Winter Nature Campers collected sticks within the forest to turn into charcoal pencils.  We added them to an empty container that once held Pepperidge Farm Pirouette Chocolate Hazelnut Rolled Wafers but you could use any empty cookie tin type container.  Be sure to poke a hole in the container for smoke to escape or the lid will pop-off when roasting. Fill the container with the sticks and place on the fire to cook. The sticks char without completely combusting due to the lack of oxygen and make an excellent artists charcoal.  Take the tin off the fire after it has been smoking for some time and let the container cool completely before removing the lid or the sticks could ignite into flames.   Campers had great fun exploring the textures of the charcoal and making their own free choice art. They observed that the sticks with bark removed made more consistent lines and held their shape better than those with bark still on them as the bark crumbled rather quickly when pressed on paper. Also, campers observed that the charcoal smeared easily when rubbed with a finger.

As an extension campers could use realism and create a winter tree like shown in the story “The Sky Tree, Seeing Science Through Art” by Thomas Locker.   They could listen to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for inspiration and focus.

This program is available for scheduling by school, scout and community groups.

WINTER CAMPFIRE AND CHARCOAL ART

All ages (under 5 requires caregiver supervision). Friends and family welcome. Come alone or bring a group. Join us for a winter campfire and make your own Charcoal art stick. We can collect our perfect charcoal pencil and watch it turn into a tool of art magic! Charcoal art paper provided and expect to get your hands dirty with this fun project!

Charcoal pencils for campers to use

Charcoal pencils next to the tin

Tin of collected wood sticks ready to roast