(Virtual) Summer Camp Kits are Here!
This year has been one for the books. It has challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and definitely disrupted business as usual. As difficult as it has been, there is also something really incredible about 2020.
Here’s the thing… when everything is running smoothly, there is no need to rock the boat or change things up. But when the rug gets ripped out from under you, there is nothing to do BUT change. My husband and I have a running saying about change. When we notice that we are reacting to change with automatic dislike, we say, “Hit it with a stick – it’s different.” We do that to remind ourselves to laugh and that actually, change isn’t bad. We just have an automatic preference to keep things as-is.
This summer, change is HERE. Lots of summer camps are closed, and if they aren’t, they definitely have guidelines that make them look different. We have been working hard to bring you some summer camp fun… at HOME!
These kits are just a few that your council may have available to you – just check in with them to be able to bring them home to you and your Scouts.
Elementary Art Kit:
- What I loved: Not only did this give me a pick me up around much-needed art supplies, but I really liked the 12 projects that came with the kit. The projects were varied and the full kit came with everything I needed to not only do those projects, but also have some fun on my own. This kit gave me some structure around play time with my 4-year-old (since I am not a teacher, I tend to struggle with “learning games”).
- To note: If you’ve got younger kids, they will need a little support on the projects – I had a heavy hand in helping my 4-year-old with everything.
Sea Turtle ID Activity Kit:
- What I loved: This kit came with 8 different sea turtles, and after my daughter and I spent time talking through the identifying features, she has carried them around with her as her new pets (haha). This kit goes along really well with the Disney Nature shows that she has been begging us to watch non-stop, too!
- To note: You can sliding scale the age level of this kit – we used parts of the information for my daughter, but some of it was a little advanced for her (but my husband and I totally loved)
Magna Tiles:
- What I loved: There was so much creativity available with this kit! I loved watching my daughter try new configurations around building and my personal favorite part of this kit was trying to build something that used all of the tiles without leaving any out.
- To note: This kit comes with an idea guide to help facilitate building which I found very helpful. Another note on this kit – I would have loved having two sets instead of just one!
OWI Rookie Solar Racer:
- What I loved: Tying this into the chats that I have with my daughter about avoiding single-use plastic where possible, along with trying to avoid unnecessary waste (fun fact: we gave up paper towels and just use rags… old t-shirts, dingey kitchen towels, etc that I cut up and can use once and throw into the laundry). She loves race cars, so she really loved helping build this solar-power one!
- This was for sure a more advance kit, so be sure to be on-hand to help younger kids!
Snap Circuits Strobe Lights and Sound Kit:
- What I loved: This kit came with the pieces needed to make 14 projects (not all at once) which was really fun. I loved introducing my daughter to electrical circuits – its like Legos® but with electricity!
- To note: This kit can be combined with other Snap Circuits® products, so you can build “bigger” projects. Also, you will need 3 AA batteries – be sure to have those on hand!
Butterfly Garden:
- What I loved: This one was SO neat (mind you, it is still “going” because the butterflies have to grow – that takes about 3 weeks, total), but we just watched the Disney Nature (told you… she is obsessed) show that had a focus on butterflies, so for her to watch this happen in real life was really fun. It is also so simple – open the box, set up the “habitat”, order the larvae and then wait. The kit came with literally everything except for the five larvae themselves.
- To note: If it is too hot or too cold, the shipment will be delayed (because the saddest thing would be to have not-alive larvae show up!). Also, just note that you do have to pay shipping and handling for the larvae which is separate from the kit ($7.95).
Just a reminder, your council may have these or other kits available to you! Your pack/den or troop can also work with your council to get specific kits ordered, as well.
We are working hard to support you, our #BSAfamily during this time of Scouting at Home. Things may look a little wonky, but we are excited to have this partnership with Nasco and Club Sci Kidz to bring your some really fun kits that are perfect to set up in your home office OR take outside to enjoy with your #BSAcampcation set up!
Be sure to share your #ScoutingAtHome pictures with us (use #ScoutShopBSA or tag us!) and join the conversation with the rest of the Scouts creating fun at home this summer. Who knows… you might just see one of your photos featured on one of our social channels!
