An outdoor hideaway for young adventure-seekers

Branches and a sheet provide the framework for a simple tent for summer escapades

as days grow warmer and showers fade away, the lure of the outdoors spurs Charlie, Josh and Tom to build their own base from which to explore the countryside. Armed with sturdy branches and a large sheet, they are able to build a simple open-ended tent on a flat sweep of grass, providing them with a sheltered meeting place from which to plan adventures. Help is needed to cut the branches to size, and it is important that the tent is erected in a safe spot, with the approval of parents. A thick blanket makes a dry and comfortable ground covering for their summer den.

materials

Four branches for the two openings of the tent, slightly longer than the boys’ height to allow them to kneel down inside. Three longer branches for the roof pole and two base poles. Two more branches to fit diagonally across the tent walls Old bed sheet long enough to cover the frame and secure under the base poles Twine Scissors Blanket or spread for ground cover

1. Step 1: Josh selects two branches of equal length and crosses them at the top to form a triangle. The base should be wide enough for the boys to pass through easily.

2. Step 2: While Josh holds the crossed branches in place, Charlie wraps twine tightly around the poles and ties them firmly together.