Packing in more activities!

#1 & #2 have begun their scouting career this past week! They are quite enthusiastic! I read through the manuals last night... a lot of parent involvement. Also a lot of building/making things! Great opportunity for blog fodder here! so- stay posted!

Farming and Felting

This past weekend was National Alpaca Farm Days and CT DOAG's "Tour de Farms" (too bad it rained!). One of the participating farms is just a half mile or so from my parents' house, so Mom and I took the boys on Saturday.

They got to meet sheep, alpaca, a llama and a goat and the woman who raises them. They asked a lot of GREAT questions! they asked about what they ate, where they slept, how they were sheared and did it hurt (it doesnt - they look forward to it. wool gets hot in the spring!). Perhaps the best question was from Ryan. He asked her why there were thermometers all over the barn. I didnt even notice them! She explained where the animals come from (mountains!) and that their coats keep them very warm - especialy in the summer - so she has to make sure that the animals are cool enough and if it gets too warm, she gives them baths - even 2 or 3 a day. ALso, in the winter, she needs to make sure they are warm too.

Since I was chasing an over-stimulated toddler, I didn't get any pictures..

I picked up a needle felting kit for the boys and I to do together. They picked out a ghost kit. I made one to figure out how it worked then showed them.

That is Ryan felting his ghost. Mine is the one on the left in the last picture. Andy's is on the right.

They had SUCH a blast that I may have to get more roving and let them make some Christmas ornaments for gifts. I can show them how to thread a needle and sew on a hanging loop - maybe even some beads! (ooh and they can caount that towrd their Cub Scout Electives!)

SAFETY NOTE: This is a really fun activity, BUT it is for older, school-aged, kids with a LOT of supervision! The felting needle is sharp and it is barbed. Proceede with EXTREME caution!

Camp from a kids perspective (cross post)

I gave Andy and Ryan each a disposable camera (yeah.. the kind with film. now you know why this post took so long!)


The highlights from Andy's perspective (I'll spare you t he dining hall, the rock and the puddle!)

our Cabin:



at the beach:




From Ryan's Perspective:
self portraint:


Andy from the treetops:


Look closely, there are people swining on ropes in those trees!


I took these of the boys on the low ropes course.






What did I do at Camp? Well, I found a few minutes to knit here and there and started some longies for Colin. I'm calling them the "HiRock Longies" (Ravelink here ) because the colors reminded me of the trees. see (wooden tree painted by Ryan at Arts & Crafts):

Back to School!

It's that time again! I'll be keeping posted with any cool craft ideas we come up with - think holiday gifts! and keep an eye on the sidebar - some great ideas in those blogs!

So HOT it's on Fire!

For several weeks, I've been following the Unplugged Project (also in my sidebar). Last week's theme of hot fell right in line with a project I had planned for this week's "ready for camp" theme.

A big part of camping is the campfire. How can you tell stories, sing songs or make s'mores without a campfire? We need fire-starters to get the fire going - especially if it rains (yes, for those of you who never participated in scouting, it is possible!)

In the past I have rolled up strips of newspaper, tied them with a wick and dipped them in wax. I've also tied the wick on a pine cone and dipped those as well. BUT I'd rather not have my kids dipping things in hot wax-even if it does fit the theme...

I came up with a much more kid-friendly version.

Materials:

• paper egg carton with the top removed


• dryer lint (optional)


• braided wick (be sure this is NON metallic).


• hot glue gun


• microwavable soy wax melts

Instructions:

• cut the wick into pieces about 2" long.


• put a drop of hot glue in the center of each egg cup and place the end of the a wick in it (use a toothpick or pencil to push it in).


• place a pinch of the lint in each cup. the wicks do not need to stay centered, but make sure the end is exposed so it can be lit at camp.


• top of each cup with plenty of wax. Remember that the paper and lint will soak up the wax, so be generous.


• place the whole thing in the microwave in High for 30 second intervals until all the wax is melted.


• allow to cool.


• once cooled, the fire-starters can be broken apart or kept together.


• when you are ready to build your fire, add one or two with the kindling and light the wick.

Warnings:

• the wax is hot when it comes out of the microwave and should only be handled by adults.


• use this opportunity to remind the kids about fire safety.


• when camping or buildings any fire, check all local regulations first and only light fires in approved places. NEVER light a campfire during a red flag warning.


• ALWAYS be sure that your fire is out COMPLETELY before leaving it unattended.

Notes:

• I'm not sure the wick is really necessary, or if the carton will light sufficiently on its own. I'll report back once I've tested them.


• marshmallow Peeps are REALLY good when toasted on the campfire...


• these are safe for use in your fireplace as well (assuming that your fireplace is in good working condition to begin with).

update- they work GREAT! no need for the wick either. the carton tended to ignite before the wick did anyway.

Color Explosion

In the pre-vacation chaos that is my life this week, I opted for another easy peasy project. Ryan has been BEGGING me to get them "Color Explosion" paper & markers since we got a sample in some other Crayola product. I found them for $5 when I was out picking up stuff for our camping trip.

I guess it went over well, because Daddy sent me a text saying we need to buy more and all of the paper was used up when I got home (20 sheets/kid!).

(pictures comming)

Reading in the Wild

Spotted in the wild.. OK .. the kitchen. My eldest two involved in spontaneous cooperative reading! They both read to their "baby" brother (he'll be 2 in a matter of days!!!) but for the two of them to share a book like this... to share anything for that matter! Makes a mama proud!