Camp-to-Go: Living Room Gaga: Camp Activities You Can Do at Home This Winter Break

Abrams Author
2 days ago
2 min read

Missing camp already? Same. That’s why we’re launching Camp-to-Go, a mini menu of camp-inspired, screen-free activities you can do right at home.

Each idea below is quick to set up, easy to repeat, and kid-approved. Try one (or all four), snap a pic, and tag us so we can cheer on your living-room Gaga champions, bracelet designers, dancers, and tiny chefs.

Living Room Gaga

If your kid has ever come home talking about Gaga, this is the one. You do not need a Gaga pit to get the energy. All you need is a “boundary,” a soft ball, and a little room to move.

Time: 10–20 minutes

Best for: Ages 5+ (adjust rules for younger kids)

You’ll need:

Painter’s tape (or pillows / couch edge as a boundary)
A soft ball (foam or playground ball)
Optional: a timer

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhYcTY4je4I

Setup

Tape a big circle on the floor (or make a rectangle if space is tight).
Everyone starts inside the boundary.

How to Play

Start position: Everyone begins with one hand touching the boundary (a wall, couch, or the taped line).
Serve: Toss the ball into the middle. On the first two bounces, everyone chants “Ga, Ga” and on the third bounce it’s “Ga!” Then play starts.
Hit only: Players hit the ball with their hand(s). No holding, throwing, or carrying.
Get out: If the ball hits you at or below the knee, you’re out for that round and step outside the boundary.
Win: Last player standing wins (or call it a tie when you run out of breath).

Make it safer indoors

Use a foam ball or rolled socks.
Add a “no high hits” rule: the ball must stay low.
If you have mixed ages, let younger kids re-enter after 30 second

Camp-style variations

Coach’s Choice: Winner gets to pick the next rule (one round only).
Freeze Gaga: When a grown-up says “freeze,” everyone stops for 3 seconds, then play resumes.
Team Gaga: Pair up and try to protect your teammate.