YMCA Adventure Guides: Craft Projects
Craft projects are recommended for Circle meetings and play an important part in the life of every well-organized Circle. Included here is an example of a craft used in YMCA Adventure Guide Programs. For other craft ideas, check out the member manual Friends Forever.
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Maps
Map projects are great ways for young members to learn about their surroundings and their history. Here are two ideas for map projects that can be started at a Circle meeting.
Town Map
Each member traces a local map onto a piece of paper, including all major streets and town boundaries (as an alternative, you can pick up local maps at the Chamber of Commerce). Parents and kids work together to plot their favorite spots or places of importance, such as libraries, schools, an ice cream shop, city hall, and historical buildings. Challenge each parent and child to pick a spot on the map, and then have the young member navigate his or her way to the destination. Report back at the next meeting!
World Map
Re-create a world map on a large piece of paper or inexpensive linen sheet. Using different colors or pins, members show where they were born, where their grandparents were born, and, if possible, where their great grandparents were born. Talk about ancestors. Look for overlap. How are members similar? How are they different?
Crafting Resources
YMCA-preferred vendors, such as S&S Craft, have catalogs filled with ideas for arts and crafts projects. A magazine such as Family Fun is also a great resource. Check with your YMCA Program Director; the day camp and school-age care staff will likely have lots of ideas and resources. A trip to your local library or an Internet search can yield a wealth of resources and projects that appeal to young people. Here are two particularly great Web sites:
www.auntannie.com/ - Look here for craft projects for all occasions.
www.parenthub.com/fun/crafts/ - Look here for links and resources for crafts and family fun for both children and adults.