12 Forgotten Summer Camp Activities from the ’60s and ’70s That Deserve A Comeback
Before kids were glued to screens and summer meant endless scrolling, camp was a world of adventure, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun. Back in the ’60s and ’70s, summer camps weren’t just about keeping kids busy—they were about teaching resilience, encouraging teamwork, and creating memories that lasted a lifetime.
From silly campfire skits to thrilling canoe races, these long-lost traditions made summer camp feel like a second home. Sadly, many of them have faded into history, replaced by structured schedules and digital distractions. But maybe it’s time to bring them back. Let’s see!
1. Campfire Skits
Few things were as legendary at camp as the evening skits. These goofy, often improvised performances had everyone howling with laughter, whether it was a ridiculous fairy tale reenactment, an over-the-top comedy act, or a counselor’s attempt at a Shakespearean tragedy (which usually ended in fits of giggles).
These skits weren’t just entertainment—they broke the ice, brought shy kids out of their shells, and made campfires feel like mini theater productions.
While modern camps still have their own traditions, the pure joy of watching your bunkmates fumble through an unscripted scene is something that deserves a comeback.
2. Capture the Flag
Before video games turned battles into pixels, kids settled their rivalries on the field in an epic game of Capture the Flag. It was all about speed, strategy, and sneaky moves, as campers darted through the trees, trying to outsmart their opponents and snatch the coveted flag.
This high-energy game wasn’t just fun—it taught teamwork, quick thinking, and the thrill of friendly competition.
Somewhere along the way, structured sports took its place, but let’s be honest: no game captures the adrenaline rush of sprinting through the woods, heart pounding, with victory just within reach.
3. Lanyard Weaving
Ask any former camper about lanyard weaving, and they’ll probably still remember at least one knot technique. Whether it was the box stitch, the cobra weave, or some tangled mess that was still a badge of honor, these colorful creations were the ultimate camp accessory.
Beyond being a great way to keep hands busy on rainy days, lanyard weaving was a quiet bonding activity where friendships were formed over shared thread colors and pattern tips. With today’s emphasis on digital crafting, it’s time to revive the art of handmade camp souvenirs.
4. Nature Scavenger Hunts
Summer camp was a playground for the curious, and nature scavenger hunts turned the great outdoors into an adventure. Armed with lists of leaves, bugs, and oddly shaped rocks, campers explored forests, fields, and streams in search of hidden treasures.
This simple yet thrilling game fostered a love for nature and gave kids a chance to get dirty, get creative, and appreciate the world beyond four walls.
As more kids spend summers indoors, maybe it’s time to bring back the excitement of tracking down the tiniest toadstool or the perfect pinecone.
5. Canoe Races
For campers lucky enough to be near a lake, canoe races were the ultimate test of teamwork. Whether it was a serious speed competition or a hilariously chaotic attempt to stay afloat, these races provided endless fun, wet clothes, and unforgettable moments.
Beyond the thrill of paddling like mad to beat the other team, canoe races helped campers learn coordination, perseverance, and how to laugh off an unexpected capsize. With fewer camps offering water sports today, this beloved tradition is overdue for a comeback.
6. Letter Writing
Believe it or not, there was a time when campers communicated with the outside world through actual letters—written on paper, with pens, and sometimes covered in dirt and mystery stains. Parents cherished these updates (even when they were just “Send more snacks. Love, me.”).
Writing letters home was a rite of passage, teaching kids how to express themselves, share stories, and survive without instant messaging.
While modern campers can text or email, nothing beats the nostalgia of receiving a handwritten letter filled with camp gossip, doodles, and the occasional smudge of s’mores.
7. Tug of War
In a time before fancy fitness challenges, campers measured their strength the old-fashioned way—by gripping a rope and yanking like their lives depended on it. Tug of war was the ultimate showdown, where teams tested their might and teamwork in an all-out battle of determination.
The sheer excitement of the rope tightening, feet digging into the dirt, and the moment when one side tumbled in glorious defeat made this game a camp favorite. While safety concerns led to its decline, it’s still one of the simplest, most thrilling ways to bring a group together.
8. Archery Contests
Before kids were glued to video game controllers, many campers honed their hand-eye coordination with real bows and arrows. Archery contests weren’t just fun—they were a quiet test of patience, precision, and focus.
There was something magical about nocking an arrow, drawing back the string, and watching it sail toward the target.
While some camps still offer archery, it’s often overshadowed by modern activities, but there’s something timeless about this classic skill that turns campers into mini Robin Hoods.
9. Friendship Bracelets
Nothing said “camp besties forever” quite like a handwoven friendship bracelet. Made with colorful threads and intricate knots, these bracelets were symbols of summer bonds, traded like prized treasures.
The beauty of friendship bracelets was that each one had a story—who made it, when it was exchanged, and the promise of staying friends long after camp ended. With DIY crafts still popular, there’s no reason this sweet tradition shouldn’t make a full-fledged comeback.
10. Obstacle Courses
For campers craving a mix of adventure, athleticism, and just the right amount of dirt, obstacle courses were the ultimate challenge. Crawling under ropes, climbing over walls, and swinging across water pits tested both physical endurance and sheer determination.
These courses weren’t just about winning—they were about pushing past limits, cheering each other on, and the thrill of making it to the finish line. As more camps prioritize structured sports, this rugged, laugh-out-loud tradition deserves a second wind.
11. Sing-Alongs
Nothing brought campers together quite like a good old-fashioned sing-along. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the crackle of the campfire set the stage for an evening of music, laughter, and community.
Whether it was folk tunes, classic campfire songs, or an impromptu round of “Kumbaya,” these harmonious gatherings created unforgettable memories.
The magic of sing-alongs wasn’t just in the music—it was in the togetherness. With a strumming guitar and a chorus of enthusiastic voices, even the shyest campers found themselves swept up in the melody.
Over time, however, technology took over, and group singing gave way to playlists and personal earbuds. But for those who experienced it, there was nothing quite like the simple joy of belting out a tune under a sky full of stars.
12. Potato Sack Races
It didn’t take high-tech gear or fancy equipment to keep campers entertained back in the day—all you needed was a burlap sack and a willingness to hop your way to victory. Potato sack races were pure, unfiltered fun, filled with wobbly jumps, hilarious tumbles, and competitive spirits.
With knees tucked inside a scratchy sack, campers bounced toward the finish line, giggling uncontrollably as they tried to stay upright. The real prize wasn’t winning—it was the sheer joy of watching your friends flop into the grass mid-hop.
Over time, more structured competitions replaced these simple, silly games, but anyone who participated in a potato sack race remembers the feeling of exhilaration and the sweet taste of grass from an inevitable fall.