Float Along with Camp Blackberry

Come scavenge, build and set sail at Camp Blackberry! Our recycled boats are the best way to reuse common materials found in or around the house, and engage creative building skills. Find cool corks, interesting sticks and scrap paper for your boats, and let’s see how it can float.

Supplies needed:

• Recycled items – corks are particularly great for creating a base for your boat to float. Fabric or more cork are good options for your sail, and paper, bottles and sticks are perfect for building with. Popsicle sticks or sticks found outdoors are great.
• Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

To Make:

1. Gather any materials you may want to use to build your boat.
2. Use your materials and lay out the design you’d like for your boat.
3. With help from an adult, begin hot gluing your boat pieces together.
4. Once all the materials have been put together and your boat is formed, test your vessel to see if it floats. And if it does, go have some fun with it!

What’s the best place to test your boat-building skills? If you’re at home, fill up a sink, bucket or bathtub with water and place your boat inside. If it floats, it’s a success! If not, go back to the drawing board and try again. Practice makes perfect, and it’s always great to learn from our mistakes.

You can even challenge your friends to a fun boat race! Remember while racing, especially if you do it outside, to make sure and collect your boat when you’re finished so you can reuse it for more fun. Happy sailing!

Click here to learn more about Camp Blackberry and children’s activities at the Farm.