Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by Audrey
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Summer camp is more than just swimming and singing songs around the fire—it’s a chance for kids to explore their creativity, connect with nature, and bring home something they made with their own hands. Whether you’re packing up for overnight camp or planning a DIY version in your backyard, these classic summer camp crafts are a surefire way to keep kids engaged, inspired, and a little bit messy—in the best way!
Here are 15 of our all-time favorite summer camp crafts that blend nostalgia, fun, and creativity:
1. Beaded Keychains, Bracelets, or Belts
When I think of summer camp crafts, this is one of the first that comes to my mind! A camper classic, this project is a colorful and simple way for kids to learn basic beading and patterns. Beading was also a huge part of my summers as a kid in the 90’s and early 00’s! This project is best for kids who are 5+. My almost six-year-old really enjoyed it and only needed a little bit of help at certain parts. My two-year old even joined us and had fun just placing beads on a piece of string. For full instructions, check out this video tutorial!
Here’s a list of supplies needed:
2. Friendship Bracelets
No summer camp experience is complete without a stack of friendship bracelets on every wrist. Kids can trade them, gift them, and show off their knot-tying skills with simple embroidery floss or thread. Get started with this simple kit that has everything you need for these classic summer camp crafts!
3. Popsicle Stick Picture Frame
Handmade picture frames are one of those essential summer camp crafts because they’re the perfect way to capture summertime memories! Hot glue or tie popsicle sticks together at the corners and decorate with markers, beads, pressed flowers, or stickers. We just taped ours to the wall, but you can glue magnets to the back for a fridge decoration or glue a loop of ribbon on the back to hang. Slip in a favorite camp photo when it’s dry and they’re all finished!
4. Nature Weaving
Bring a bit of the forest home with this earthy project. Using a DIY stick frame or a forked stick as the base, kids can weave in leaves, flowers, grass, and other found materials to create a rustic, living tapestry.
5. Wood Slab Necklace
Grab some wood slices like these and let kids decorate their own necklaces with paint or pressed flowers with mod podge. Add some cord and it’s ready to wear! Check out this post for more detailed instructions.
6. Pennant Flags
These pennant banners are a must for that vintage summer camp vibe. Grab some colorful felt sheets, foam shapes, letters, and wood dowels for a simple way to create your own! Cut long triangles out of the felt and use a hot glue gun to attach them to the dowels. Once the flags are assembled, let your kids go to town decorating them! This was one of our favorite summer camp crafts because it works for a wide range of ages. My two year old toddler and five year old daughter both loved it!
7. Walking Stick
Give an ordinary stick a makeover! Sand it smooth, decorate with paint, then wrap the handle with cord or leather. It’s a great souvenir for hikes and adventures. And honestly, I’ve never met a kid who didn’t love a good stick. Check out these gorgeous ideas!
8. Camp Patch Bag
Sew or decorate a plain canvas bag with collectable camp themed patches or use fabric markers and stencils to make it uniquely theirs.
9. Nature Mobile
Go on a nature hike and let kids pick up sticks, pinecones, shells, leaves, and any other natural elements to make their own nature mobile. Use a large stick and tie up all the nature treasures to display!
10. Dream Catcher
Using a hoop (or make your own out of grapevine) and yarn or string, teach kids to weave their own dream catcher. Add feathers and beads for decoration and hang by the bed for a dreamy night’s sleep. Read up on the legend of the dream catcher and go over it with kids before making them. Here’s a great tutorial about how to make these or get started with a kit like this one!
11. Painted Rocks or Story Stones
Paint simple images (like stars, animals, or campfires) on smooth stones with a kit like this one. Then use them as prompts for storytelling, sparking imagination and creativity around the campfire. If younger kids aren’t up to this, let them just go to town painting however they wish!
12. Tie Dye Shirt
This messy, magical process is one of the summer camp crafts that never gets old. Let kids fold, twist, and dye their own t-shirts for a wearable work of art that screams summer. Younger kids may need a bit of help with the tying, but they’ll love the dying part! We’ve used this kit and had great results.
13. Merit Badge Banner
I love the idea of having your kids earn different badges over the summer and displaying them on a banner! All you need is a blank canvas banner like this one and iron on camp patches like these. Create different tasks for your kids to earn each badge. For example, I had my daughter pack and set up a backyard picnic for us to earn her Picnic Master badge!
14. Bird House
Build and paint a bird house from a kit or simple wood scraps. Hang it up at home and watch for feathered visitors—summer camp crafts that keep on giving!
15. Mason Jar Lantern
Fill mason jars with battery-powered tea lights, decorate with paint, tissue paper, or pressed flowers. Add a wire handle for a portable nightlight perfect for post-s’mores strolls.
These summer camp crafts offer the perfect mix of nostalgia, hands-on creativity, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re running a camp or just looking to make summer special at home, these ideas are a great way to unplug, make memories, and spark imagination.
Looking for more summer activities for kids? Check out this bucket list of 60 can’t miss ideas!
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