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Create a Camp DIY handshake

Create a Camp DIY handshake
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Design and practice a personalized camp handshake with simple moves, counting steps, adding gestures, and teaching friends to build teamwork and fun.

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Step-by-step guide to create a camp DIY handshake

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3 Cool Handshakes For Kids

What you need
1 or more friends, coloring materials, open space, paper, pencil

Step 1

Find one or more friends or a family member to practice the handshake with.

Step 2

Pick a fun name for your Camp DIY handshake.

Step 3

Think of 3 simple moves you like such as a high-five a clap or a secret wave.

Step 4

Write the name of each move on your paper.

Step 5

Give each move a number beat and write the count next to the move.

Step 6

Put the moves in the order you want them to happen by numbering or drawing arrows.

Step 7

Stand facing your partner in the open space and decide who starts the handshake.

Step 8

Perform the handshake slowly following the numbers while your partner counts out loud.

Step 9

Repeat the handshake three times and increase your speed a little each time.

Step 10

Add one special gesture or finishing pose and choose which beat it happens on.

Step 11

Teach the full handshake to another friend by showing each move and letting them copy.

Step 12

Make a small poster with the move names counts and a drawing using your coloring materials.

Step 13

Share your finished Camp DIY handshake on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use instead of poster paper and coloring materials if we don't have them?

Use plain printer paper or the back of a cereal box for the poster and substitute crayons, colored pencils, stickers, or a phone/tablet drawing app to write the move names, counts, and drawings.

Our handshake falls apart when we speed up—how can we fix that?

Follow the step to perform the handshake slowly while your partner counts out loud, practice each numbered move pointing to your paper, repeat the sequence three times slowly, and only increase speed once every numbered beat is consistent.

How do we change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, use just two simple moves with counts 1–2 and practice slowly facing your partner, while older kids can add extra moves, syncopated beats, and a more elaborate finishing pose before speeding up.

How can we make our Camp DIY handshake more special or shareable?

Personalize move names, add a themed finishing pose and small props or wristbands, make a clear poster with move names and counts, film yourselves teaching another friend, and upload the poster photo or video to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to create a camp DIY handshake

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Secret Handshake - Get Active With a Partner or Group And Make A Silly Secret Handshake

4 Videos

Facts about team-building and social skills for kids

✋ The high five became popular in sports in the 1970s and quickly spread around the world as a fun celebratory gesture.

👥 Creating and practicing a handshake is a simple team-building game that helps groups bond and build trust.

🤝 Handshakes have been used since ancient times as a friendly greeting — archaeologists found them in 5th-century BC Greek art.

🏕️ Organized summer camps date back to the 1800s — Camp Dudley (founded 1885) is one of the oldest still running.

🧠 Short, repeatable sequences (about 3–5 moves) are easiest for kids to remember and teach to friends.

How do I create and practice a personalized camp handshake?

Start by brainstorming 4–6 simple moves (fist bump, high five, snap, elbow tap). Count steps and choose a rhythm — three beats works well. Demonstrate each move slowly, then string them together while counting aloud. Practice slowly, then speed up as everyone learns. Teach the handshake step-by-step to friends, switch leaders so each child gets a turn, and repeat until it feels natural and fun. Keep sequences short and inclusive.

What materials do I need for a camp DIY handshake?

You don’t need special materials — just space and willing participants. Optional items that make it more playful include wristbands, stickers for teams, a small bell or clapper for rhythm, and a phone to record or play music. If outdoors, chalk can mark spots. Avoid hard or sharp props; stick to soft, safe accessories and keep everything optional so the focus stays on movements and teamwork.

What ages is this camp handshake activity suitable for?

This activity works for ages about 4 to teen. Ages 4–6 need very simple, low-impact moves and close adult guidance. Ages 7–10 can handle longer sequences, counting and role-switching. Preteens and teens enjoy creating complex rhythms and teaching others. Always adapt moves for each child’s coordination and comfort, and offer non-contact alternatives for younger children or kids with sensory or mobility needs.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making a camp handshake?

Camp handshakes build teamwork, communication, memory, and confidence while encouraging creativity and social bonding. They also practice motor skills and sequencing. For safety, avoid slaps or forceful contact, get consent before physical touch, and offer non-contact gestures (waves, elbow taps) if anyone is uncomfortable. Supervise younger groups, keep sequences short, and check that props are soft and hygienic if shared.
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