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Building Sand Castles
Home » Summer » Summer Fun at the Beach » Building Sand CastlesYou may have always thought of it as a pastime for kids, but think again! Sand castles have been a joy for people of all ages for many generations, and there are even competitions in which professional sand sculptors organize the sand into something incredible - though it won't be there for long. It takes patience, skill, and creativity; it's great for kids and adults; and the fun is free. Building sand castles can be a charming way to spend a summer at the beach. Have contests with friends to see who can build the biggest and the best, or just finish the fastest. For a quality castle, follow these steps:
• Decide what you want your castle to look like, and maybe sketch it briefly.
• Find the perfect spot for the castle - near enough the water to easily get to it but not where the tide will destroy your art.
• Dig a hold deep enough that you reach the dark and moist sand underneath. You'll want a big enough area to build the your castle in, so plan ahead.
• Working quickly so that it stays wet, scoop wet sand into the center of your creating area.
• Build towers by packing down wet patties of sand (Be careful. Pounding the sand will destroy your attempts.) and stacking them on top of one another.
• Build walls by gently shaping the wet sand into "bricks" and stacking them.
• Gently shake the pieces as you place them so that the loose sand settles, and poor water lightly over each of your pieces so that it can be sealed.
• Carve details and designs into the castle with plastic silverware, a tiny trowel, or any other makeshift tool.
• When you're done, dig a moat around your castle. This will protect it from any light waves.
Related Summer Fun at the Beach Articles
- Summer Fun at the Beach Overview
- Relaxing in the Sun
- Playing in the Water
- Summer Sports on the Shore
- Building Sand Castles