Hiking isn’t the only activity you can do at night. There are many ways to use the night in group and individual activities.
NOTE: Camping is not included in this badge program.
Steps
1. Night creation stories.
When we can’t explain something, it becomes magical and stories are created to explain these things. Explore night creation stories to explore how the night has been explained.
- Boshongo / South Africa – Bantu
- Ekoi / Nigeria
- Creation of Night / Brazil
- Creation Myth / Viking
- Coyote Story / Native American – Kalispel
- How Fisher went to the Skyland / Native American – Anishinabe
2. Ghost stories.
Are you afraid of the dark? We are scared of things we don’t understand, can’t explain or even those that we know but are in a different setting that make us think differently about them. Sometimes, we blame “ghosts” for unexplained phenomena. Explore one or more ghost stories. Share your favorite at a night event or campfire.
3. Shadows.
Playing with shadows can be fun. When it’s dark, shadows are even stronger. Don’t limit yourself to a flashlight as your light source. A car’s headlights shining against a white sheet is a great background for strong shadows. Try one or more of these activities to play with shadows:
- Hand puppets
- Skits
- Silhouette crafts
4. Fireworks or light display.
Watch a fireworks or light display. You can create your own light display by adding elements to a campfire. Find out more.
5. Glow stick dancers.
Attach glow sticks to dark colored clothing, wear glow bangles or just wave the sticks and have a dance party in the dark. All you will see is the sticks dancing.
6. Outdoor movie night.
An outdoor movie night can be as simple or elaborate as you want it. You can just watch the movie on a sheet or plan out an entire event themed on the movie you choose. Explore the ways you can change movie night from a simple affair to something much more fun!
7. Glow party.
Collect a variety of “glow” items and make a party. A ring toss came can become night time fun by changing out the rings for glow necklaces. Plan a treasure hunt by following glow sticks with clues attached. Mix up a batch of glow bubbles and light up the night. Of course, glow bowling is a lot of fun as well. What else can you do for a glow party?
8. Night time eats.
Make a meal or snack at night. Of course, you’ll want to make use of the night. Try making a snack over a campfire or assembling it with your eyes closed. How else might you change “making a snack” into a night time activity?
9. Flashlight fun.
Before you go out with a flashlight, take one apart and see how it works. Build a simple flashlight. Test it to see how it works. How might you improve the design?
10. Earth Hour.
www.earthhour.org
In March, people turn off their lights for an hour to show commitment to your community. Find out more about this event.
11. Collect your own.
From adapting things you like to do in the day to creating unique activities for night play, you are limited only by your imagination. As you create your own night activities, collect them so you can do them again. Ask for feedback from your participants to make it friendly for everyone.
Sites to Explore
- www.darksky.org
- www.childhoodbeckons.com/2012/04/15-ways-to-have-fun-outside-in-dark.html
- www.babble.com/babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/diy-home-movie-theater-ideas
- www.babble.com/crafts-activities/25-diy-ideas-for-an-outdoor-movie-night
- space.about.com/od/fungamesandhumor/tp/shortactivities.htm
- www.earthhour.org
- dragon.sleepdeprived.ca/camping/camping_12.htm
- www.scouting.org/parent/adventureofscouting/typesofoutdooractivities.aspx
- www.takeachildoutside.org/activities/night.html
- www.inquiry.net/outdoor/night/index.htm
- www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/the-nighttime-sky-discover-and-explore.html
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