daily activities

NEXT DAY

Kingdom of Bugs

Transformers!

Picture this: You see a tiny twig on the ground in front of you. But wait, is it really a twig, or is it a stick insect? What about that green thing—leaf, or 6-legged katydid? All around the world, insects use camouflage to hide from or trick their predators to avoid being eaten. Some blend in with their natural surroundings, while others create disguises to scare their enemies. Today, you'll attempt to find these clever creatures in hiding and understand why and how they transform.

DAY 3

what you’ll need

Your Camp Kinda toolkit
A clear container or jar with a lid you can poke holes through
Dirt, stones, blades of grass

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FOR PARENTS

Ask About Today

What are some insects that use camouflage? What are different ways insects and animals can use camouflage to protect themselves?

Dinner Discussion

If you could transform yourself to camouflage with anything in your environment, what would it be?

Skip the Ads

Unfortunately, online videos often start with short advertisements. Remind your campers to click the "Skip" button as soon as they can to move ahead to the video.

explore

30-45 minutes

Start today by making a list of insects and animals that you already know use camouflage. Then dive into the activities below to find out more.

Masters of Disguise

It's not Halloween, but these insects are killing it at playing dress-up.

Remember: Online videos often start with advertisements. (Annoying, we agree!) Click the "Skip" button as soon as you can to move ahead to the video.

Blending In With the Crowd

Take a look at this slideshow with 11 different insects using camouflage in their environments.

Animals In Hiding

Insects aren't the only ones who use camouflage as a defense mechanism. Find the hidden animals in this gallery of camouflage.

The Snake Fake

Meet the caterpillar with the coolest names: the sphinx moth caterpillar, also known as the snake fake.

Animal Mimicry

Learn more about animal camouflage and mimicry in this video from Sci Show Kids.

Catch Them If You Can

These creatures are truly hidden in plain sight.

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create

45-60 minutes

Critter Keeper

Today, you'll create a critter keeper. First, grab your clear container or jar. Make sure to punch holes in the lid so your critters can breathe. Next, head outside and fill your jar with dirt, leaves, twigs, and other things that might keep a bug happy. Take a look around or a walk around the block (with adult permission) and catch an insect to place in your critter keeper. (Spiders, ants, beetles, ladybugs, worms—who else is living on your block?) Observe them and take notes on their behavior. When you're done, release them back into the wild.

Stay Safe: Ask an adult before going outside. Make sure to read the safety tips for keeping "jar pets," too.

move

30-45 minutes

Practice Your Camouflage Skills

What would it take to hide... inside? Imagine you're an insect trying to stay hidden in your home. How would you do it? Would you wear brown, like a stickbug, and stand against a door of the same color? Or drape yourself in blankets and hide in plain sight, on the bed? Look around for clothes or household items that you could use to blend in, then see how hidden you can get!

Hide and Seek

Get in the true camouflage mindset and play a few rounds of hide and seek with your family.

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