How to Organize a Scrap Camp

Whether for kids on summer break or parents who have free time when their kids return to school, a scrap camp can be a great way for groups of friends to get a lot done and have fun in the process. Even though this would usually be held by a store as a way to increase repeat business or showcase new products-if you've got the space in your home-go for it! This is also great as an activity at an after-school program and for consultants looking to showcase new products. Here are some tips for organizing your scrap camp.

Things You'll Need

• Meeting space with tables and chairs
• Creativity
• Project kits
• Incentive items

Instructions

1. Clear enough space for everyone to work comfortably. For small groups, a dining room table may be enough room if the projects are simple, but bigger groups or involved projects may need several tables to spread out among.

2. Designate a theme for your camp program and theme your projects to match. Product availability may help steer you in the right direction, but holidays, classic party themes and even movies make great themes for scrapbook projects.

3. Block out a couple of hours each afternoon for a week to hold the camp. Make sure the projects fit into this time with enough left over for socializing. For more involved projects, increase the time by the number of participants to allow for one-on-one helping when necessary. Try to keep the projects about equal in length of time needed.

4. Assemble your project kits well in advance to prevent rushing each day. Kits should include any individual supplies needed, but larger items (stamps, dies and other tools) can be shared to lower the cost for you and the campers.

5. Create an incentive chart to add to the camp atmosphere. It can be gold stars or merit badges or fuzzy bunnies if it fits your theme. Each project completed gets a point. You can award extra points for creativity, speed, neatness or whatever you want. You can draw names after each project to see who wins the prize or have a silent ballot among the campers. Have a prize or series of prizes for the highest achievers at the end of the week.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to give your campers a list of materials (if any) that they need to bring to each session when they register for the camp.

• Team up with other teachers or consultants to share the work, expenses and fun.