Materials

• One dowel for each fishing pole
• One magnet for each fishing pole (the magnets with holes are best)
• String
• Pirate figures
• Fake jewelry, treasure chests, and other booty (but nothing too heavy)
• Paperclips (or small magnets for heavier items)
• Kiddie pool

Instructions

1. Make the fishing poles by attaching a magnet to one end of a string and the the other end of the string to the dowel. The magnet is the “hook”.
2. Attach a paperclip to each treasure and pirate figure.
3. Put the treasures and pirate figures in the kiddie pool.
4. Give each child a fishing pole and let them pull the treasure and figures from Davy Jones locker by touching the magnet to the paperclip.

Tips for Success

• Test Your Materials: Before the game starts, check that the magnets and paperclips (or small magnets) connect well. The magnet on the fishing pole should be strong enough to pick up the items without being too powerful. It’s a good idea to try lifting different treasures to make sure kids won’t be disappointed if they can’t catch their chosen loot.
• Use Multiple Pools: If you have a lot of kids playing, consider setting up more than one kiddie pool. This helps prevent the fishing lines from getting tangled and ensures everyone has enough space to enjoy the game without bumping into each other.
• Stronger Magnets for Heavier Items: If some treasures are a bit heavier, attaching small magnets instead of paperclips might work better. This ensures that the fishing experience is frustration-free for the kids.
• Safety First: Make sure the edges of the pools and the fishing poles are safe for kids. Smooth out any rough spots on the dowels to prevent splinters. Also, keep an eye on the children to ensure everyone plays safely around the water, even if it’s shallow.
• Rotation and Sharing: To give all kids a chance to fish plenty of treasures, consider setting up a rotation or limiting the number of items each child can fish out before giving another child a turn. This encourages sharing and makes sure everyone gets a fair shot at the fun.
• Creative Decorations: Make the pools more exciting by decorating them with blue paper or fabric to look like the sea. You could also place some sand around the pool area and add some seashells for a more authentic pirate treasure hunting experience.

See more information about the Davy Jones Locker game at https://young-catholics.com/1051/davy-jones-locker-game-for-vbs-or-camp/