At the end of last school year, I told my students that we would be working on a camping unit.  I planned to use the amazing unit that Cara Carroll from The First Grade Parade created.  The class instantly burst into cheers, they were jumping up and down, high-fiving each other…ummm…they were a little excited! 

Kids LOVE camping.

The idea of sleeping bags, reading in a tent, and learning in a classroom that looked like they were outdoors was so exciting for my students!

They couldn’t stop talking about it. 

I KNEW I had to create an amazing camping room for all of you!  What a way to get kids excited about coming to school and learning! 

I couldn’t wait to get started on this room!

I knew that I needed a TENT.  This was a MUST HAVE for my room.  I also needed a fire, a sleeping bag, bugs, fishing poles, tackle boxes, lanterns, a picnic table, pinecones, greenery, s’mores, and lots and lots of trees!

I could easily create the illusion of a forest with my favorite tree from Creative Teaching Press, but I decided to be different.  I decided to take this shoot outdoors for an authentic camping experience!

I know.  I know.  Some of you are thinking that this shoot is a little unrealistic, but you need to think outside of the box…c’mon you are teachers…you can do this!

This photo shoot is about inspiration. 

What ideas can you take from my pictures and use in your own classroom?  You can use lots of my ideas OR just take a few to create your own unique environment.

Personally, this is one of my favorite themes yet.  I think this would be a magical theme for kids of all ages – something they will remember forever.

Welcome to Camp Learn-A-Lot…

Every camping theme needs a banner to welcome the happy campers as they walk into the classroom!

Every camp needs directional markers…

Camping under the treetops…

Cute sign for your bathroom!

Signs are available in the Schoolgirl Shop.  You can even create your own signs with my new editable files!

Using several Creative Teaching Press trees in your camping themed classroom will make your students feel like they are camping under the treetops!

Pennant banners and a WELCOME banner in plaid make the perfect addition to your camping themed classroom.

More adorable signs from Schoolgirl Style!

Quite frankly, all of these s’mores made me hungry!  As soon as the photo shoot was over, I dove right in! YUM!

The little fire in the background came from Etsy.  It included logs, flames, s’mores, roasting sticks with felt marshmallows, and felt rocks.  Perfect for promoting dramatic play!

Multipurpose labels add a cute detail to this basket…

“We are HAPPY CAMPERS in Room 105”

~Hang outside of your classroom door and create your own sign with my new editable files!~

More editable signs…

The pattern on this nameplate resembles real tree bark…

Multipurpose labels come in plaid, tree bark, and country gingham patterns…

Pennants can be used to label chairs and even create camp pennant flags! ~Pennant flags are editable~

Nameplates in the cute plaid pattern…

Table signs with pinecones hanging from each one!  Details make all of the difference when you are decorating!  ~Table signs are editable~

Tags are available in several cute patterns and they are all editable!

A vintage tackle box used as a way to hold supplies…one of my favorite elements to this theme!

Print is available in the Schoolgirl Style Shop!

How cute are these bags?!?  Each bag is filled with graham crackers, a marshmallow, and a snack size Hershey bar.  Perfect for the first day of school!

~Tags available in the Schoolgirl Style Shop~

Another inspirational print to match your camping themed classroom!

Using wicker baskets creates a nature themed vibe in your classroom…

Baskets from Really Good Stuff in dark green…

This tent is from Rosenberry Rooms.  You can choose wood color and fabric color.  They had everything from this natural burlap fabric to even pink fabric!  You can create your own look to match your decor!

This would be perfect for your reading area!  I love the “campfire stories” sign hanging from the tent!

This fire came from Etsy as well.  Only $18 for the set!

The red chairs are from Five Below – everything is $5 or less!

When I taught Kindergarten and First Grade, I always felt like I was constantly passing out Band Aids.  For some reason, Band Aids have magical powers and can cure anything!  I decided to put my Band Aids in a central location and let the children take as needed.  I was no longer stopping instruction to pass out Band Aids!  My parents donated boxes of Band Aids at the beginning of the school year.  I created this First Aid jar with that in mind!  One of the best ideas ever…

Nameplates in the country gingham pattern.  Nameplates are also editable!

The picnic table was originally primary colored, but I spray painted it with paint designed for plastic to match my décor!

Banner letters and Word Wall labels…

Camp Learn-A-Lot Shopping Guide

All printables, tags, labels, banners, signs, pennants, and prints available in the Schoolgirl Style Shop!

Photography by the fabulous E’lisa Campbell from E.C. Campbell Photography in Rochester Hills, Michigan

Apple Tree:  Creative Teaching Press –  CTP 4042

Green baskets from Really Good Stuff

Logs/Flames purchased from Etsy (kidnaroundcreations and ifeltitup)

Tent – Rosenberry Rooms

Vintage lanterns, tackle box, picnic basket, thermos, Campfire Marshmallow tin – Etsy

Wicker baskets – Joann Fabrics

Woven baskets, picture frames, pinecones, greenery – Hobby Lobby

Bugs, bug catchers, bug jars – Dollar Tree

Red chairs – Five Below

Sleeping bag – Target

Bark covered vase – Save on Crafts

A special thank you to my fantastic neighbors, Jim and Eileen Unger for allowing me to use their backyard for this amazing shoot!