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How to Make Toy Military Camps Out of Cardboard

Toy soldiers have been popular with children for hundreds of years, starting with wooden figures and morphing into today's plastic soldiers that are available at discount stores everywhere. Children spend hours staging mock battles around the house and yard, running all sorts of pretend scenarios. Soldiers may battle pet dogs or cats, or may fight stuffed dragons in epic clashes. Having military camps where their soldiers can regroup and strategize will enhance their play; these camps can be built out of everyday recyclables in a matter of moments.

Things You'll Need

Gift box for clothing
Tape
Markers
2 empty paper towel rolls
Empty toilet paper rolls
Empty food boxes, i.e. macaroni and cheese
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the camp's fence. Cut a 2-inch square in one side of a gift box's top. This will serve as the main entrance to the military camp. Repeat with the bottom of the box to make the enemy camp's fort. Add a few smaller squares around the perimeter to make look-out spots. Add a back gate, if desired.
- 2
  Tape one paper towel roll to the box. Top with a square of cardboard to form a look-out tower. Repeat with the second camp. Place a few toilet paper rolls in similar positions to form shorter towers. Consider adding a strip of cardboard to the sides to form a set of steps for the soldiers to climb.
- 3
  Form barracks with empty food boxes. Cut doors and windows in several food boxes to give the soldiers places to sleep. Macaroni and cheese boxes laid on their sides make excellent barracks. Add several smaller boxes to form headquarters and offices.
- 4
  Decorate and landscape your camp. Use a red marker to draw a red cross on top of one building to use as the hospital. Put black or gray sidewalks around the buildings for your soldiers to walk on. Add grass or ponds by coloring cut-outs with markers, as well.

Educational Toys