Nature in Camping 



OUTDOOR MUSEUM 



An outdoor museum can be an all-summer project of special interest to 

 camps or day camps that are limited in space. Such a museum offers a sub- 

 stitute for a nature trail to campers who have made nature trails for several 

 years and are looking for something new, or it may also take the place of 

 an indoor museum. 



A sheltered spot in the woods near the camp where the children can 

 drop in at any time to help with the planning and construction is the most 

 suitable location. It should have an attractive entrance and include space 

 enough to eliminate crowding the exhibits and permit the children room 

 for play. Everything should be well labeled so that a person can go in alone 

 and know what it is all about. 



Labels 



The labels go well on white cardboard printed with India ink. After the 

 ink is thoroughly dry, cover both the front and the back with white shellac 

 to make them waterproof. Such labels will last for one season if at all shel- 

 tered by the trees. Permanent markers are made by cutting a piece of tin 

 or other metal to the desired size and painting on it with black asphaltum. 

 A coat of shellac keeps them more waterproof and prevents rusting. Labels 

 for trees are made more attractive by cutting them in the shapes of the 

 leaves on the trees to which they are to be fastened. Sew the label on the tree 

 with white thread whenever possible. 



The following projects are suggested for an outdoor museum. Many 

 more may come to mind as you work along, and always use the ones 

 suggested by children themselves. Other campers besides the nature stu- 

 dents will find pleasure in working in the museum. Those interested in 

 art can make the posters: others who like to handle tools will want to do 

 the constructing; the little ones will prefer to dig in the dirt. Find a job 

 for everyone. 



A Bird Cafeteria 



Place a board between two trees about six feet from the ground, or if you 

 have another board or two put up several shelves. By laying grain, bread 



