8 Camp activities to add for less than $951 - total!

Nov 14th, 2024

When it comes to promoting programming at camp, it's easy to default to the shimmering lake, shining pool, limit-pushing ropes course, Gaga pit, squeaky clean dining hall, arts & crafts kingdom, and everything else making up your camp's lifeblood.

But we know running a camp means "LiViNg YoUr BuDgEt," and when there's a little extra in the margins, I’d rather pay staff more or level up the food than make big capital improvements.

I hear it all the time—the best camps can be run in a parking lot with great staff and a soccer ball. Man, I wish that were true, but mostly, it isn’t.

At the same time, though, we don’t need to break the bank to add awesome activities.

So, as you roll into this coming summer's programmatic budgeting meetings, here are some options that give you the most bang for your precious buck.

And you can add them all for under $1000 total.

Carpet Ball - $$$

Ah, carpet ball. A camp classic. Easy to learn. Durable. Loved by all ages. The tables themselves can run a little pricier (easily the most expensive on this list), so most camps create their own.

Here's how George and I built one at Camp Stomping Ground for about $200 in lumber.

Minimal setup and no cleanup. What more could you want?

40-Yard Dash Equipment - $$$

This is a wild one I never would have thought of, so I have to credit Justin Pritikin from Everwood Day Camp for thinking outside the box.

Simple concept. Clock how fast campers can sprint across the meadow. Or their top time from here to the dining hall.

The laser-beam timing system gives super accurate readings, and kids get hyped to beat their personal times. This turns your camp into a mini-Olympics venue and everyone gets to be on the same team.

Boffer Swords - $$$

Boffer swords. Foam swords. LARPing swords. Whatever you want to call them, these things have been major hits at so many camps I’ve worked with.

Whether it’s kids working on their own sword skills 1-on-1 or taking part in bigger camp role-playing games, the boffer swords give that fantasy element without any real injury risk.

They are soft enough, and as long as camps set some easy-to-follow guidelines (no sneak attacks, etc.). Groups of kids will rock these for hours. 6-8 of them will run you about $300.

Tree Climbing Holds - $$

Don’t worry, we aren’t encouraging kids go out there and start scaling the biggest trees at camp or scuttling up the powerline poles. These are outdoor holds you assemble on specific trees transforming camp into a massive adventure area.

A 15-piece set runs about $30 so outfitting your camp takes just a few hundred bucks. Plus, take 'em down, move 'em around, and keep the kids guessing where they'll show up next.

Legos - $ (maybe even free)

When I went to camp as a kid, there were no Legos just sitting around camp waiting to be played with. It wasn’t what camp was about. Now? I can’t imagine camps without them.

Legos might just be the best toy ever made and are easy to introduce to any camp out there. Plus, kids become the architects of their own universe.

A perfect quiet space option for kids needing a break from the action. Some kids will engage with them for HOURS.

The reality is Legos are like gold both new and used (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace,etc) , but families are often super happy to donate their old bins.

Magic Cards - $ (maybe even free)

Speaking of Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, while you are searching for Legos, go ahead and take a look around for Magic the Gathering cards as well.

They won’t be a hit for every kid at your camp, but the ones who’ll like them will actually LOVE them. Set up a Magic The Gathering table with just boxes and boxes for kids to use. It's that easy.

I just did a quick search and found one person selling 6000 cards for $300 and another selling 2000 for $75. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play. Trust me. Your campers will teach you.

Legal Graffiti Wall - $

While you don’t want to encourage graffiti anywhere and/or everywhere around your camp, setting up one place where kids can unload some of that pent-up artistic energy is a game-changer.

Make one place at your camp on-limits for spray painting and see what kind of awesome stuff comes out.

Set up some guidelines and ground rules, of course, but there’s a good chance this add-on ends up in your brochure at some point.

Grout Sponges - $

Buy these in bulk, cut them into 6ths, dip them in water and you have the perfect replacement for water balloons.

They’re reusable, awesome for field games or just messing around, and won’t leave your camp with one million little pieces of balloon plastic everywhere.

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What did I miss? What are those “secret sauce” additions that didn't run up the budget but DID level up the fun?

I’d love to hear them, and I’ll post them at the end of next week’s newsletter. Just reply, “Jack, this thing is awesome for camps!!!” and let me know.

You got this!

Jack