Sing the Camp DIY song
Write and perform a short Camp DIY song with actions and homemade instruments, practicing rhythm, teamwork, and confidence while recording a short performance.
About this activity
Write and perform a short Camp DIY song with actions and homemade instruments, practicing rhythm, teamwork, and confidence while recording a short performance.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the Materials Needed and set up a clear space to work.
- 2
Step 2
Pick a fun camp theme for your song like campfire friendship nature or adventure.
- 3
Step 3
Write a simple catchy chorus of two to four short lines on your paper.
- 4
Step 4
Write two short verses that tell a tiny story or describe a camp moment.
- 5
Step 5
Write one simple movement or action next to each line of your chorus and verses.
- 6
Step 6
Make one homemade shaker by filling a jar or cup with rice or beans and taping the lid closed.
- 7
Step 7
Make a simple drum by using a pot or pan and a wooden spoon.
- 8
Step 8
Decide who will sing lead who will sing backup and who will play each instrument.
- 9
Step 9
Practice the chorus while clapping to find and keep a steady beat.
- 10
Step 10
Practice the whole song with your instruments and actions three times in a row.
- 11
Step 11
Do one final rehearsal pretending you are on stage and smiling big.
- 12
Step 12
Record your short Camp DIY song performance while doing the actions and playing your instruments.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I write and perform a short Camp DIY song with actions and homemade instruments?
To create and perform a Camp DIY song, start by choosing a simple theme (campfire, friendship). Brainstorm a short chorus and one or two verses using easy rhymes. Assign actions for each line—clap, stomp, sway—and make homemade instruments to match the rhythm. Rehearse in small sections, practice counting beats, then run through with the whole group. Record a 1–2 minute final take on a phone, keeping energy high and letting each child take a turn to lead.
What materials do I need to make homemade instruments and record a Camp DIY song?
Materials are simple: paper and pencils for lyrics, markers and stickers for signs, cardboard tubes, rice or beans for shakers, empty tins or pots for drums, elastic bands and boxes for string instruments, tape, scissors and glue. Use a smartphone or tablet to record and a speaker if you want amplification. Optional costumes, hats, or finger puppets make the performance more fun. Supervise scissors and small parts for safety.
What ages is the Camp DIY song activity suitable for and how can I adapt it?
This activity suits ages 3–14 with tweaks: preschoolers (3–5) enjoy simple repeating choruses and guided actions with adult help; early elementary (6–9) can write short verses and play basic homemade instruments; tweens (10–12) handle arranging parts and recording; teens (13–14) can produce longer pieces and manage editing. Adjust complexity, group size, and supervision to match abilities and attention spans.
What are the benefits of the Camp DIY song, and are there safety tips or variations?
Benefits include improved rhythm, language development, teamwork, listening skills, and self-confidence from performing. Making instruments boosts fine motor skills and creativity. For safety, avoid small detachable parts, secure tape on edges, limit volume and supervise use of sticks. Variations: theme your song (nature, campfire), swap instruments for body percussion, make a silent 'sign-song' for storytelling, or create a percussion-only version to emphasize rhythm.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a jar, rice, or tape to make the shaker?
If you don't have a jar, cup, rice, or tape for 'Make one homemade shaker by filling a jar or cup with rice or beans and taping the lid closed,' use a sealed plastic bottle filled with dried pasta or beads and secure the cap with duct tape or hot glue.
What should I do if the instruments or timing don't sound right during practice?
If the shaker leaks or the pot drum is too quiet from 'Make a simple drum by using a pot or pan and a wooden spoon,' seal the shaker better or swap to a plastic bucket and wooden spatula, and use 'Practice the chorus while clapping to find and keep a steady beat' until everyone stays in time.
How can I adapt the song-making steps for different ages?
For younger kids simplify 'Write a simple catchy chorus of two to four short lines' to a one-line chorus with one action and have an adult help make the shaker and play the drum, while older kids can write extra verses, assign lead and backup parts, and add harmonies.
How can we extend or personalize our Camp DIY song after recording?
After you 'Record your short Camp DIY song performance,' personalize it by decorating shakers, making simple costumes or a paper backdrop, adding clapping choreography to the chorus, and recording extra takes to mix for sharing on DIY.org.