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child’s play

Is there a kid anywhere who does not jump for joy at the prospect of painting all over someone’s body?

Is there a kid anywhere who does not jump for joy at the prospect of painting all over someone's body? This activity only works on a hot day and must be done outside. Collect tempera paint in three or four bright colours and paintbrushes. Have the kids put their bathing suits on and, before you start, clearly state the simple rules:

1) No painting anyone who does not want to be painted on.

2) No paint above the neck.

3) No going inside once you start this activity, so everybody go pee first.

You may want to bring a snack and some juice outside with you. This is more fun for the kids if the grownups participate too, so get your own bathing suit on. Once outside, let the kids go wild painting each other – and you. When painting has run its course, run through the sprinkler to start washing it off and use the garden hose to finish the cleanup job.

Joanne Kates is the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park

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