If you’re looking for a simple project to do with toddlers, preschoolers, or kindergarteners, this handprint campfire craft is a great way to keep kids busy and practicing their scissor and glue skills.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a weekend activity or an early childhood teacher planning a camping week, this camping craft is fun, easy, and uses basic materials you probably already have. The cut-out handprints become the flames, making it both a handprint craft and a fun campfire craft.
Related: Mushroom Counting Craft
Handprint Campfire Craft
This handprint campfire craft is an easy hands-on activity where kids trace and cut out their handprints using red, orange, and yellow construction paper. These handprints are glued above two brown paper logs to make a pretend campfire. It’s simple to set up, helps kids practice cutting and gluing, and can be done with just a few materials. Plus, it’s a fun way to include a camping theme in your plans.
How to Make a Handprint Campfire Craft
Creating this craft is simple and requires only a handful of materials. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Supplies Needed:
- Red, orange, and yellow construction paper
- Brown construction paper
- White card stock (for the base)
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue or glue stick
- Markers (optional for log details)
Construction Paper
Spring-Assisted ScissorsElmer’s Glue
Instructions:
Trace the Handprints
Use a pencil to trace your child’s hand on red, orange, and yellow construction paper. Make sure the fingers are spread out naturally.
Cut Out the Handprints
Carefully cut out each handprint. You should have one red, one orange, and one yellow.
Make the Logs
On brown construction paper, draw two log shapes about 1–1.5 inches wide and 5–6 inches long. Use markers to add wood grain texture if desired. Cut out the log shapes.
Prepare the Campfire Base
Use a sheet of white card stock as the base. Arrange the two logs in a criss-cross pattern like an ‘X’ in the lower center area. Ensure the center where the logs intersect is slightly lower than the middle of the paper to allow room for the handprint flames above.
Glue the Logs
Apply glue to the back of each log and secure them to the card stock. Allow a moment for the glue to set.
Add the Flames
Glue the red handprint first, placing it slightly angled upward above the logs. Glue the yellow handprint next to the red. Finish with the orange handprint in the center, overlapping the other two.
Final Touches
Press down gently on each handprint to ensure they are securely glued to the card stock. Allow the glue to dry completely before displaying or handling your campfire handprint craft. Optionally, your child can decorate the white card stock around the campfire with drawings of stars, trees, or a tent to create a camping scene.
Related: Patriotic Fireworks Craft
More Camping-Themed Ideas for Young Kids
1. Make S’mores (No Fire Needed!)
Use graham crackers, chocolate squares, and marshmallow fluff to make s’mores indoors. No fire needed. Or, simply use the oven to make this delicious treat!
2. DIY Binoculars
Make pretend binoculars using toilet paper rolls and yarn. Kids can use them for an indoor or backyard “nature” walk or scavenger hunt.
3. Sing Campfire Songs
Teach songs like “Kumbaya” or “The Ants Go Marching.” Add simple instruments or clapping rhythms.
4. Story Time by Flashlight
Read camping books with the lights off and a flashlight. It adds a fun twist to storytime. Shine-a-Light books are a great choice for this activity!
5. Tent Time
Build a tent using chairs and a blanket. Let kids play inside with books or stuffed animals and pretend they are camping.
This handprint campfire craft is an easy and fun project that works well at home or in the classroom. It uses basic supplies, gives kids a chance to work on their motor skills, and ties in perfectly with camping-themed activities. If you’re planning a week of camping crafts, this one is a great place to start.
Handprint Campfire Craft
A fun and easy camping-themed craft perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.
Materials
- Red, orange, and yellow construction paper
- Brown construction paper
- White card stock (for the base)
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue or glue stick
- Markers (optional for log details)
Instructions
Trace the Handprints
Use a pencil to trace your child’s hand on red, orange, and yellow construction paper. Make sure the fingers are spread out naturally.
Cut Out the Handprints
Carefully cut out each handprint. You should have one red, one orange, and one yellow.
Make the Logs
On brown construction paper, draw two log shapes about 1–1.5 inches wide and 5–6 inches long. Use markers to add wood grain texture if desired. Cut out the log shapes.
Prepare the Campfire Base
Use a sheet of white card stock as the base. Arrange the two logs in a criss-cross pattern like an 'X' in the lower center area. Ensure the center where the logs intersect is slightly lower than the middle of the paper to allow room for the handprint flames above.
Glue the Logs
Apply glue to the back of each log and secure them to the card stock. Allow a moment for the glue to set.
Add the Flames
Glue the red handprint first, placing it slightly angled upward above the logs. Glue the yellow handprint next to the red. Finish with the orange handprint in the center, overlapping the other two.
Final Touches
Press down gently on each handprint to ensure they are securely glued to the card stock. Allow the glue to dry completely before displaying or handling your campfire handprint craft. Optionally, your child can decorate the white card stock around the campfire with drawings of stars, trees, or a tent to create a camping scene.
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