Supplies:

• Trays (one for each CAMPer)
• Containers
• Clear Jars (mason or pickle jars, thoroughly cleaned)
• Paint markers
• Pipe cleaners or Wax Sticks
• Sand or Pebbles
• Kid Scissors
• Adhesive (hot glue, tape, etc.)

Prep/ Set Up Details:

• Prep a tray for each camper with their jar
• Organize all shared supplies in containers (e.g., paint markers, pipe cleaners, etc.)
• Prepare a few relevant fun facts or questions to enrich the activity discussion!
  • Does anyone know what ocean is nearest to us?  Has anyone ever been in it?
  • Does anyone grow flowers at home with your family?  What kinds of flowers are your favorites?
  • What is your favorite type of animal that might live in the habitat you are creating?

Preparing for younger CAMPers (ages 3-6)

• Pre-cut pipe cleaner pieces 
• Consider edible cereal sand as a jar filler
• Opt for less messy options (e.g. glue dots, etc.)
  

Preparing for older CAMPers (ages 7+) 

• Talk to them about their habitat environment - flora, fauna, weather, etc.
• Allow them to measure, cut everything themselves
• Consider more sophisticated 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. “The ends of our pipe cleaners today can be a little pointy, so take care to grab them by the fuzzy sides!”

‍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 flower or sea creature.
• Counselors can go first to set an example for CAMPers 

Craft (25 minutes)

1. Use paint markers to draw your environment on the outside of your jar and lid!
   • Making a terrarium? Draw leaves, grass, and other plants!
   • Making an aquarium? Try little fish, bubbles, and sea plants!
     
2. For Terrariums: Create some pipe cleaner flowers! Here are some ideas:
   • Lavender: 
     • Wind two pipe cleaner pieces around a pencil to create a coil - fold another (maybe green?) one in half and insert each end into one of the coils
   • Daisies: 
     • Hold three half pipe cleaners together at the center and twist several times to create 6 equal spokes - roll them each towards the center to create flower petals
     • Thread a full pipe cleaner through the center and create the stem by folding it in half and twisting all the way down - create a flat base by bending the end around in a loop
     • Choose another half pipe cleaner to create a circle and twist to create two loops - twist those loops around the flower stem to create leaves
     • Choose another color full pipe cleaner and cut it in half twice (quarters!) - curl it into a tight spiral and glue to the center of your flower
       
3. For Aquariums: 
   • Make a jellyfish!
     • Separate the wax sticks and roll one into a tight spiral
     • Lay two sticks on top of your spiral in an X shape and press together
     • Start to shape the form into a tentacled jellyfish! 
     • Cut a 2 inch wax stick and glue it to the top of your jellyfish - allow to set
   • Make some coral!
     • Choose another color wax stick and bend it back and forth in a squiggly accordion fold, ½-inch wide
     • Create three of these and press them together at the base - loosen up the folds and you’ve got some wavy coral for your ocean floor!
     • Make some more!  Grab four wax sticks and twist together in the middle - bend and shape each piece!
       
4. Glue your flowers or coral inside your jar (and if you are making an aquarium, glue the jellyfish to hang from inside the lid!) - allow glue to dry.
   
   
5. Add material for your habitat’s floor:
   • If using sand: Pour a small amount of sand in your jar - layer other colors, try to make some angled layers
   • If using pebbles: Place around 2 dozen pebbles carefully around your creation
     
6. Enjoy your handmade habitat!

Play/ Perform (10 minutes)

• Go around the room and encourage the CAMPers to tell us about the scene they created - what is happening in their aquarium/ terrarium? Invite them to create names for each of their featured critters!

Wrap-up/ Goodbyes (5 minutes)

‍Reset/ Cleanup (After - 10 minutes)