Resource
Indoor Camping Activity Pack
Plan an indoor camping session with construction, storytelling, navigation and quieter choices. Includes a two-page A4 printable, specific educator guidance, adaptations and a cut-off quick-reference card.
Ready for a real OSHC session
Preview both printable pages
Download 2-page practical printableCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
When this resource is useful
The pack turns indoor camping into a structured program rather than an uncontrolled blanket-fort activity.
What children do
Choose roles and stations. Build only small stable shelters that keep exits, sprinklers and sightlines clear.
Materials and preparation
Materials: Printed guide, pencils, selected station materials and current service planning information.
Allow about 10 minutes to print and place the resource. The activity itself usually takes 120 minutes and can pause when the group needs to transition.
Run the activity
Open two stations first, then add more after boundaries are working. Use chairs only as intended and follow venue procedures.
The child-facing prompts are:
- CAMP MAP: mark boundaries and exits
- SHELTER: tabletop or low cardboard design
- SUPPLY SORT: choose ten useful picture items
- STORY CIRCLE: fictional adventure prompt
- NAVIGATION: follow a floor-symbol route
- QUIET TENT: reading or drawing choice
- TEAM TASK: deliver a message safely
- PACK-DOWN: count, flatten and return
Adapt participation
Simpler way to join: Use a tabletop tent model and picture supply cards.
More challenge: Add a budget, weather scenario or accessible route redesign.
Children may draw, dictate, point, work beside a peer, observe or join later. Start, Explore and Extend labels describe task routes, not children.
Extend the idea
- Write a camp schedule.
- Create a map key for another group.
Safety and privacy
Do not attach fabric to fixtures, block exits, cover heads, interfere with alarms or create hidden unsupervised spaces.
Learning opportunities
Look for program participation, planning, collaboration and reflection. Record what children choose, explain, test or revise rather than treating completion as proof of learning.
Checking an open-ended response
There is no single required answer. A useful response follows the printed condition and can be explained, demonstrated or revised by the child.
Printing notes
Print at actual size on A4 paper. Page one is child-facing. Page two contains educator guidance and a dashed cut-off reference card that can be kept with the activity or laminated.
