June 29 + Water + Dirt + You + Children = International Mud Day

By Dexter Lane, Nature Explore Program Writer and Consultant

In our last post we met children in a Nepalese orphanage and at an Australian school. The Australian six and seven year olds, concerned that some children in Nepal couldn’t play with mud because they had only one set of clothing, took action. They raised and sent 1,000 Australian dollars to the children in Nepal.  International Mud Day was born.

Since that day at the orphanage, celebrations of International Mud Day have spread throughout Nepal, and in many other countries, including the US.  Perhaps some of you have celebrated International Mud Day with the children in your lives, whether at school or at home.

The venue for the first International Mud Day was an 8,214 square foot field, which had been rained on the night before. But you don’t need that much space.  You can celebrate in just about any space. Here are some great ideas for sharing the joys of mud with children wherever you are.

In the comments section below, please give us your suggestions for mud-based activities, large or small.

Mud Painting:

Use mud instead of paint. Needed are easels, cups of mud, sponges and/or brushes.

Huge Field of Mud:

Go for it!

Mud Face Painting:

Apply with Q-tips from cups of mud. Be sure to have hand mirrors handy so children can see the results, or guide the painter.

Barefoot Walk:

Using roll paper, lay a long sheet on the ground. Mud Walkers dip their feet in mud (made in a tub or some other similar container), and walk the walk.

Mud Splatter Painting:

Throw small mud-balls at paper hung on a wall, or throw mud-balls in the air to land on paper lying on the ground.

Mud Texture Table:

Spread mud on a tabletop and make designs as in finger painting.