Ghost Stories around the campfire, costume parades and campsite decorating during the Halloween season is fun for the whole family. Download and print one of these unique camping themed pumpkin carving templates to take along on your trip, Courtesy of your friends at KOA!
KOA Pumpkin Carving Directions
Find a special pumpkin that is ripe, has no bruises, cuts or nicks. Be sure not to carry your pumpkin by its stem; it may break. Plan ahead for easy cleanup. Cover your workspace with several layers of newspaper before carving. Gather some extra bowls for the seeds & membrane. Place your pumpkin in the center of your work space. Be sure to have all your supplies ready before you start.
Kids should have a parent or other adult cut a circle around the stem of the pumpkin for them. They should use a sharp knife with long, sturdy blade for best and safest results. Or, you can do it yourself with a safer, plastic “pumpkin carving” knife available at many supermarkets during the pumpkin season. Parents: knives are very sharp, so make sure that the proper supervision is maintained when the children carve their pumpkins.
Make sure the hole is large enough to reach in and pull out the seeds and stringy membrane. The bottom of the pumpkin could also be cut off instead, this will allow the pumpkin to sit up straight and make removing the seeds easier! When cleaning out the pumpkin, use a soup ladle or other large sturdy spoon to scrape out the seeds.
Look over your pumpkin to determine the best place to carve your KOA Camping design. Tape your KOA Camping Carving template to the pumpkin where you want the camping design to be. Score the design onto the pumpkin by punching through the paper into the pumpkin with a large nail or pin.
Carefully cut out the design following the holes that were “punched” with your plastic knife. When you are finished cutting, simply push out the pieces to view the final results. Now your ready to bring the spirit of camping home! Happy Halloween!