Do your kids love camping? This easy popsicle stick campfire craft is one of our summer craft ideas for kids. It is a simple and affordable project they can create at home or school.
In about 30 minutes, you can transform cardstock paper and craft sticks into an adorable little campfire.
This craft is ideal for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary age children; however, younger children may need some assistance to complete this project.
Working on a craft provides an excellent opportunity to discuss topics with younger children. Whether talking about camping or fire safety, this campfire craft may help spark a conversation.
Craft Stick Camping Fire Craft
This quick and easy popsicle stick campfire uses common craft supplies you may already have on hand and can be completed in less than 30 minutes (dry times may vary).
You can create this craft for kids at home, at a school, or at summer camp. It’s the perfect extension activity to work on after reading some of these children’s books about camping. It’s also a fun craft activity to include in:
- a camping themed art center
- a camping unit study
- letter C crafts
- camping or outdoorsy themed birthday party
- lessons about fire safety
Younger children may also enjoy making a tissue paper fire craft. Kids of all ages can create a 3D coffee filter campfire craft to use for pretend play!
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Tru-Ray Construction Paper, 10 Vibrant ColorsDarice 1000 Pcs Popsicle StickMulti-Color Pom Poms, 1200pcs Assorted Size & ColorCrayola Mini Twistables Crayons (50ct), Crayons for Toddlers, 3+Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Sticks, WashableFiskars Training Scissors for Kids 3+ with Easy Grip (3-Pack) – Toddler Safety Scissors
Benefits of Making Campfire Crafts
Making campfire crafts with kids serves several developmental purposes. This activity promotes creativity and imagination and enhances hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Plus, it is a fine motor activity for preschool and kindergarten children that provides practice in painting, tracing, cutting, and gluing.
Engaging in such crafts allows children to express themselves artistically while mastering different tools and materials, preparing them for more complex tasks and activities in the future.
Furthermore, it provides an invaluable opportunity for kids to learn about planning and problem-solving as they bring their creative visions to life.
More Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids
Popsicle stick crafts offer a world of creativity and fun for kids, tapping into their imagination and developing fine motor skills.
These simple objects can be transformed into anything from miniature masterpieces to functional home decor, providing a budget-friendly and accessible way for children to explore their artistic side.
Engaging in such crafts entertains and educates, encouraging problem-solving and innovation in young minds.
- Popsicle Stick Rainbow
- Dad Rocks Popsicle Stick Box
- Turkey Popsicle Stick Craft
- Monster Popsicle Stick Bookmarks
- Popsicle Stick Color Match Game
- Apple Core Popsicle Stick Craft
Campfire Popsicle Stick Craft Supplies
- Campfire Popsicle Stick Craft Template PDF (available using the form at the bottom of this post)
- 3 Jumbo Popsicle Craft Sticks
- Colored Cardstock Paper in Red, Orange, Yellow, and Pink
- 2 Googly Eyes
- Acrylic Craft Paint in Dark Brown and Tan
- Black Washable Marker
- Paintbrush
- Glue Stick
- Low Temp Glue Gun and Glue Sticks (or tacky craft glue)
- Scissors
- Pencil
Younger children may need assistance with cutting out the fire shapes and using a glue gun. Older children may be able to complete this craft with minimal assistance.
I recommend using a hot glue gun because it makes the craft more durable, especially if used as a decoration.
However, if you are making these with younger children, you may want to use tacky craft glue (that’s my favorite one to use) instead. It will need additional drying time.
Shop some of my favorite craft supplies on Amazon!
How to Make a Popsicle Stick Campfire Craft
Start by gathering all of the supplies. Download, print and cut out the campfire craft template.
Using scissors, cut both rounded ends from only one jumbo craft stick. Then cut one rounded end from two jumbo craft sticks. (Please note: the logs will still look great if you skip cutting the ends off.)
Paint the jumbo craft sticks with a dark brown base coat. These will be the campfire logs. Let them dry and apply a second coat of paint, if necessary.
Once the log sticks are dry, use tan (or light brown) to paint circles on the remaining two rounded ends of the two jumbo craft sticks. Let them dry and apply a second coat if needed.
Please note: If you do not want to use paint, you can color the popsicle sticks using washable markers, crayons, or even colored pencils instead.
Draw random lines along the “logs” with a black marker to make it look like tree bark. Draw a spiral circle over the tan/light brown ends to look like tree rings.
Now, stack the three craft stick logs on top of each other in a criss cross pattern and glue them in place with a glue gun. You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
Trace the largest flame template onto the red cardstock. Trace the middle flame template onto the orange cardstock and trace the smallest flame template onto the yellow paper.
Cut out all three of the flame shapes.
Then layer the campfire flames on top of each other from largest in the back to smallest in the front. Use a glue stick to secure the layers in place.
Next, flip the campfire logs over and attach the flames to the top edge of the unpainted back with a glue gun.
If you do not wish to give the fire an adorable kawaii face, stop here and the project is complete.
To make the cute face, trace the small circle cheek templates onto pink cardstock and cut them out.
Glue the pink cheeks on either side of the yellow flame with a glue stick. Then draw a smile on the campfire flame’s face from cheek to cheek with a black marker.
Finally, attach two large googly eyes to the campfire flame. Now you have a cute little campfire!
Fun Summer Crafts for Kids
Summer crafts are more than just a way to pass the time during the vacation. They provide a platform for children to express themselves creatively, enhance their motor skills, and create lasting memories.
- Coffee Filter Campfire Craft
- Coffee Filter Bumble Bee
- Coffee Filter Sunflower
- Handprint Sun Paper Plate Craft
These activities, coupled with the warm weather, make for a perfect summer experience that is both fun and educational.
Engaging Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is not just a season for relaxation and leisure; it provides plenty of learning opportunities and fun games for kids. This time of the year offers the perfect backdrop for engaging activities combining play and education.
Through imaginative play and interactive experiences, children can explore new concepts, sharpen their skills, and foster a love of learning that transcends the classroom, making every sunny day a chance for growth and discovery.
Popsicle Stick Campfire Craft
Make this fun and easy campfire popsicle stick craft for summer. It is perfect for kids of all ages. With a few simple materials, create a cute little campfire!
Materials
- Campfire Popsicle Stick Craft Template
- 3 Jumbo Popsicle Craft Sticks
- Cardstock Paper in Red, Orange, Yellow, and Pink
- 2 Googly Eyes
- Acrylic Craft Paint in Dark Brown and Tan
- Black Washable Marker
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Glue Stick
- Low Temp Glue Gun and Glue Sticks (or tacky craft glue)
- Scissors
- Pencil
Instructions
- Print the campfire template and cut out the different flame sizes.
- Using scissors, cut both rounded ends from only one jumbo craft stick. Then, cut one rounded end from two jumbo craft sticks. (The logs will still look great if you skip cutting the ends off.)
- Paint the jumbo craft sticks with a dark brown base coat. These will be the campfire logs. Let them dry and apply a second coat of paint, if necessary.
- Once the log sticks are dry, use tan (or light brown) to paint circles on the remaining two rounded ends of the two jumbo craft sticks. Let them dry, and apply a second coat if needed.
- With a black marker, draw random lines along the “logs” to resemble tree bark. Draw a spiral circle over the tan/light brown ends to resemble tree rings.
- Now, stack the three craft stick logs on top of each other in a crisscross pattern and glue them in place with a glue gun. You can use liquid craft glue for this project but must wait for it to dry.
- Trace the largest flame template onto the red cardstock, the middle flame template onto the orange cardstock, and the smallest flame template onto the yellow paper.
- Cut out all three of the flame shapes.
- Then layer the campfire flames on top of each other from largest in the back to smallest in the front. Use a glue stick to secure the layers in place.
- Next, flip the campfire logs over and attach the flames to the top edge of the unpainted back with a glue gun.
- If you do not wish to give the fire an adorable kawaii face, stop here, and the project is complete.
- To make the cute face, trace the small circle cheek templates onto pink cardstock and cut them out.
- Glue the pink cheeks on either side of the yellow flame with a glue stick. Then draw a smile on the campfire flame’s face from cheek to cheek with a black marker.
- Finally, attach two large googly eyes to the campfire flame. Now you have a cute little campfire!
Notes
If you do not want to use paint, you can color the popsicle sticks using washable markers, crayons, or even colored pencils instead.
You may skip cutting the ends off of the craft sticks.
You may use craft glue instead of a hot glue gun, but there will be additional drying time.
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Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.