Build a Sundial

How long it’ll take:

Initially 30 minutes but will need to be done periodically throughout one day

What the goal is:

Campers will be aware of how they can use the sun to help them tell the time

What the objectives are:

Campers will be able to create a sundial in their yard that will help them tell the time.

What you’ll need:

• 1 long stick

• 12 palm sized rocks

• Paint or sharpies or washable markers

If parents don't want you to stick holes in the ground can be replicated with a paper plate and a pencil.

What you’ll do:

1. Start by having the campers collect their rocks. They should be smooth and flat enough to paint.

2. Give campers time to paint or write the numbers 1-12, one number per rock. They can get creative and decorate them with nature symbols or whatever else inspires them. Be aware: if campers are using washable markers they’ll need to be mindful that the symbols/numbers may wear away with dew or rain.

3. Have a stick that is fairly long (about the length of your forearm) and stick it into the ground. It needs to be perpendicular to the ground (super important).

4. Set a timer for every hour. Every hour, place the rock that corresponds with the time directly in the shadow of the stick.

5. By the end of the day, you can have the campers continue to set timers on their own and they can complete the sundial for the next day.

6. Leave in place and then propose a challenge: for the rest of the week, when home, campers will only use the sundial to tell time!