Camp Treasure Box

crayola supplies

• Paint Brushes
• Washable Kid's Paint

household supplies

• recycled newspaper
• leaves
• recycled boxes
• paper towels
• container(s) of water

Why

Wondering where to keep treasures at camp? Or how to celebrate Earth Day? Decorate a recycled box with leaf prints to store keepsakes from nature and from friends.

Steps

1. 1. Take a walk around the neighborhood or a park with an adult. Search for fallen, unusual leaves of trees or plants. Choose only those that are safe to handle. When you return, wash your hands.
2. 2. Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint a recycled box with Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint and Crayola Paint Brushes. You might paint the lid one color and the box another. (If the box has a strong design, cover it with paper and then paint.) If you are making this with a group at camp, for example, put your name on the box, too. Dry.
3. 3. Brush the underside of a leaf with paint. Press the painted side down on the box or lid. Use your imagination, various sizes and shapes of leaves, and different paint colors to create a unique design on your box. Dry.

When & Where

"Kids painted their boxes on the first day of camp. Some made two before they went home."
- Alex S., camp counselor.

"My children made these boxes for our botany studies. We researched tree species before we printed leaves."
- Miriam O., homeschool parent of ages 6 and 8.

Interesting Info

The bright colors of fall foliage are a byproduct of chemical changes as trees start to go dormant. Although they are beautiful to look at, these colors have no apparent biological function or significance.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.