The Creative Den is a calm, colourful space where children slow down, make, express, and reflect. It should feel magical, open-ended, and inviting – the polar opposite of a rigid art lesson. It’s about freedom, imagination, and crafting confidence through creativity.
Purpose #
To support expression, imagination, and focus through hands-on craft, building, and design activities. This zone promotes mindfulness, self-esteem, problem-solving and sensory play, especially for children who thrive through doing rather than talking or performing.
Delivery by Age Group #
- **Explorers (Ages 5–7)**
- – Use tactile materials like cotton balls, glitter glue, large shape cut-outs, and stickers.
- – Keep instructions short and visual – use examples and big, bold shapes.
- – Projects should be about the process, not perfection – praise effort and creativity.
- **Adventurers (Ages 8–13)**
- – Introduce more open-ended or challenge-based tasks (e.g. “Design a flag for your tribe”).
- – Encourage storytelling through art: comic strips, poster campaigns, zines.
- – Scaffold new techniques gently (e.g. collage layering, shadow tracing).
Sample Sessions & Structure #
A strong session has three parts: Spark → Create → Celebrate.
- – Spark (5–10 mins): Introduce the theme through a short story, mystery box, or demo.
- – Create (20–30 mins): Let campers explore the materials with guidance and encouragement.
- – Celebrate (5–10 mins): Gallery walk, partner praise, or quick show-and-tell.
Sample Sessions:
- – Create Your Own Creature (pipe cleaners, feathers, pom poms)
- – Build a Bug Hotel (natural materials and cardboard)
- – Camp Flags (fabric, felt tips, collage pieces)
- – Story Stones (painted pebbles for storytelling games)
- – Mini Masterpieces (tiny canvases + mini easels)
Kit Checklist #
- – Scrap card, A4 paper, coloured paper, sticky labels
- – Glue sticks, masking tape, washi tape, safety scissors
- – Pom poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, feathers
- – Markers, paint sticks, pastels, stencils, sponges
- – Mini canvases, lolly sticks, wooden pegs, clay/foam
- – Table covers, aprons, hand wipes or wash station
Staff Roles & Setup #
- – 1 Lead Facilitator (creative confidence, engaging presence)
- – 1 Support or LIT/helper (set-up/clean-up, 1:1 help for younger campers)
- – Set tables with materials in themed “zones” (cutting, decorating, finalising)
- – Use calming music or quiet storytelling to set the tone.
Behaviour & Inclusion #
- – Celebrate difference: there’s no right answer in art.
- – For sensory needs, offer alternative materials (e.g. avoid sticky glue, use dry materials).
- – For shy or anxious campers, use individual praise or “partner collabs”.
- – Allow autonomy over what success looks like — some may start but not finish.
Reflection & Celebration Prompts #
- – What part of your creation are you proud of?
- – If your art had a story or name, what would it be?
- – What surprised you about this project?
- – What would you teach someone else to do next time?
Theming & Wow Factor Ideas #
- – Mini Art Gallery at the end of the week with photo wall
- – Daily ‘Spotlight Creator’ chosen by peers or staff
- – Mystery Art Box challenge (5 surprise materials only)
- – Camp-wide creative challenge (e.g. group mural or recycled sculpture)
