Arts & Crafts Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure - Eco-Friendly Recycled Creations
Join me in a quest to turn everyday trash into treasured pieces of art. Kids will create eco-friendly recycled art, learning techniques to make unique sculptures and projects! Found object color wheels, jar lid collages, and much more.
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(46)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. Students will end each day having started and worked on a recycled art craft. Some students may require extra time outside of class to complete their work.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
In this exciting Recycled Art Sculpture Camp, students will embark on a creative journey using everyday, recycled materials to create one-of-a-kind sculptures and art pieces. Each day, students will be introduced to new techniques and eco-friendly art concepts that highlight the importance of reusing and repurposing materials. Through hands-on projects, they’ll not only explore their artistic potential but also learn how art can make a positive impact on the environment. The camp is designed to inspire creativity, build problem-solving skills, and foster a passion for art. Every day, students will begin with a creativity lesson that encourages them to think outside the box and approach art with an open mind. This lesson will set the stage for the day’s project, guiding students through techniques like collage, sculpting, and assembly with recycled materials. They’ll then dive into their project, using a variety of materials such as cardboard, bottle caps, jar lids, egg cartons, and more to bring their artistic visions to life. At the end of each session, we’ll wrap up with an eco-art lesson, discussing the importance of reusing and recycling, and how eco-art can inspire others to be more friendly to our ecosystem. Students will reflect on how their art can help reduce waste and how they can incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives. They'll also have the opportunity to share their creations with their peers, discussing the ideas behind their projects and learning from one another's experiences. By the end of the camp, students will have a collection of unique, eco-friendly art pieces to take home, including: *personalized jar collages *a fun cardboard marble run *a mosaic found object color wheel *quirky egg carton animal portraits. They’ll leave with new skills, a deeper appreciation for recycling, and a sense of pride in their creative accomplishments. This camp is the perfect mix of art, sustainability, and fun—ideal for young artists eager to explore the world of recycled art! The supplies for this class are listed below - if you are having trouble finding any of the required materials, please reach out and I can help you brainstorm alternatives. You are also welcome to send your child to a session with alternative materials and we can brainstorm ways for them to use their materials to achieve something great!
Learning Goals
Develop Creativity and Artistic Expression: Students will explore various art techniques and materials to create original sculptures and art pieces, enhancing their ability to think creatively and express themselves through recycled art.Learn the Importance of Recycling and Sustainability: Through hands-on projects, students will gain an understanding of how reusing and repurposing everyday materials can reduce waste and contribute to environmental conservation.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Jar Lid Collages
Kick off the camp by creating a beautiful collage inside a jar lid! Students will decorate jar using various craft materials, including Mod Podge and paper. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Cardboard Marble Run
On Day 2, students will design and construct their very own Cardboard Marble Runs! They'll build ramps, tunnels, and loops, all made from cardboard and other recycled materials. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Found Object Color Wheel
On Day 3, students will use a collection of found objects in the ROYGBIV spectrum to build a one-of-a-kind color wheel and explore color theory. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Egg Carton Animal Portraits
On the final day, students will transform Egg Cartons into quirky animal portraits. Using paint, scissors, and creative features like buttons or fabric, they’ll bring their animal designs to life. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Ms. Crocker has experience teaching students with a variety of learning needs, and will happily accommodate all kinds of learners in the classroom. Please let me know ahead of time if your learner requires significant differentiation.
Parental Guidance
This class will require the use of good quality scissors. Some materials (egg cartons, cardboard) need to be cut through to prepare for use. If your learner needs assistance using scissors, you may consider pre-cutting any items prior to class or staying nearby to assist during those steps in our project.
I recommend using a low heat glue gun for some of the projects. Students may use regular white glue if you are not comfortable with the use of a glue gun. If you choose to use a glue gun, but your learner requires assistance with using a glue gun, please plan to stand by during those projects to assist.
I will provide detailed information on every project including: materials needed, links to online purchasing if needed, alternative resources if needed, how to set up your learner's workspace, and estimated timeframe of project steps.
Supply List
Full supply list, learner set up directions, project samples and summaries, and alternative materials are provided to registered students! I will always find ways to accommodate students who are not able to get the materials they need - with enough creativity and flexibility, we can make art out of anything. If you register early, you can make a project of saving and preparing materials for camp. Day 1: Jar Lid Name Plates - Jar lids (3-5) - can be any size and from a variety of materials like metal jelly jar lids, plastic nut butter lids, or more. - Paper (recycled books or magazines, colored paper, patterned paper, or plain) - Mod Podge or white glue - Paintbrushes - Black markers (Sharpie recommended) - Scissors - Stickers, rhinestones, or other decorative items (optional) - A small container for mixing Mod Podge (if not pre-mixed) Day 2: Cardboard Marble Run - Cardboard boxes (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes etc.) - Scissors - White glue OR low temp glue gun (if using) - Tape of any variety - Empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls - 1-2 paper plates (more rigid is better) - Marbles (or small balls to roll through the run) - Ruler or measuring tape (optional) Day 3: Found Item Color Wheel Mosaic - 5-10 pieces per color of found objects for a color wheel (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) Look for buttons, bottle caps, paper clips, small single-color toys, leftover art supplies (feathers, pipe cleaners, poms), broken stuff from around the house, paper) - A base for the mosaic (a square piece of cardboard, a piece of plywood, or a canvas) - Glue (low temp glue gun or regular school glue) Day 4: Egg Carton Animal Portraits - 1 Egg carton - 3+ Paint colors (acrylic or tempera) - Brushes for painting - Scissors or precut cartons - Found goodies for embellishment (Buttons, googly eyes, pom poms, small bits of fabric, etc) - Low temp glue gun or white glue
1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English (Level: Pre-A1)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2023
4.9
46reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University
I spent 8 years teaching children's art at Ah Haa School for the Arts in Telluride, in addition to creating and teaching my own courses throughout Colorado. I have an MS in Teaching & Learning and an MA in International Education, and I am certified in Elementary Education and 7-12 Social Studies. Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
4-7 learners per class
