Nature Activity: Raccoon Teepees

Typically, raccoons don't build their own dens. They can make a cozy home almost anywhere: in a tree hollow, an old squirrel's nest, or even in a pile of brush. We decided to make them a teepee.

One thing that I want to stress, is that we didn't use anything that was still alive - all our materials were gathered from the forest floor: sticks, leaves, pine needles, bark, etc.

Start by gathering plenty of sticks, preferably in similar thicknesses. Break them down until they're all about the same length. Branches with forks will be especially handy later.

This time of year is perfect for this project, when the forest floor is a thick mat of pine needles and fallen leaves. You can shove your sticks into this "carpet" to secure them. Arrange them to form the base of your teepee. Use the forks in your branches to help hold other sticks in place. Don't forget to leave an open space for a doorway!

tipi base

weaving teepee

weaving with natural materials

Once you have a sturdy, conical base, start weaving leaves, pine needles, etc. in between your branches. Encourage kids to get creative with their materials. How would you use ferns as opposed to Beech leaves? Could you find something to make a doorflap? Just have fun with it!

Wanderer's Tip: This can also be a great project to teach beginning survival skills. If your child is ever lost or stuck in the woods, they can create a shelter similar to this one. Covering an emergency shelter with birch bark makes the structure highly water-resistant as well.

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