Patrol Masks

Patrol Masks is a mask-making activity where you design and decorate an animal mask for your Patrol (the team you join when you arrive). Badger, Squirrel, Fox or Hawk, you cut, layer and embellish a mask of your Patrol's animal, then wear it to the night's wild woodland parties so everyone knows exactly whose side you're on.

Think of it as team colours, but with ears. Your Activity Leader is on hand with ideas, templates and the odd emergency glue stick.

The eye mask is the easy classic. It covers the eyes and the top of the nose, and it stays put while you dance. A half mask covers the top half of your face and leaves your mouth clear for chatting, drinking and loudly cheering for your Patrol. A full-face mask goes all in, for maximum drama and minimum recognition.

Most masks are made from card, then built up with felt, paper, feathers, leaves and anything else that says fur or plumage. Elastic or ribbon holds them on, or you can mount one on a stick, masquerade style, for a touch of mysterious elegance.

Pick a template or freestyle your own shape, then cut it out and snip the eye holes. Now for the good bit: turning it into your animal. Pointy ears and a sharp snout for a fox. Bold stripes for a badger. A bushy, cheeky look for a squirrel. Layered feathers and a fierce stare for a hawk.

Add depth with extra layers, then finish with details like whiskers, eye markings and a nose. Fix on elastic or ribbon for a snug fit, and try it on in the nearest reflective surface.

No problem, and it doesn't matter one bit. There's no wrong way to make a badger look magnificent. It's a relaxed, sociable craft, perfect for chatting with your Patrol, swapping ideas and quietly trying to outdo each other. Many people find it a lovely, calm bit of the day before the evening gets loud.

Masks have been part of festivals and celebrations around the world for a very long time, from carnival parades to masquerade balls. Putting one on lets you step into a character for the night, and the rules of everyday life loosen a little. Tonight, you're not you. You're a Hawk. Or a Badger.

You might also like Patrol Paper Lanterns, Flower Headdresses and Pennant Flags.

See all Camp Wildfire activities