Programs, events, presentations, storytimes, and puzzles
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2018
Chapter 4
Programs, Events, Presentations,
Storytimes, and PuzzlesPrograms, Events,
Programs Presentations,
3,2,1 Blast Off for Little Ones PK Storytimes
Create out-of-this-world atmosphere by dangling lights, stars, planets, and tinsel
from the ceiling. Encourage little ones to explore the room at different learning
stations.
• MakerSPACE Space Station: Create the frame of the space station using
giant boxes, and make sure to make the station open and wide enough for
little ones to play inside. They will have a BLAST making the “guts” of the
space station using materials such as boxes, strips of tape, old key boards,
calculators, PVC pipe, bubble wrap, memory cards, RAM, glow-in-the-dark
stars, and other supplies that will spark children's imaginations. Include a
communication station that has old telephones, headphones, and computer
monitors that little ones can use to call planet Earth.
• Planet Exploration: Have little ones make pictures in the moon sand (giant
wading pools full of sand) with the different-size moon rocks (painted rocks).
They can pile them high, bury them, weigh them on a scale, analyze them
with a magnifying glass, or anything they can come up with.
• Extraterrestrial Space Bags: Create a station where little ones can explore
different space-themed sensory bins and bags. For example, a bag of small
rocks can be space sand, a bag of cooked pasta can be alien tentacles. Have a
station where parents/caregivers can make their own bags to take home and
use with their little ones.
39 Clues Scavenger Hunt C [ages 8–12]
The characters in 39 Clues visit many strange and interesting places around the
world. Create a scavenger hunt to recreate some of the fun. Hide various clues
throughout the library for kids to find and solve. The clues can be questions about
the story, rhyming notes leading from one location to another, or hiding clan shields
among the books for kids to find.
ABC Walk F
Families can go on a walk looking for letters of the alphabet all around them in nature.
For example, two branches on the ground might form the letter T. The goal is to find
the letters without having to move items around to create the letter. The family can
take a picture of the letters and turn the photos into the library for a display.
Animal Habitats PK F
Create a graph or chart of different animal habitats. Start with a square divided
into four sections, label each square either Ocean, Forest, Desert, Arctic. Hang the
chart, and allow children to throw a sticky dart (found on Amazon.com) at it. The
child will act like the animal of whichever habitat the dart lands on. Pictures of each
habitat with examples of animals could be hung up, as well as examples of animals in
each location.
C F PK Pre-kindergarten
Around the World Family Night
Around the World Family Night will focus on stories about different areas and C Children
cultures. Display a map of the world. Before each story, ask families if they know T Teen
where the location of the story is on the map. Locate the area, and have volunteers A Adult
add a sticker to the map. Give families a copy of a map to color, and have families F Family
enjoy coloring in the sites they have visited during storytime. AA All ages
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 209Programs, Events, Astronomy Night F
Presentations, Create a program focused on reading under the stars. Choose space-inspired books
Storytimes to read. Encourage people to bring in telescopes to look at the night sky. If you
have a college nearby, you can invite a professor to speak to the group about space-
related topics.
Babysitting Class T
Host a babysitting class with a certified trainer or consider becoming a trainer. Check
with your state’s home alone/latchkey laws when deciding your target age group.
Backyard Chickens A
Find a local backyard chicken enthusiast or farmer to present a program on backyard
chickens. If allowed, bring in a variety of chicks and chickens for attendees to view.
Bad Art Contest T A
Ask patrons to bring in old paintings and artwork they no longer want and/or search
thrift shops for “bad art.” Redecorate the artwork with a new layer of paint, glitter,
beads, glue, and other art supplies. Have people (or teams, if you don’t have enough
art) turn the “bad art” into fun art.
Beekeeping A
Bees are in decline but are an important part of our food chain. Have a program
discussing the decline of bees, the importance of bees to the environment, and the
benefits of honey. Discuss backyard beekeeping and how to become a successful
beekeeper.
Bike Rodeo C F
Host a bike safety course, mini obstacle course, fix a flat demo, and bike decorating
contest! Talk to the local bike shop to see if they would be interested in sponsoring
the event.
Bike Trails A
Host a program about bike trails in the region. The presenter can cover levels of
difficulty, sites/landmarks to look at, planning for long trips, and any concerns
bikers would have. Possible presenters include local bike enthusiasts, forest preserve
personnel, or bike shop owners.
Boatloads of Fun PK F
For this family program, all of the
activities focus on boats. Display books
and movies about boats, fishing, sailing,
the U.S. Navy, and other nautical themes
(fiction and nonfiction) for patrons to
browse and check out.
• Begin the program with a short
storytime about boats
• Provide a cardboard box large
enough for each child to sit in or
ask families to bring in their own.
As a family, decorate the “boat”
210 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadwith streamers, markers, stickers, duct tape, letter and shape cutouts, and other Programs, Events,
craft supplies. Presentations,
• Get ready for the fishing game! A template for a felt and magnetic fishing Storytimes
game is provided at http://realpurdy.com/2012/10/11/felt-and-magnetic-
fishing-game/. You can also make the game more educational by writing
letters, numbers, or shapes on the fish and calling out which fish children
should catch. Use blue painter’s tape to create several “ponds” on the floor,
and have 2 or 3 children sit in their boats to fish.
Book Buds C T
To combat summer slide and boost the confidence of young readers, pair teen
volunteers with children entering grades 1 to 3 for literacy-based activities. Recruit
a small group of teens to develop and implement themed, recurring paired reading
activities. For example, teens can plan a “campout” with tents borrowed from staff,
construction and tissue paper campfires, and other camping props. Teens and children
can pair-read camping-themed books, have read alouds, and do other fun activities.
Book Pub Crawl A
Try something fun for your adult book club. Read part of a book at a different pub
each week.
Bullet Journaling 101 T A
Learn to organize yourself with the Bullet Journal method. This method works for
minimalists and creative minds alike. Find information about the system at http://
bulletjournal.com/.
Camping + Family Reading F
Host a camp-inspired event at the library. Encourage families to bring blankets to
the library. Families can use their blankets to build tents with chairs and tables. Serve
camp-inspired food. Instead of toasting marshmallows on a campfire, serve a mix
of marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers. Cook hot dogs in a slow
cooker. Tell campfire stories, play games, and explore the night sky.
Cardboard Challenge AA
Begin prepping for the Global Cardboard Challenge, which is inspired by
Caine’s Arcade. Teach children how to manipulate cardboard to make different
creations. This is also an opportunity to talk about recycling. Ask families to
save large cardboard boxes, and talk to local big box stores to save their boxes for
your program.
Career Fair T
Host a career fair for teenagers. Ask community members to come in and speak
about their careers and the steps they needed to get into their fields. Be sure to get
people from all walks, not just college-dependent careers.
College Visit Programs T
Have the college come to your library! Invite college recruiters to come and discuss
the programs, campuses, and typical college life. You can also have library patrons
talk about their colleges and universities; this is especially helpful for colleges and
universities that are not in easy traveling distance.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 211Programs, Events, Comic Con AA
Presentations, Hold a mini fan fest/comic con. Have patrons come to the event in costume for a
Storytimes costume contest. Host mini programs during the event, including crafts, lectures,
comic drawing lessons, and movie showings.
Composting A
Ask a master gardener or member of a local gardening club to discuss composting.
The speaker can talk about composters, worm composting, and the garden benefits
of composting.
Cookbook Discussion T A
This is a twist on a traditional book club. Participants each check out a copy of the
same cookbook and choose one recipe to make and share with the group at the next
meeting. Staff can choose books based on what’s new, popular, or according to a
theme. They can also take suggestions from participants about cookbook ideas.
Cooking Around the World A
Host a cooking around-the-world demonstration. Ask a cooking instructor (look at
the local college) or professional chef to show different techniques and create dishes
from around the world.
Cosmic Sky Activities PK
These activities are based on the theme Reading Takes You Everywhere. Encourage
children to use their imaginations and to reach the highest of highs in the cosmic sky.
• Cosmic Goop: Mix cornstarch, school glue, and glitter to make a cool
cosmic slime. You can find many different recipes on Pinterest.
• Starry Night Play Dough: Here’s a fun twist on the old salt dough recipe.
Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and ¾ cups of water. Add brightly colored
plastic stars and glitter to the dough.
• Telescopes: Make an easy telescope out of a paper towel tube and plastic
wrap. Kids will be able to look at the night sky with their ready-made
telescope. There are many how-to instructions on the Internet, including this:
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/make-a-telescope/.
• Catch Stars in a Jar: Use a glass jar to catch the stars.
1. Paint the inside of the jar with a glow-in-the-dark paint (use any color
you like).
2. Shake in some fine gold or silver glitter.
3. Put the lid back on, and let the paint dry.
4. Hold the jar up to the light for a minute, then turn off the lights. You
now have an amazing jar of stars!
• Galaxy Putty: This putty will look so cool, and children will love making it.
Mix glue, starch, and food coloring (purple makes a great night sky look).
Roll up the putty and flatten out. Press stars, moons, and glitter into the
putty. Now you have super galactic putty!
Country Clues Activity C
Create country clue sheets (see images). The first clue should be the hardest clue and
could be a famous landmark or building. The second could be an animal or food
that country is known for. The third could be the country’s flag. Children hunt for
the country clue sheets, and when they figure out the country from the clues, they
212 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadearn a small prize. Make up a set of three country clues about one place for each Programs, Events,
week of your summer reading program. Laminating the sheets is recommended. Presentations,
Change country clue sheets weekly.
Storytimes
Crafting Club A
Provide a selection of craft books for members to choose from. Each member
chooses a book and makes an example craft from the book. At the meetings,
members show their crafts and evaluate the book they choose.
Create Your Own Adventure A F
Make an adventure jar with “bucket list” activity ideas: museums to visit, restaurants
to eat at, parks to explore. Encourage attendees to share ideas and locations with the
group. Provide information on discount days at local eateries and attractions. Write
each idea on a slip of paper. Use one color of paper for places in your city or town
and another color for ideas outside your city or town. Give attendees a glass jar (with
the cap) to fill with the paper slips, but let them decorate the jar before filling it.
Give them chalkboard paint, tags, ribbons, beads, and other craft supplies.
Creative Community Play PK
Celebrate your city! Create different dramatic play stations dedicated to different
highlights of your community. You can create a dramatic play station about your
city’s favorite bakery or community garden. Have little ones create their own
masterpiece while highlighting your community museum or have them compose
a letter and pretend to send it at your dramatic play post office. This is a great way
to highlight areas of your community that younger children don’t quite yet get to
explore. Encourage members of your community to volunteer at your program, such
as the local dentist, restaurant owner, public works employee . . . all of them would be
honored to be part of such an event!
Cutting the Cable Cord A
Offer a program on how to cancel cable without sacrificing great content to
watch on the TV. The program can talk about different streaming devices and
streaming services.
Daddy Daughter Hairstyling Class A
Host a program teaching fathers how to care and style their children’s hair.
Have them bring their child to the class. Request that they bring their own
hairbrush, ponytail ties, and other hair supplies, or provide them with new
items. You can find these supplies at the dollar store. Find ideas at http://www.
daddydaughterhairfactory101.com/2015/11/daddy-daughter-hair-factory-101.html
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 213Programs, Events, Decorating Tote Bags C T
Presentations, If you’re going to explore, you’re going to need something to hold your stuff! Provide
Storytimes children with blank tote bags and fabric paint. Let them decorate the tote bags with
a travel theme. Cut pieces of cardboard to place inside the bags to keep the paint
from gluing the fabric together.
Design Your Own Life-Size Board Games C F
Create and play a life-size board game based on a map of a fictional world. You
may have played life-size Candyland in your library, so why not use a map of
Middle Earth as a jumping off point for a life-size game version of Lord of the Rings?
Colorful foam floor tiles or carpet squares can serve as spaces on the game board.
Paint cardboard boxes to serve as dice. Add a cosplay component, such as having
players dress up and role play, for extra fun.
Do You Know Your Map? C F
Print out copies of a map puzzle. Cut out the states or have families cut out the
states during the program. Mix up the pieces for each family’s puzzle. Have a contest
to see which family can put the puzzle together the quickest. Print out a map at
https://mrprintables.com/map-of-the-usa-jigsaw-puzzle.html
Drivers Safety Program A
Ask AARP (or a similar organization) to host a driver safety program. Highlight the
possible insurance discount for completing the program.
Drones T A
Have a certified drone pilot come and discuss drones and their uses. The speaker
can have a drone flying demonstration, along with a discussion of safety and laws
governing their use in your state.
Escape Room T
Have teens solve a series of puzzles in order to escape the room. This exercise can
be fun but can also help develop critical-thinking skills and encourage teamwork.
Purchase a kit from Breakout EDU (http://www.breakoutedu.com/) or buy the
items individually from other stores. Find games with different puzzles and elements
online or create them yourself.
Essential Oil Pendants and History of Oils A
Hold a program on the history of essential oils. Do the research yourself or invite
an expert in to give a talk about where different oils come from and how different
cultures use items similar to essential oils. Add a craft project to the event by making
clay oil diffuser pendants. This can easily be done with air dry clay and cording.
Exchange Students AA
Invite local exchange students to host a program or create a display about their
country. Have them talk to a group about their counties. They could also serve
favorite treats from their countries.
Exercise Challenge T A
Host a summer-long exercise challenge. Set an end goal for participants. It can be a
time-based or activity-based goal. Have a celebration at the end of the summer for
all the participants.
214 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadExperience the World: Library Style C T F Programs, Events,
Bring the world to your patrons with this travel program. Choose places and related Presentations,
activities that are of interest to your teens. For example: Storytimes
• England: Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a full tea service of scones, finger
sandwiches, sweets and, of course, a classic cup of tea. Afternoon tea is a
time for socializing, so bring your friends and enjoy a taste of England. Have
different teas to try, along with proper tea pots. Share information about
table manners and the history of tea. You can even use one of the many tea
cup/mug decorating ideas on Pinterest to have the teens decorate the teacup
they’re drinking from to take home with them. Encourage everyone to wear
fancy hats.
• Japan: Kooky and Kawaii: Take a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, where
thousands of years of culture and fast-paced, tech-savvy society collide.
Roll your own sushi, learn to write kanji characters, and design a chindogu
(silly Japanese inventions). Have other Japanese activities for them to enjoy,
including highlighting your manga/anime collections.
• Polynesia: Head to the Islands: The tropics await you! Bring in someone
to do a hula dancing workshop and explain the history of hula. Then make
ribbon or flower leis. End the program with a limbo contest.
• Middle East/Mediterranean: The Great Hummus Debate: Many countries
claim that they created hummus (or hommus or hommos), but nobody
can say for sure. Explore the many homes of hummus, try several delicious
dips—and different breads to go with them. Create Moroccan lanterns using
old jars, glass paint, and gold puffy paint. Create hamsas with tinfoil and
cardboard.
Explore Your Community’s History with Local Resources AA
A local history museum can be a great resource for families. Invite a speaker to talk
about how your community looked 50 or 100 years ago. If your community has been
around longer, even better! If your library has display space, ask if they can loan items
from the local museum. Encourage families to visit the museum. If incorporating
badges/codes/etc. in your program, tie that in with a visit to the museum.
Family Game Show T A F
Have a family game show event and create travel-themed questions. Categories
could include states and capitals, amusement parks, famous beaches, landmarks,
geography, foods from around the world, identify the image, famous travel movies/
books, and other categories you can come up with. A compilation of free templates
for Family Feud, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, Who Wants to
Be a Millionaire, Deal or No Deal, and Cash Cab can be found at https://www.
thebalance.com/free-family-feud-powerpoint-templates-1358184
Fandom + Art = Games T F
By taking a map of a fictional place and turning it into a game, library patrons of
all ages can practice artistic creation and interpretation. For children, incorporating
games and art into literacy contributes to language development by engaging them
in discussion of their projects and by introducing related vocabulary. This can be
particularly important for children who struggle with reading and language. Game-
making also helps to build STEM skills through the use of creative thinking, logic,
and math.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 215Programs, Events, Fandom Spelling Bee or Trivia Night T A
Presentations, Explore the worlds of popular fandoms (Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Walking
Storytimes Dead, etc.) through a spelling bee or trivia night. Teams can register together or be
matched up at the event. Award prizes to the winning team.
Fantasy Card Games T A
Hold a weekly group to play the card games Magic: The Gathering and/or Dungeons
& Dragons. Hold two mini courses on how to play and strategies for playing. If your
budget allows, purchase cards so that members’ cards do not get damaged.
Fantasy Short Story C T F
Invite participants to visit the imaginary place they occasionally retreat to in their
fantasies, a strange place they have dreamed of, or even the idea for a world that
they’d like to write about someday. Supply paper and art supplies to let them record
their fictional world in a tangible form, then allow time to write about it. They can
write anything, from a paragraph-length encyclopedia entry about its natural history
to the prologue for a novel they’d like to eventually write.
Fantasy World Board Game C T F
Have teams design their own fantasy board games. Provide paper, basic art supplies,
dice, blank index cards, and a few favorite literary maps to serve as inspiration. Make
sure to supply extra paper to let participants refine their games through trial and
error. Break out the heavyweight cardstock, cardboard, or foam board for the final
versions. When everyone is done, have other teams try out each other’s games.
Fictional World Map C T F
Some authors are not fans of maps. Break out the paper and art supplies to let
participants create their own maps based on their interpretations of an author’s
descriptions. Stock up on parchment paper and calligraphy pens to make the final
versions look like the real things.
Fishing Club A
Start a fishing club. Ask the local forest preserve to present a program on local
fishing ponds and lakes. Meetings can include discussions and reviews of lakes near
and far, fishing equipment, and people's greatest catches. Have someone come in to
teach how to make fishing lures and about fly-tying.
Flag Playdoh Mats C F
Print out a flag image, hand out play clay, and let the children create! Free printable
flags of the world can be found at http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/flag-printables.
Children can copy flags or come up with flags of their own designs.
Foreign Films A
Travel to a different country each week through foreign films. Show a movie, make
posters with some phrases in the language of that week’s movie, and maybe make or
buy some snacks to enjoy that are from that country. Check out an Asian market for
Japanese chips and candies for a Japan night, for instance. Note: Check your movie
license to make sure you have public performance rights.
Galaxy Prints T
Use black cardstock and a variety of paints to create a unique galaxy print. This can
be left as is or matted and framed to create a piece of artwork.
216 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadGame of Thrones Jeopardy T A Programs, Events,
Winter is coming! Gather all those George R. R. Martin fans and host a Game of Presentations,
Thrones (GOT) Jeopardy night. It is very easy to find an online GOT template Storytimes
on Jeopardy Labs (https://jeopardylabs.com/play/a-game-of-thrones). The online
template has many great Jeopardy-like questions that will have teams rolling in
laughter and tears. Another great idea would be to have participants dress up as their
favorite GOT character. Gather up a few prizes for the winners. The GOT series
would be amazing for the grand prize winner. Find the Game of Thrones Jeopardy
template at https://jeopardylabs.com/play/a-game-of-thrones
Geocache T A F
Celebrate the Reading Takes You Everywhere theme by hosting geocache activities.
Partner with the business community for prizes and clues.
Getting to Know You: Culture 101 A F
This program will allow groups to share each other’s cultures. There are so many
different customs and traditions represented in our communities, and it would be
fun to offer a program where each group could share with others. This is a great way
to learn how different cultures vary. Participants could bring in clothing, jewelry, or
other interesting pieces. A cultural show and tell for adults!
Goodwill Recyclemania T A
Find everyday and unique items at Goodwill or a thrift shop. Show patrons how to
upcycle items into decorations.
The Great Race T F
Race around the world (at the library), stopping at different stations representing
different world locations. At each station, participants must complete one of two
challenges (physical/craft/trivia/etc.) about that location (city/state/country) to
continue on. This can be for single players or teams.
Grown-up Recess A
Hold an afterhours grown-up recess party for adults. Play Dodgeball, Sardines, Red
Rover, Four Square, Red Light Green Light, Heads Up 7 Up, and other classic recess
games! Everyone enjoys recess!
Group Trips AA
Arrange for transportation and group tickets to various attractions. Consider visiting
a local farm, theater, nature center, zoo, or amusement park.
Guess the Country C F
Each week during your summer reading program, feature clues about a country and
have families guess the name of the country and enter a drawing. Award prizes for
the first correct answer drawn each week. Prizes for the first correct answer drawn
each week could include a gift certificate from a local restaurant.
Health Fair A
Hold a mini health fair at the library. Ask various doctors, therapists, and
pharmacists to provide free testing and talks. Also showcase mini classes on Tai Chi,
Ageless Grace, Yoga, and other health-related activities.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 217Programs, Events, Kindness Rock Project AA
Presentations, Be part of the Kindness Rock Project. Decorate rocks to inspire kindness. Leave the
Storytimes rocks along trails or public areas for others to find. Find more information about the
Kindness Rock Project at http://thekindnessrocksproject.com/
Learn a Language A
Host a series of classes to learn a language. Use this opportunity to highlight your
language database. It is often helpful when a native speaker is available to help, so find
out if you have any library patrons who are interested in helping with the program.
Life Coach A
Hire a life coach to come in for a presentation. The coach can tie in the theme of
Reading Takes You Everywhere by discussing planning for the future.
Life-size Board Games C T F
Create fun life-size board games that focus on reaching a goal or destination. Make
“spaces” with electrical tape on flooring or spray paint on grass. Have participants
help design the game and obstacles.
Light Table PK
Make light-table manipulatives from colored cellophane, tissue papers, plastic cups,
and clear beads. Choose a Reading Takes You Everywhere inspired theme, such as a
time period or travel, and make manipulatives that reflect that theme. For example,
choose to explore dinosaurs with dinosaur and volcano cutouts. Other shapes can be
added for children to explore as they explore the dinosaur manipulatives.
Little Explorers PK
Invite your local Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops to come and show the awesome
things that they are doing in your community for little ones. Encourage hands-on
exploration of your library’s natural habitat with the troop, and have little ones
create a badge that they can wear with pride. Teach little ones that they don’t have
to travel far to explore new things—wonderment is inside and right outside our
library’s doors!
Little Ones’ First Flight PK
Take a hot air balloon ride over your city! Have little ones create a kid-size hot air
balloon out of a cardboard box and helium filled balloons. Ask your city’s geographic
information systems department to create a landscape map of your city. Print out the
map so that it fits the entire floor of your meeting room. Highlight different parts
of the map with different 3D markers, and play a loop of a hot air balloon ride on
a screen so that it gives the sensation of flight. Partner with your local airport, and
invite a pilot or flight attendant to come and showcase the exciting world of flight.
Everyone can earn their “wings.”
Local Travel Bucket List C T
Create a BINGO board or checklist of local places around your library or library
system, and have patrons travel there this summer. If you get your community
involved, you could have them stamp the board or list. This would promote local
businesses, encourage patrons to try new local businesses, and is a great way to show
library support. Some examples would be coffee shops, restaurants, pools, insurance
agencies, hardware stores, and grocery stores. This can be a summer-long passive
program, and when patrons turn in their boards, they are entered into a drawing.
218 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadLook Around Town Scavenger Hunt C F Programs, Events,
Each week, hide a library mascot at a local business. For the first week, leave a clue Presentations,
at the library to lead the participants to the business. For the following weeks, the Storytimes
participants will find the next week’s clue when they locate the mascot. Create a
form for the participants to record the name of the visit each week. Try to contact a
variety of businesses, particularly places your patrons might not regularly visit. This
is a great community partnership program.
Magic Tree House Program C [ages 8–12]
The Magic Tree House Books, by Mary Pope Osborne, can take you everywhere! Start
with a treasure hunt based on books from the set, then have stations children can
explore.
Treasure Hunt (Magic Tree House Magic Numbers): Divide children into two or
three groups. Each child receives a “book” and needs to find the “object” that goes
with it. (Variation: Have different objects out and have kids guess which book they are
from.) Have a station for each book you want to highlight. Here are a few examples:
• Dinosaurs: Have a station where children can fold origami dinosaurs, one
where they can draw dinosaurs, and another where they can make dinosaur
fossils out of air-dry clay.
• Ancient Egypt: Children can make hieroglyph cartouche bookmarks, paper
towel roll mummies, and learn to play the ancient game of scarab.
• Middle Ages: Children can make shields and crowns, create a craft stick
catapult (to shoot small marshmallows at a target), and learn to play the game
Nine Men’s Morris.
• Pirates: Stations for this this book could be making a treasure chest, treasure
map, pirate map, or pirate hat. Children can learn to tie nautical knots or
follow a treasure map to a treasure, and then learn an old dice game.
• Ancient Greece and Rome: Children can make mosaics with cut paper,
and they can create or draw an exploding volcano. Hold a mini Olympics,
including straw javelin throw, book balance relay, cotton ball shot put, and
balloon toss.
• Ancient China: Have children make dragon masks and origami dragons.
They can also have activities about the Chinese New Year and zodiac.
• American Indians: Children can make parfleches (dried hides), learn games
that Native American children played, and learn a few Plains Indian phrases.
• Other Ideas: Trivia games, making mini journals, braided bracelets
Make Travel Journals/Memory Jars A
Families can make either a kit for their upcoming travels or bring things from
their past travels. Include scrapbooking paper, stamps, cutouts, and other things to
decorate the journals and memory jars with.
Mapped Nails T A
Remind everyone that the world is at their fingertips—or nails! Begin by painting
nails white/cream (or any light/pastel color without sparkle or iridescence). Next,
soak nails in rubbing alcohol for five minutes. Then press nails to map and hold for
a minute, and the image of the map will transfer to the nails. Paint with a clear coat
immediately after it dries. This technique also works with newspaper, book pages,
and other printed materials.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 219Programs, Events, Meditation: It Will Take You Everywhere A
Presentations, Discuss the importance of mediation and its role in various cultures. Practice a
Storytimes variety of meditation exercises. Have a display of different techniques for those who
would like to pursue this area of study.
Memoirs A
Host a program on how to write a memoir. The instructor can discuss
brainstorming, outlines, and writing techniques. This can be a summer-long
program or a one-time seminar. If you have a summer-long program, have a
celebration and sharing period at the end of the program. People can read and share
parts of their memoirs.
Miniature Golf F
Create a miniature golf course in your library using donated books. Stack books to
create towers and bridges. Find golf putters and golf balls at the local thrift shop.
Mini Fun Run/Superhero Challenge AA
Have a mini fun run/superhero challenge for patrons of all ages. Hold this on your
lawn, parking lot, or in the local park. You could include obstacles, paint, mud, and
bubbles! If your budget allows, award medals to participants. Or have volunteers
make medals using cardboard, foil, and ribbon.
Music from Around the World A
Music can also take your everywhere! Create a playlist of music from around the
world. Post the playlist online. If your library has CDs to checkout, provide a display
of some of the music.
Mutant Toys T
Give new life to old creatures by making mutant toys from leftover toy parts. Solicit
old toys and stuffed animals from staff and patrons or buy them from thrift stores.
Deconstruct them with tools (make sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes), and
let the teens reattach the pieces using hot glue.
My Book Came Back PK C
This is a new twist on the camp classic “My Aunt Came Back,” which can be made
into a flannel board, display, or song. To use as a flannel board story, make a book
that can open to bring back different items.
My Fantastic Land PK C
During this program kids will talk about taking adventures to their imaginary lands.
The program can start by reading Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Where the Wild
Things Are, Follow That Map, or another great adventure story. Children will then
start to create their own fantastic land. Have a parent or volunteer help them fill out
the questionnaire about their fantastic land on page 221, then have the kids create
their land with the template country below on page 222. For younger children,
you can have small precut pictures of mountains, lakes, rivers, and animals that the
children can glue to the page.
220 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadPrograms, Events,
All About My Fantastic Land Presentations,
Storytimes
My Fantastic Land is named:
_________________________________________________________
Special Bird or Animal that lives in my fantastic land:
_________________________________________________________
The Song of my land:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Flower or Plant you can find in my fantastic land (write the name and/or color a picture of it):
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The ruler of fantastic land is called or named:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What is something special about your Fantastic Land?:
_________________________________________________________
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 221MapPrograms, Events,
of____________________________________________________
Presentations,
Storytimes
222 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadNature Scavenger Hunt F Programs, Events,
Design a form with common aspects of nature that are easy to find in your area, such Presentations,
as specific plants, trees, and animals. Add any special natural features unique to your Storytimes
location such as rivers, lakes, mountains, or other features. Ask families to check off
each nature listing and where it was found. Award families with a book or other prize
as an incentive to take an adventure together during the summer reading program.
Origami C
Teach children about the art of origami. Start by explaining what origami is and its
history. Show how to make sharp folds and different folding techniques. Teach a
variety of simple origami patterns, such as a cup, dog, and/or pig.
Packing Hacks A
Have a travel agent or personal organizer come in to show the best way to pack a
suitcase. The program can cover avoiding baggage fees, different carry-ons, what you
do and do not need for foreign travel, and other hints and tips.
Paint Your World T A
While not everyone can travel everywhere, everyone can still use their creative
skills to explore the world. Have a series of painting events. Each week could offer
a chance to paint a beautiful picture of a different place in the world. Provide
printouts of lovely scenes from that week’s country. You can also ask patrons to bring
in photos from their travels.
Palm Reading or Handwriting Class T A
Have a palm reader or handwriting expert come to your library to read palms or
interpret handwriting.
Passport Club C [ages 5–8]
Grab your passport and pack your bags as you journey each week to a new
destination. Share stories and sample food associated with that foreign country. Print
plane tickets listing that week’s destination, and hand them out to each participant
upon arrival. Stamp passport pages after visiting each new exciting locale. (Passports
can be easily made or purchased from Oriental Trading.) Be sure to make a fact sheet
about each country you visit, adding a greeting as well as a recipe for children to try
at home with family. Please note: If you decide to serve food, check with parents about
food allergies. There are foods that may not be recommended for children with allergies.
Australia
• Books to Share
Baker, Jeannine. Mirror. Candlewick Press, 2010.
Berkes, Marianne Collins. Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under.
Dawn Publications, 2011.
Lester, Alison. Are We There Yet?: A Journey Around Australia. Kane/Miller,
2005.
Lumry, Amanda. Outback Odyssey. Scholastic, 2009.
Napoli, Donna Jo. Ready to Dream. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2009.
Scillian, Devin. D Is for Sown Under: An Australia Alphabet. Sleeping Bear
Press, 2010.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 223Programs, Events, • Food: Serve kiwi, vegemite on toast, and pavlova.
Presentations, • Craft: Have children color a boomerang. Enlarge the boomerang template to
Storytimes fit on 8.5 × 11-inch copier paper. Trace onto poster board and cut out one for
each participant. Provide crayons/markers to decorate.
Turkey
• Books to Share
Demi. The Hungry Coat: A Tale from Turkey. Margaret K. McElderry Books,
2004.
Manzione, Lisa. Let’s Visit Istanbul! Bella & Harry, LLC, 2012.
Pyper, Nilüfer Topaloğlu. T Is for Turkey. Frances Lincoln Children’s Books,
2010.
Townsend, Julia. Zeynep: The Seagull of Galata Tower. Citlembik Publications,
2005.
• Food: Serve hummus and pita chips, and rice pudding.
• Craft: Have children make evil-eye magnet good-luck charms.
Germany
• Books to Share
Barker, Michelle. A Year of Borrowed Men. Pajama Press Inc., 2015.
Manzione, Lisa. Let’s Visit Berlin! Bella & Harry, LLC, 2015.
Ungerer, Tomi. Otto: The Autobiography of a Teddy Bear. Phaidon, 2010
• Food: Serve pretzels and pfeffernuse.
• Craft: Make Edelweiss hats. You can find step-by-step instructions online at
http://www.ehow.com/how_10041138_make-german-hat-made-out-paper.
html
Netherlands
• Books to Share
Coville, Bruce. Hans Brinker. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2007
Fleming, Candace. Boxes for Katje. Straus and Giroux, 2003.
Noyes, Deborah. Hana in the Time of the Tulips. Candlewick Press, 2004.
Rogers, Gregory. The Hero of Little Street. Roaring Brook Press, 2012.
Woelfle, Gretchen. Katje, the Windmill Cat. Candlewick Press, 2001.
• Food: Serve gouda or edam cheese, licorice, and pancakes.
• Craft: Make a wreath with silhouettes that showcase Dutch themes. Cut
the centers out of large paper plates for the wreath base. Cut out shapes, or
use Ellison die cut shapes, of cheese wedges, ice skates, tulips, or windmills.
Provide glue sticks to attach the shapes to the wreath base. You can also have
children decorate the shapes with markers or crayons, if desired.
Spain
• Books to Share
Evans, Ashley Putnam. Princess Prissypants Goes to Spain. Pink Angel, 2009
Manzione, Lisa. Let’s Visit Barcelona! Bella & Harry, LLC, 2015.
• Food: Serve olives and churros.
224 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumread• Craft: You can have children decorate maracas, which can be purchased from Programs, Events,
Oriental Trading, Discount School Supply, and S&S Worldwide. Or, if your Presentations,
budget is smaller, make the maracas. You’ll need small plastic Easter eggs,
Storytimes
beans, plastic spoons, and decorative tape. Have children put beans into an
egg and close it. Place a spoon on either side of the egg, and tape the spoon
heads to the egg. They can also tape the handles of the spoons together to
make a single handle. Then play some flamenco music while they shake their
instruments!
China
• Books to Share
Compestine, Ying Chang. Boy Dumplings: A Tasty Chinese Tale. Immedium,
2016.
Lumry, Amanda. Project Panda. Scholastic, 2008.
McClintock, Barbara. Lost and Found: Adele & Simon in China. Straus &
Giroux, 2016.
Yun, Yeo-rim. Liang’s Treasure. Big & Small, 2015.
• Food: Serve dumplings and almond cookies.
• Craft: Everyone loves a panda, so have children paint a panda face. Find
step-by-step instructions online at http://www.craftymorning.com/fork-print-
panda-bear-kids-craft/
Passport to the World F
Create a series of programs that explores different cultures or geographic regions.
Invite families to participate. Solicit help from community members who have
unique cultural backgrounds who can be featured as guest speakers. Make a passport
that families can bring with them to the library and get a stamp for every program
that they attend.
Pinterest Night A
Host an adult Pinterest night. Provide a variety of crafts to choose from. Search for
supplies at the local dollar store. You can also ask patrons to bring any craft supplies
they may have to supplement your supplies, such as glue guns, ribbon, yarn, and
other things they might be willing to share or donate.
Pop-up Storytimes A
Host storytimes at unique locations throughout the area. Work with local
organizations and businesses to determine high traffic times. Consider farmers
markets, craft fairs, children’s museums, zoos, and forest preserves. You might
consider finding books that relate to the organization’s theme, such as a book about
farmers for the farmer’s market.
Postcard Challenge F
Display a map of the United States and a world map. Distribute postcards that
you have addressed to your library. Encourage patrons to mail you a postcard from
wherever they travel this summer (because Reading Takes You Everywhere!). Display
the postcards on the map for everyone to see. Your goal is to receive a postcard
from every state and as many countries as possible. You can also provide slips
with the library’s address so people can purchase postcards with pictures of their
vacation spots.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 225Programs, Events, Postcard Craft C
Presentations, Provide blank postcards for children to design. Have them color a picture on the
Storytimes front of a place they would like to visit. Then show how to address a postcard.
Display the postcards on a bulletin board.
Reading at Hogwarts C T
Divide your readers into different Hogwarts houses. You can use an actual house
sorter or patrons can pick a house from a hat. Each participant will earn points
for their respective house by reading books. Librarians will be the heads of the
houses. The heads of the houses will provide reading suggestions for their readers. If
participants read the suggestions, the house will get extra points. The winning house
will win the Tri-Reading Cup. This is a great program to combine readers from
different grades and schools to work toward a specific goal.
Reading Takes You Everywhere! T F
Where are we? Take several photos of library staff reading at different places in the
community. It could be at the local animal shelter, Story Walk, park or dog park,
little league game, or any other nearby location. Post photos on Facebook, and have
followers guess where you are. You could also partner with your local newspaper, and
post a photo in the newspaper (make it a difficult one to figure out). Provide a prize
for the correct answer.
Reading Takes You Everywhere! Book Club C T
Host a book club at the library featuring a book set in another country. For the
program, include snacks and music from the country where the book is set. As part
of the discussion, talk about what participants learned about the country and what
other places they have “traveled” through books.
Reading Takes You into the Dark C [ages 8–12]
Time for a good, old-fashioned Goosebumps program!
• Activities
Dem Bones Relay Race: Curly, the Goosebumps mascot is in a pickle. His
pieces are all over. Can the kids put him back together again? You will need
a party supply plastic skeleton (readily available around Halloween). Before
the game, disassemble the bones and hide them in various places around the
room. Divide the participants into two teams. Team A will find and assemble
the skeleton from the waist up, and team B will assemble the skeleton from the
waist down. See how long it takes them to put Curly back together again.
Goosebumps Monster Mystery: Have everyone sit in a circle and close their
eyes. Dim the lights. Have someone walk around the circle and secretly tap
one person on the head. This person is the secret monster. Once a monster
is chosen, turn the lights on and have everyone walk around the room and
exchange handshakes. The monster will scare their victims by softly scratching
them on the palm while shaking their hand. The victim will silently count to
10 and then fall to the ground. The rest of the group now has to figure out
who the monster is. Once the person is revealed, the steps are repeated.
Is Your Teacher a Creature?: Create a list of funny attributes that will make
children laugh, such as, Does your teacher spin around when she gets angry?
Make sure these questions are respectful and won’t offend.
Jokes: Have participants create Goosebumps jokes about the books they’ve
read. You’ll be surprised how creative and funny the kids can be.
226 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadMystery in the Dark: This game has to be played with at least five people. Programs, Events,
From a deck of cards, pick out an ace, a jack, and a queen. You will need Presentations,
enough cards for each player to have one in his or her hand. Pass out the
Storytimes
cards (include the ace, jack, and queen), one per player, and tell them not
to show it to anyone. Explain that the person with the jack is the murderer,
the person with the queen is the victim, the person with the ace is the
detective, and all other players are innocent bystanders. The detective leaves
the room while the murderer and victim reveal themselves to the rest of the
group. The victim screams, which is the detective’s cue to enter the room.
The detective asks each person to tell his or her alibi, and players will recite
the exact same thing except the murderer, who will change just one word.
The detective must pay careful attention to each player to figure out the
murderer. If the detective gets it right, they win. If they can’t guess, then the
murderer wins.
Mystery Maze: Create a maze with all those Goosebumps books. If you want
to make a game of it, have players see who can complete the maze in record
time.
Pass the Jack-o’-Lantern: Don’t use your hands! Line up in teams. The first
person in each team is given a mini pumpkin to place under their chin. They
must pass the pumpkin to the next person in line but neither may use their
hands. The first team to get the pumpkin all the way to the last person is the
winner. If the mini pumpkin drops, the person who dropped it picks it up
and continues trying to pass it.
Ping-Pong Pumpkins: This game gets everyone up and moving. Divide
children into teams of two. Give one person ping-pong balls and the other a
plastic trick-or-treat pumpkin, which they will tie to their waist. The teams
line up against separate walls and try to get as many ping-pong balls into the
pumpkin by tossing the ping-pong balls at their partner’s pumpkins. The
person with the pumpkin can run to try to catch the balls but they cannot
use their hands. The winner of this party game is the team with the most
ping-pong balls in their pumpkin.
Return of the Mummy: Make two groups (or three groups if it is a large
gathering). Select one person from each group to be the mummy. Give each
group a roll of toilet paper. When you say go, each group wraps toilet paper
around the mummy participant. The first group that empties their roll of
toilet paper wins. You can also give a prize to the best wrapped mummy.
(Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb, Return of the Mummy)
Spider Web Maze: Are you ready to take your chances in the Spider Web
Maze? This game transforms your room into a giant spider web maze! You
will need one very long piece of yarn for each team or player. Tape one end
of the yarn to a central place, and attach a number to the other end. The
number will correspond to a party favor prize or treat. Then wind the yarn
around your library. Each child grabs a piece of yarn and rolls it up until the
end is found. (Are You Terrified Yet?)
Swamp Crawl: Fill the floor with balloons, and divide the children into
teams. Have them crawl through the balloon swamp without popping any of
the balloons. For every balloon that is popped, give that team a time penalty.
First team to get everyone across the finish line, wins.
Trivia: Have a few volunteers create a Goosebumps trivia contest. As prizes,
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 227Programs, Events, give away Goosebumps books!
Presentations, Whipped Scream: You’ll need lots of plates, whipped cream, and gummy
Storytimes bugs or bubblegum pieces. For each set of two players, place a gummy bug in
the middle of each plate and cover the bug with a big pile of whipped cream.
Players put their hands behind their back, and they try to be the first person
to get the bug in their mouth and show it to everyone. It can get pretty messy
so you may want some paper supplies like paper towels to clean up. You may
also want to put down newspaper or plastic tablecloths to control the mess.
(The Girl Who Cried Monster)
• Crafts
Fake Wounds: Materials: Vaseline, toilet paper, cotton swabs, red and green
food coloring, cocoa powder. To make the wounds: Have the children rub
Vaseline on a spot on their arms or hands and place a small piece of rolled-up
toilet paper on top. Have them rub a bit more Vaseline over the toilet paper.
Use a cotton swab to rub either red or green food coloring over the toilet
paper; then sprinkle the “wound” with cocoa powder. (Note: This will not
dry, so make sure children don’t rub the “wound” on anything.)
Make a Haunted Mask: Provide glow-in-the-dark paints, paper plates,
markers, scissors, and other craft supplies so children can create their own
visions of ghouls and goblins.
Monster Blood: Make slime with a cornstarch base, and add glow-in-the-
dark paint for added scare factor!
Other craft ideas: Shrunken head pop-up cards, tarantula bracelets,
clothespin bats
Slime: There are many recipes on the Internet to make homemade slime.
Provide supplies and small containers for children to take some home.
• Food
Bloody Brain Salad: Brain gelatin molds are available, or make a red gelatin
and add fruit.
Eyeballs: Make deviled eggs with olive slices and decorated cupcakes.
Putrid Punch: Any punch recipe can be renamed putrid punch!
Tasty Eyeball Treats: Let children make their own eyeball treats by providing
chocolate sandwich cookies, gummy circles, chocolate chips and mini candy-
covered chocolates, red frosting, and pull-n-peel licorice.
Worms in Blood: Add gummy worms to red gelatin cups.
Worm Guts: Make a pasta salad with spaghetti, and add cut-up vegetables
and cheese. The spaghetti strands are the worms.
• Handouts: Hand out coloring sheets from different Goosebumps books.
Provide markers and crayons.
Reading Takes You to Fantastic Worlds C [ages 9–12] T
Take kids and teens to fantastical worlds with programs to Narnia (The Lion, the
Witch, and the Wardrobe), Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings), and more!
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Read part of the book to introduce everyone to it. Create character flip cards,
detailing the main characters in the book. Have everyone talk about the book, and
provide time to have questions and answers.
228 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumread• Games/Activities Programs, Events,
Trivia Challenge: Have a person familiar with the books create a trivia test. Presentations,
Have people form teams to answer questions. Award a small prize to each
Storytimes
winning team member.
Freeze Tag: This is played like regular freeze tag, but the White Witch is it.
Dufflepud Tag: The game starts with all players hopping on two feet,
except the person who is It hops on one foot. Once the person who is It tags
someone, that person is also It and has to hop on one foot and try to tag
people. Keep going for a certain amount of time or until the whole group are
Dufflepuds.
Who Am I?: Print out strips of paper with characters’ names. Tape a name on
each person’s back, and have them ask other people questions to try to figure
out who they are. This is a great way to introduce kids to each other.
Narnia Charades: Come up with different scenes from the book, and write
them on slips of paper. Have people play in teams to act out the scenes.
Narnia Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure map, and hide small items around
your library. Have children work in teams, or if you don’t have many
participants, they can work by themselves. You can award a prize for the team
that completes the treasure hunt first. Find 12 hidden items: bags of taffy,
swords, juices of fireflowers, bows, crowns, lanterns, capes, sacks of potatoes
(wrapped in burlap and string), a scroll of parchment paper with clues for
next game, flute, Narnian book, loaf of bread.
Pin the Crown on the Lion: Create a large lion, maybe by enlarging a photo
on a copier. Or have teen volunteers draw a large lion. Print out crowns, and
place double-stick tape on the backs. Blindfold children, and have them try
to place the crown on the lion’s head.
Hot Wands: Who stole the White Witch’s wand? Children sit in a circle,
and music plays as children pass the wand around the circle. When the
music ends, whoever is holding the wand is “caught” and is out of the
game. Alternatively, the person can become a prisoner of the White Witch
with a task to perform, such as 10 jumping jacks, cross their eyes, run in
place for two minutes, or other tasks.
Other Ideas: mini archery tournament (with foam arrows), a Mad Libs
game, coat race relay, a crowning ceremony
• Crafts
Toffee Trees: Provide each participant with toffees, a tree branch, and yarn.
Have them tie the toffee to the branches.
Aslan Mask: Have children make masks with either paper plates or
cardboard, markers, and string. You’ll also need to have scissors and glue
available.
Create Shields: Cut shield shapes out of cardboard, and provide markers and
metallic paints and paintbrushes. Have participants draw and paint or color
their shields. Tape or glue a wide ribbon to back of shield for handhold.
Banners: Have participants cut out banners from felt. They can decorate the
banners with either cutouts or paint.
Crowns for Kings and Queens: Have children cut out crowns from paper
or heavy paper, and let them color and decorate the crowns. You can provide
glitter glue, plastic gems or beads, and markers.
2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program www.ila.org/dodsumread • 229Programs, Events, Race Through Narnia Board Game: Participants can design and create their
Presentations, own board game based on the book. Have them make the game as a team,
and then let them play it.
Storytimes
Snowflake Bookmarks: You can cut out snowflake shapes or let children cut
out their own shapes. Glue the snowflakes to the top of a cardboard rectangle
for a bookmark.
• Food: Provide some book-themed treats, such as Turkish delight, fairy cakes,
bread or toast with marmalade or honey, crystals (sugar crystal candy), whipped
cream fool, sherbet, ice cream snowballs (roll ice cream balls in coconut), hot
chocolate, sugar-topped cake, or sticky marmalade rolls.
• Other Ideas: Decorate a large box like a wardrobe for children to walk
through. Make a handout to give participants when they leave about how to
make many colored sugar. Have children try to draw a map of Narnia. Other
handouts could include a crossword puzzle, word hunt, scrambled Narnia
names, and a Narnia-themed maze.
Reading Takes You Through Time and Space T F
Geek out with Doctor Who and Star Wars programs, or stick closer to home with
programs about settling on Mars (Black Hole Sun, The Martian) or living on the
moon (172 Hours on the Moon, This Place Has No Atmosphere)!
Star Wars
• Activities
Lightsaber Training: With foam lightsabers (pool noodles would also work),
participants must keep balloons from hitting the floor.
Lightsaber Training 2: Hit practice balls (plastic golf or ping-pong balls)
with lightsabers.
Carbonite Search: Han Solo is temporarily blind after being thawed from
carbonite. Each child has a chance to be Han. Place five items in bags and let
each blindfolded Han try to figure out what the items are. Variation: Put five
items in a box and have the kids feel around inside and list what the items are.
Sith Droid: Play hot potato with a ball that is painted black and silver.
Who Am I/Escape Vehicle: Have headband for each participant, and tape a
character or vehicle from Star Wars on it. Put the headband on each patron
when they come in, not letting them see the picture on the headband. The
other players can give the person one clue each and the person has to guess
which character or vehicle it is.
Movie Trivia: Create a trivia game that children can play in teams or singly.
Have a small prize for each member of the winning team or single winner.
Proton Torpedo Toss: Use a Velcro dartboard as the thermal exhaust port
of the Death Star. See if players can get their proton torpedoes (Velcro balls)
into the port to blow up the Death Star.
Luke Skywalker Treasure Hunt: Each hidden Luke has a letter. Unscramble
the letters to solve a puzzle.
Star Wars Charades: Write scenes from the movies, and have teams act them out.
WAMPA: Make a Star Wars Bingo game.
What Happens Next?: Have participants tell you what they think should
happen after Return of the Jedi.
230 • 2018 DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program • www.ila.org/dodsumreadYou can also read
