Making Rainy Days Just as Fun: Backup Plans for Bad Weather

Rain clouds may roll in, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! At camp, flexibility and creativity are your best friends, especially when the weather throws you a curveball. With the right planning, rainy days can actually become some of the most memorable moments of the summer.

Here are some creative and camper-approved ideas to turn gloomy skies into glowing smiles:

☔ 1. Indoor Camp Carnival

Bring the excitement inside by transforming your lodge or rec hall into a mini carnival! 

🎪 Think: ring toss, face painting, balloon animals, and popcorn machines. 

🎟️ Bonus: Give each camper a “carnival ticket” to trade in for small prizes.

Example: One camp created a “Camp Arcade” using cardboard box games made by staff—campers loved it so much, they requested it again on a sunny day!

🎭 2. Camp Skit & Talent Show

Let your campers shine by hosting an impromptu talent show or skit night. 

🎤 Encourage creativity with costumes, props, and silly awards. 

💡 Great for mixed-age groups and helps build camper confidence!

Example: A camp once ran a “5-Minute Film Fest” where cabins created quick skits, recorded them on a phone, and projected them movie-style.

🎨 3. Craft-A-Palooza

Pull out the googly eyes and glitter—it’s time for a rainy day craft explosion! 

🖍️ Offer both structured and open-ended activities: friendship bracelets, rain sticks, tie-dye bandanas, or mini journals. 

🎨 You can even create a camp-wide art gallery when the sun returns.

Example: One camp created a “Rainy Day Art Wall” where campers could display their masterpieces for the whole session.

🕵️ 4. Indoor Adventure Challenge

Design a multi-room scavenger hunt, obstacle course, or escape room-style puzzle challenge. 

🔍 Include clues, riddles, and challenges to get kids moving and thinking. 

📦 Use cabin areas, dining halls, or even hallways creatively.

Example: A camp made a “Lost Camper Mystery” where each clue was a camp-related riddle leading to a safe (and dry!) rescue mission.

📚 5. Cozy Chill Zone

Sometimes, campers just need a little downtime. Set up a quiet space with books, board games, coloring sheets, and chill music. 

🧘 Great for campers who may feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by indoor energy.

Example: One camp added a "Camp Café" theme with cocoa, quiet jazz music, and journals—staff even acted as café baristas!

🌈 Final Thought:

Rain doesn’t have to ruin the day—it can redefine it. With thoughtful backup plans and a little imagination, rainy days can become a chance to slow down, connect, and get even more creative than usual. Just don’t forget the towels and a good playlist!

☀️ Want more planning tools to help your team stay ready, rain or shine? LookSee helps camp directors streamline schedules, staffing, and communication—no matter what the weather looks like.

Would you like a short caption for Facebook or LinkedIn to promote this post? I can whip that up too!