Making shadow animals at camp is a blast.  This game is so easy anyone can do it.  The only thing you need is a dark cabin or tent, a flashlight and creativity.  Before your next camping trip, think of some animals and other off the wall creatures and practice making them come to life.  At the next camping trip, your animal making skills will be the life of the party!   Here are some examples to get you started.

To make a bird, shine your flashlight on a wall.  Hold your hands in front it with your palms up. Cross your writs and hook your thumbs to each other.  Keep your fingers together and make the bird “fly” by moving them back and forth.  Do not move your wrist, just your fingers.

Make a swan by holding your arm up in front of your flashlight.  Wear a short sleeve shirt so your arm makes a smooth “line”.  Keep your arm straight up and down because this will be the swan’s long neck. Bend your wrist.  Your wrist will be the swan’s head. Use your fingers to make the swan’s beak.

If you are sending your child to camp this year, it is important to pack a flashlight for the trip.  There are many great flashlights on the market that are geared toward kids.  It is a good idea to do your homework before buying one so you can get the best deal for your money.

Depending on the age of your child and the type of activities they will be doing will determine what kind to buy.  If your child is young, a sturdy, well built flashlight that can withstand being dropped is a good choice.  Some even have automatic off buttons in case they leave it on.

If your child plans to go hiking or rock climbing, a head lamp style flashlight is a good choice.  These flashlights secure around the head and are hand free.  Many come with LED light bulbs that give great visibility. Child friendly flashlights can be purchased for a relatively cheap price.  Just make sure and remember fresh batteries before you send your little one off for a week in the outdoors.

Camping is a lot of fun, especially when you have some great games to play.  As darkness approaches, have each person grab a flashlight and get ready to have a blast.  “Spotlight” is a game that helps you get to know your fellow camper and have fun in the process.

With the game “spotlight” pick someone to go first.  Turn all flashlights off except for the person that is “it”. This person picks a person by shining his light on them and asking a random, off the wall question, such as “What CD is currently in your CD player.” The more off beat the question, the better. Once that person answers the question, it is then their turn to ask someone. Play as long as you like and have fun!

“Can you see it” is another fun flashlight game. Have 1 player show an object (such as a shoe or deck of cards) to all the other players.  Then have all the players walk away while the player with the object hides it in plain view, but not easily seen unless the flashlight shines directly on it.   As soon as a player sees the object, he sits down. The hunt continues until only one person remains, then that person must hide an object.

They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. The everyday modern flashlight has transformed and now comes in whatever style needed for a particular task. Policemen carry the big heavy five pound flashlights, while Special Ops Teams utilize Night Vision goggles, each needed and intended for their specific job or duty.

Gold miners use flashlights attached to the top of their hard hats in order to have their hands free to excavate the treasure they seek. On that same note, somewhere out there is an older brother holding an ordinary flashlight close to his chin, while telling his younger brother a scary story. Flashlights have come to be an important commodity in our everyday lives.