Opening Song
Book: Night Animals by Gianna Marino
Puppet Rhyme: “Sleeping Bag Rhyme”
(Do an animal noise and have the kids guess the animal, then reveal the puppet.)
I was lying in my sleeping bag – I couldn’t go to sleep.
I looked at my watch, and wanted to weep!
So I rolled to the left and I rolled to the right,
But all I could hear were noises in the night!
Whoo whoo whoo! I hear…an owl!
Repeat with bear, squirrel, wolf/coyote, goose, frog, etc.
Movement: “Camp Counselor Says”
Play “Simon Says,” replacing “Simon” with “camp counselor.” Do night animal noises/movements (whoo like an owl, hop like a rabbit, etc.) and camping motions (sit by the campfire, set up a tent, and go to sleep).
Book: One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt
Action Song: “Bear Hunt”
(Have kids repeat your words and movements.)
We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one!
I’m not scared.
It’s a beautiful day!
Look over there!
It’s a tall field of grass.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
We’ve got to go through it. (pretend to go through obstacle)
Repeat for mud swamp, rushing river, and cave.
(Cave verse)
Get out your flashlight,
Look around.
I see something flutter up high. (bats)
WHAT’S THAT?
I see one shiny wet nose,
Two big furry ears,
Two big googly eyes!
IT’S A BEAR!
Quick! Quietly!
Back through the cave!
Tiptoe! Tiptoe! Tiptoe!
Go back through the other 3 obstacles.
Go home! (open door, shut & lock the door, hop into bed)
We went on a Bear Hunt,
And we weren’t afraid!
Book: Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty, illustrated by Chip Wass
Song: “Campfire Pokey” (Tune: “Hokey Pokey”)
You put your marshmallow in,
You take your marshmallow out.
You put your marshmallow in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the campfire pokey,
And you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about!
Repeat with hot dog, potato, popcorn
(Credit: What Happens In Storytime…)
Action Song: “I’m Going Camping” (Tune: “I’m a Little Teapot”)
I am going camping, (point thumbs proudly to chest)
Time to pack (point to wrist)
My tent, my bedroll, and a snack. (make tent with hands, fold hands to cheek, pretend to eat)
I’ll sit by the campfire, (warm hands over fire)
Its glow so bright, (wiggle fingers like a fire)
Then snooze in my tent (pretend to snore)
‘Til the morning light! (arms circle over head)
(Credit: Lady Librarian’s Literacy, Lifestyle, and Lookbook Log)
Closing Rhyme
