An activity box contains the materials, instructions and tools to complete one or more activities. These activities can be centered around a badge, workshop, themed event or even a specific location. The first step to finding, using and creating activity boxes is to learn about them.
NOTE: Unlike subscription boxes, activities boxes can be used many times for multiple children. The end user may need to provide materials, but main part of the box remains.
Steps
1. Find.
Find an activity box you can take apart and look at. Be aware they may not be called “activity boxes” though. The Indiana Dunes National Park calls them “trunks.” Campgrounds just call them “boxes” or “containers.” Note where you have found samples and who / where they came from. This will allow you go to back and ask questions later when you create your own activity box.
2. Contents.
Explore the contents of an activity box. Pay attention to the following:
- Does the activity box cover one activity only?
- Does the activity box cover more than one activity?
- Does the activity box follow a theme?
- Does the activity complete the steps of a badge program?
- Are there recommendations for what it will be used for, how it will be used and where?
- Are items within the box protected from elements, like rain, if the box is to be used outdoors?
- Can items be washed / sterilized?
- Do you need to provide photocopies of originals or are they provided?
- Is there a list of materials the user needs to provide?
NOTE: If an item in your box is too large for your container, is it noted so the person borrowing it knows to grab the additional item(s)?
3. Deep.
When looking at activity boxes, pay attention to the deeper issues. Are safety concerns addressed with the activity box and its contents? Are legal issues addressed or can the contents be adjusted to avoid the issue completely?
Example 1. Harry Potter.
If you want to make an activity box with Harry Potter, you do not want to use the book covers or contents in your box. This is a violation of copyright. This is why you see so many variations of Potter items online . . . everyone creates their own to step away from that violation.
Example 2. Indiana Dunes National Park.
One of the trunks they have includes native birds. Legally, you cannot collect birds to put into the trunk. They avoided this by finding birds that were dead but in good shape and got permission to use them for the trunk.
4. Standards.
An activity box may have a fixed set of criteria or standards if you’re creating one for a group or organization. For example, you may need to use a certain type of container or provide recyclable items. Explore activity boxes and note what the standards seem to be. If there are no standards, develop your own.
5. Storage.
Storing physical activity boxes can be an issue if you have a lot of them. Inconsistent sizes and shapes can make it difficult to organize and store them. In addition, items need to fit in the box or a note needs to be included so items that don’t fit aren’t missed when an activity box is checked out.
Activity boxes may not be boxes. Inclusions might be in a 3-ring binder or an envelope if the items are flat. Explore activity box storage and see what others are using. Which would you use? Do you need more than one type of activity box design that needs to be incorporated? Explore possible storage solutions.
6. Lend.
Explore ways to lend out activity boxes. Are forms for any of these included with the activity box to help in lending?
- Track who has it
- Content checklist to make sure everything is included / returned
- Responsibility list
- Materials list of items the user provides
You may think the box will come back as it goes out, but it may not. Discuss with someone who provides activity boxes the challenges of lending one out.
7. Recreate.
Keep a list of what the kit contains, originals of printables and anything else needed to recreate the box in case it is returned incomplete. It also might be lost or destroyed so you may find yourself recreating the entire box. Planning for this possibility will save you time and stress in the long run.
8. Share.
You can share your activity box contents with others so they can create a replica of your box. This can be especially helpful if your organization has patches, awards, or insignia your activity box covers. You can also create a list as you explore activity boxes of what others put in theirs so you can create one that is similar.
9. Digital.
You may be able to create a digital activity box by collecting the items you need digitally. In this case, your “box” may be a CD, DVD, flash drive or even a ZIP file with everything included. Check out the Enrichment Project badge program “Activity Box Digital” for more information on doing it digital.
10. Test.
Before you do the activity with others, do it yourself. This will allow you to answer questions and determine if everything is correct before you share the box.
You may want to do this with Activity Boxes you have available. Try someone else’s box and test it. What might you do to improve their box? What do you like about their box that you’d like to include in your own?
11. Notes.
As you explore and play with the items, make notes for what you like and you don’t. Ask why the activity box is the way it is to clarify any issues you see. You’ll want these notes for when you build your own activity boxes.
12. Subscription.
While these do cost money, subscription boxes are very popular. You can look at these sites and see what they include in their boxes to see how others build single-use activity boxes. You can find subscription boxes for kids of all ages. Note what is in one if you intend to make a similar one.
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- 0EP_B_BPG_AB Exp_2in_12up_MS1_larajla — generic badge printable
- 0EP_BLIST_AB Exp_MS1_larajla — badge items per membership level
- 0EP_BSET0_AB Exp_MS1_larajla —badge set and related badges
- 0EP_SUPP0_AB Exp_Journal_MS1_larajla — badge journal
- 0EP_SUPP0_AB Exp_Planner_MS1_larajla — badge planner
- 0EP_SUPPL_AB Exp_MS1_larajla — supplements currently available per membership level
Supplement Fun
- N/A
NOTE: See other badges in the Activity Box badge set for more information on activity boxes and creating your own.
Sites to Explore
- scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0709/a-box.html
- www.childcarelounge.com/activity/dramatic-play.php
- recwell.umn.edu/youth-programs/activity-boxes-go
- baketivity.com
- www.bellaonline.com/articles/art67119.asp
- www.battlefields.org/learn/educators/civil-war-traveling-trunk/traveling-trunk-resources
- history.ky.gov/for-educators/traveling-trunk
- www.kiwicrate.com
- www.cratejoy.com
- www.cratejoy.com/box-insider/cool-awesome-subscription-boxes-to-try
- www.subscriptionboxmom.com/free-subscription-boxes
- www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g5093/subscription-boxes-for-kids
- geniusbox.in
- handsonaswegrow.com/how-to-diy-busy-boxes
- www.gswpa.org/en/for-volunteers/online-support-for-volunteers/programs-by-request
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post