Stay Home Summer Camp 2021 Archive: Pirates & Mermaids Camp!

Mamas Facing Forward Stay Home Summer Camp was a project I developed during the isolated summer of 2020. For each theme I provide a menu of options to choose from, including: virtual learning resources, easy craft & snack ideas, simple activities, books, and movies/TV.
Trust me, whether you do it for a full week or just for a day, there’s something magical about doing a bunch of activities that all share the same theme. In fact, even though my kids will be traveling and attending regular summer camp this year, they’ve also requested some Stay Home Camp – so stay tuned for a couple of new themes!! I’ve also added “field trip ideas” to themes from past years as well.
I hope these ideas will provide your family with a little fun – while at the same time making summer a bit easier for you!!
Love, Mariah

PIRATES & MERMAIDS CAMP!

Below you’ll find a menu of ideas for learning, crafts, activities, books, and things to watch that focus on pirates and mermaids. I’ve tried to keep these ideas pretty simple and make use of items you may already have – while also making it fun for the kids! I’ve also included a free printable you can hang up at home while you work on this theme.

pirates & mermaids week printable Download

NEW! Field Trip Ideas:

To any local playgrounds with pirate or mermaid features
- COLORADO: Chaucer Park; Countryside park; Westminster Center Park; Boulder Reservoir
To the local pool with pirate or mermaid toys
To the beach or local lake or creek with pirate or mermaid toys
To the library to get more books about pirates and mermaids

Things To Learn:

How to draw (Source: Art for Kids Hub)
- Ariel

Explore together online
- Britannica Kids
  - Mermaid
- DK Find Out!
  - Pirates
- Kiddle
  - Mermaid facts for kids
  - Piracy facts for kids
- LiveScience
  - Mermaids & Mermen: Facts & Legends
  - The Most Notorious Pirates Ever
- The Conversation
  - Curious Kids: Are mermaids real?

Things To Make:

Egg Carton Treasure Box
- Recommended supplies: cardboard egg carton, paint
- Instructions: Red Ted Art

Handprint Pirate
- Recommended supplies: paper, paint, googly eye, sharpie
- Instructions: Crafty Morning

Make Your Own Eye Patch
- Recommended supplies: black and white craft foam, ribbon or cord, pen, glue, scissors
- Instructions: Living Chic on the Cheap

Mermaid Bookmark
- Recommended supplies: cardstock, pens, scissors, glue, free printable template
- Instructions: Red Ted Art

Mermaid Necklace
- Recommended supplies: cardboard egg cartons, paint, scissors, hot glue, pony beads or a plastic straw, ribbon
- Instructions: Creating Creatives

Mermaid Paper Chain
- Recommended supplies: paper, markers, scissors
- Instructions: Pink Stripey Socks

Mermaid Popcorn Holder
- Recommended supplies: free printable, markers, scissors, tape, popcorn!
- Instructions: Red Ted Art

Pirate Spyglass
- Recommended supplies: toilet paper tubes, paint, tape, scissors
- Instructions: Nickelodeon Parents

Things To Do:

Apple and Cheese Snack Ships
- Recommended supplies: apple, cheese, fruit strip (or salami/pepperoni would work for the sail!)
- Instructions: Pirate’s Booty

Fizzing Treasure Chests
- Recommended supplies: baking soda, pennies, craft gems, ice cube tray, vinegar
- Instructions: Fun-A-Day

Mermaid Sensory Bin
- Recommended supplies: bin, craft sand, seashells, glass beads
- Instructions: Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

Neverland Pirate Map Pizza
- Recommended supplies: premade pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, toppings
- Instructions: Alison’s Wonderland Recipes

No-churn Mermaid Ice Cream
- Recommended supplies: heavy cream, sweetened condenses milk, vanilla extract, food coloring
- Instructions: Home Made Interest