Egypt Camp

 In another life, my friend, Carla, the school’s librarian hosted a summer, Egypt Camp.  I had a young friend who couldn’t afford the camp.  I assisted and my young friend came free.  We did so many fun things all week! 

Start with a stack of books.  Many of the activities we did are included here; the activities are orange mummification, and learning about hieroglyphics.  We made paper plate Egyptian collars, copied hieroglyphics, created Jewelry, made and played Senet, and created canopic jars.  We even built sugar cube pyramids.  Here are more Craft ideas.  

Let’s organize a few resources.  This teacher’s guide has some history, social strata, day in the life, diet, etc. The guide has excellent images and can answer most questions which arise.  How can you organize the material into lessons?  

1.  Where is Egypt?  Locate Egypt in the globe.  Make a salt dough map.  

2.  Show kiddos this slide deck, which has a good introduction to Ancient Egypt.

3.  Use the National Geographic Egypt Collection (or any book about Egypt) to help shape your lessons.  Read a book.  Try an activity.  Read about the pyramids and build one with sugar cubes.  Read about Cleopatra and make jewelry.  The book on mummies pairs well with canopic jars and orange mummies.  

4.  Keep asking questions!  What do the hieroglyphics mean?  Learn about the Rosetta Stone and practice hieroglyphics.  What did children wear?  Make costumes and collars.  What did they eat?  Try this ancient recipe.  Make and play Senet.

5.  You may want to add more history and geography.  Here is Ancient Egypt Lapbook with more ideas.  Connect the project to the Bible.  Try more recipes. Learn about King Tut.  Watch the Prince of Egypt.  Keep reading fiction and nonfiction books about ancient Egyptians.  It’s your camp.  Have a blast!