To spark imagination and inspire safe fun indoors, the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital's Camp Little Victor's summer series provides families with step-by-step, kid-friendly activities to enjoy, ranging from arts and crafts, fitness and motor skills to math and science projects and delicious recipes. Check out more Camp Little Victors activities.
Week five is all about exploring music. Join Camp Little Victors in creating a paper plate tambourine, playing a rainbow xylophone, practicing yoga with guided music and snacking on chickpea cookie dough. These activities will bring music to your ears and inspire your little Mozarts.
Arts & Crafts
Paper Plate Tambourine
This activity will encourage your kids to explore music as a creative outlet. Get innovative and skip the line at the music store by making your own one-of-a-kind instrument.
What you'll need:
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Hole puncher
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String or yarn
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Jingle bells
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Markers or crayons
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2 heavy-duty paper plates
Instructions:
Step 1: Face the two paper plates together so the top-side of the plates are facing one another (not stacked). Using a hole puncher, punch holes around the perimeter of the plates about an inch and a half apart.
Step 2: Grab your yarn and weave it through one of the holes, around the outside, and back through the same hole. Tie a knot to secure the plates with your yarn. Tip: To make weaving easier, you can fold a small piece of tape on the yarn.
Step 3: String a jingle bell through your yarn so it's visible from the front of the tambourine.
Step 4: Repeat step two on each of the holes, but alternate your jingle bells every other hole.
Step 5: Once you get back to the hole you started with, tie off your yarn, and cut the excess string.
Step 6: Decorate your instrument and shake to play!
Inspired by She Knows' Learn and Play with Homemade Instruments.
Science & Math
Create a Rainbow Xylophone
With this activity, you'll test your math and music skills to build your very own instrument. With only four materials, you can play your favorite songs and perform a concert for family and friends!
Recommended ages: 5 to 10 years-old
What you'll need:
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Food coloring
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Glass cups, 6 that are equal in size
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Water
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Metal spoon
Instructions: Fill glasses with the water levels outlined below. Add the specified drops of food coloring to each to create a rainbow xylophone. Experiment with different musical pitches and try to recreate your favorite songs!
1st cup: 1/4 cup water and 1-2 drops red food color
2nd cup: 1/2 cup water and 1 drop red, 1 drop yellow food color (making orange)
3rd cup: 3/4 cup water and 3 drops of yellow food color
4th cup: 1 cup water and 4 drops green food color
5th cup: 1 1/4 cup water and 5 drops blue food color
6th cup: 1 1/2 cup water and 3 drops blue, 3 drops red food color (making purple)
Inspired by Laughing Kids Learn's Musical Math.
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Food & Recipes
Nutritious Chickpea Cookie Dough
Try this fast and simple recipe for a grain-free and protein-rich snack. The healthy twist is using the chickpeas as cookie dough, which is a great source of plant based protein.
What you'll need:
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1 can chickpeas, skins removed, patted dry
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1/3 cup sunflower butter (or natural peanut butter)
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar)
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1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
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Blender or food processor
Instructions:
Step 1: Add chickpeas, sunflower butter (or peanut butter), vanilla extract, and honey/agave nectar in a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend mixture until it's a fine puree.
Step 3: Place mixture into a large bowl and fold in mini chocolate chips. Enjoy!
Bonus: Pair with animal crackers or pretzels.
Inspired by Fivespot Green Living's Easy Kid Friendly Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip.
Fitness & Motor Skills
Little Victor Yoga
Listening to music can brighten your day and promote positivity. Follow along with child life specialist Jessica Oswald and music therapist Meredith Irvine for guided stretches designed for little victors.
Recommended ages: 3 years-old and up
Instructions: Turn your sound on and follow along with the video. There is a screen on the right that provides modified positions if any stretch is too difficult. Take deep breaths, relax, and enjoy!