Build a Dam
Can you beat the water?
This is a fantastic challenge for active children who like to get wet! Dam building is a feat of engineering. It’s often a pretty muddy business, but incredibly satisfying. It’s impossible to stand back and watch the kids – you just have to get involved!
Find stones, leaves and sticks to build your dam and try to redirect the water.
![english walks](https://gowildgowest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dam-building-min-1024x768.jpg)
A small stream is an ideal spot to head for, but if there isn’t a good one nearby, you can also beetle out after a downpour and set about redirecting rain water. Building pools and waterfalls, chicanes and fast-running shoots are all par for the course and then having races with leaves or sticks or anything else lying around adds a competitive element.
Preparation:
- Identify a good spot for your dam.
- Stones, sticks and leaves are often naturally deposited along the banks of streams – these are great for dam building.
![kids mini adventure](https://gowildgowest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSC00634-2-min-1024x681.jpg)
Kit List:
- Watershoes/wellies
- A towel can be useful – just in case
Can you build a series of dams across a number of weeks? We like to visit our various dams to check on how long they last for.
![dams](https://gowildgowest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSC00612-2-1024x681.jpg)
Need some inspiration? Learn from the greatest ever dam builders…. beavers! Maybe don’t gnaw the trees though.
Similar ideas:
Whilst you’re building your dam, why not adventure upstream a little, build a rope swing, or set an ambush!?