Hitting that point of the summer where it’s hot, feels endless, and you need some quick ideas? If you have a stash of pipe cleaners (or a little bit of budget left for a dollar tree run!), then this post is for you!
Standard disclaimers on a Link Roundup post: I’ve looked through these and think they could work well in a Club setting, I try to find free or very low-cost instructions, and will share any ideas that strike me for linking the ideas to other activities for a deeper learning experience. This post will be craft-heavy because of the nature of pipe cleaners, but there are always ways to extend them. And friendly reminder that all activity sessions should be part of a high-quality session that includes a welcome, community builder, and reflection!
This is the pin that inspired this whole post. This would be a great craft for tween or teen girls!
And this goofier version (just an image, not instructions) would work for everyone! LOVE the inclusion of googly eyes.
Both of these crafts could also be paired with learning about art styles that youth then reproduce, or specific works of art. I’m specifically picturing Van Gogh’s Starry Night in pipe cleaners!
These 3D letters could be a fun way to get older and younger youth working together- older youth could create the letters and then facilitate a small group activity with Kindergarteners or Pre-Ks on letter or basic word identification.
Another literacy related idea for younger youth would be to have them practice spelling or basic sight words with pipe cleaners. Bonus that it works on fine motor skills as well!
This very basic challenge, focused on creativity, would be ideal for groups of 2 or 3.
Freshen up the game of Pictionary by using pipe cleaners instead of drawing! You could use the instructions here or with the traditional board game.
Sharing this whole list because they are great- highlight is definitely the crystal growing, including a more in-depth variation for middle schoolers.
Finally, here are a bunch of ideas across difficulty levels for making animals or human-ish figures with pipe cleaners. To extend the activity to the learning center/education room, have youth write a short play using these characters. Or learn about animal habitats and build dioramas!
Happy crafting!
What are your go-to ideas during the summer? How do you incorporate craft ideas into deeper skill-building activities? Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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