Make a pole cam
Build a safe pole camera using a lightweight phone or toy camera, secure mount, and remote trigger to take high-up photos with adult supervision.
About this activity
Build a safe pole camera using a lightweight phone or toy camera, secure mount, and remote trigger to take high-up photos with adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials and bring them to a clear flat workspace so everything is easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Check the pole carefully and make sure it has no cracks or splinters and the end is smooth.
- 3
Step 3
Place a piece of foam padding or sponge on the top end of the pole to protect the camera.
- 4
Step 4
Position the phone tripod mount or phone holder centered on top of the padded area.
- 5
Step 5
Thread zip ties through the mount and around the pole to hold the mount in place.
- 6
Step 6
Pull each zip tie tight so the mount cannot move.
- 7
Step 7
Cut off the excess zip tie tails with scissors so there are no sharp bits sticking out.
- 8
Step 8
Wrap duct tape around the mount area to reinforce the zip ties and make the mount extra secure.
- 9
Step 9
Clip or screw the lightweight camera into the mount so it is held firmly in the holder.
- 10
Step 10
With an adult present ask them to hold the pole low to the ground while you and they gently move it to check the camera is stable.
- 11
Step 11
Pair the Bluetooth remote with the camera following the camera's pairing steps.
- 12
Step 12
With an adult helping slowly raise the pole to the height you want and use the remote to take a few test photos.
- 13
Step 13
Lower the pole carefully and ask the adult to inspect the mount and camera for any looseness or damage then share your finished pole cam on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I build a safe pole camera with my child?
Start by choosing a lightweight phone or toy camera and a sturdy telescoping pole or PVC pipe. Attach a secure mount or clamp, pad contact points with foam, and fasten with zip ties and gaffer tape. Use a Bluetooth remote trigger or the camera’s timer. Test balance and operation at low height, then slowly extend while one adult steadies the pole and another watches the camera. Always supervise closely and retrieve the camera gently after each shot.
What materials do I need to make a pole cam?
Gather a lightweight phone or toy camera, a Bluetooth remote trigger or wired shutter, a secure clamp or phone mount, a telescoping pole or long PVC pipe, foam padding, zip ties, gaffer tape, a small carabiner or safety leash, and basic tools (screwdriver, scissors). Optional items: a small counterweight or sandbag, gloves, and safety goggles. Always include adult supervision and test all connections before raising the camera high.
What ages is a pole cam activity suitable for?
This activity suits children about 8 years and up with active adult supervision because it involves balance, tools, and attention to safety. Younger kids (5–7) can take part by planning shots, decorating the pole, and pressing the remote while adults handle mounting and raising. Teens can handle more of the assembly and testing with guidance. Adapt tasks to each child’s maturity and keep adults responsible for elevated work and riskier steps.
What safety precautions should we follow when using a pole cam?
Prioritize safety: never work near power lines, check local rules about aerial photos, inspect gear before each use, and test at low height first. Use two adults—one to manage the pole and one to watch surroundings—keep a safe distance from edges and bystanders, secure the camera with a safety leash, and use a remote trigger so hands stay clear. Wear gloves and eye protection during setup and stop immediately if wind picks up or the setup feels unstable.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of a phone tripod mount, foam padding, or zip ties if I can't find them?
Swap the tripod mount for a sturdy phone clamp or an old phone case attached to a small tripod adapter, use a folded dish sponge or a section of pool noodle as the foam padding on the pole top (step 3), and replace zip ties with strong Velcro straps or small hose clamps threaded through the mount (step 5).
My mount slips or the camera wobbles when I raise the pole—what should I check and do?
If the mount slips, rethread and tighten the zip ties, add a second row of zip ties, wrap several layers of duct tape around the mount area for reinforcement (step 7), and always have an adult hold the pole low while you test stability (step 11).
How can I adapt the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger children, use a shorter pole (broom handle), pre-cut zip ties and pre-wrap the duct tape and have an adult lift and hold the pole while the child presses the Bluetooth remote (steps 1, 5, 7, 11–12); for older kids, let them select a lightweight action camera, attach the mount themselves, and experiment with higher shots and timed sequences (steps 8–13).
How can we extend or personalize the pole cam project after it's built?
Personalize and improve the pole cam by decorating the pole with colored duct tape, adding extra foam or a cheap gimbal under the mount for steadier footage, securing a wrist leash or safety line to the camera, and trying timelapse or panorama modes with the Bluetooth remote (steps 3, 7, 8, 12).