example for CAMPers 

Craft (25 minutes)

1. Prepare bags of sand:
   1. You can use colored sand, or make your own ‘sand’ following the steps below:
      • Start by sorting each color of cereal into separate plastic sandwich bags until almost full (not too full!) 
      • Seal each bag, squeezing out as much air as you can
      • With the palm of your hands or using the rolling pin, begin to crush the cereal into a sand-like consistency
2. Place your funnel inside the mouth of your jar
3. Using kid-friendly scissors, cut a small slit on the bottom corner of your plastic sandwich bag 
4. Slowly and carefully pour some cereal sand inside
5. Take your time and layer in each color - try different designs
   • Hold the funnel at an angle to create diagonal layer shapes
   • Push a rod or straw into the top layers near the edge to create a wave
6. Be sure to fill the container all the way up to the top to avoid colors mixing together!
   • You can always add a few whole pieces of cereal to the top to fill your bottle
7. Secure the lid to the top of your bottle and add decorate the outside using googly eyes and other decorative materials

Play/ Perform (10 minutes)

• Grab a clean sensory bin, fill it with sand and hide small items (beads, small trinkets, coins, dice, etc.) in it - have the CAMPers take turns swirling it around to find what’s hidden inside.

Wrap-Up/ Goodbyes (5 minutes)

‍Reset/ Cleanup (After - 10 minutes)