Make Poi in 5 Easy Steps

Fire-spinning has become a sensation at the Bay with our campers delighting in performances put on by our counselors every final camp night.

The tradition has become so popular, our campers have joined in the shows and have brought new tricks to the game.

Before you start spinning with fire, you use poi to practice your routine. Poi originates from the Maori people of New Zealand and has spread across the globe. Poi is the Maori word for 'ball' on a cord. Maori women used Poi to keep their hands flexible for weaving and men for strength and coordination during battle. The practice was also seen in beautiful dance ceremonies where the poi was put on fire and phenomenal images emerged as they swung rhythmically.

Here are 5 easy steps to make poi

What you will need: 

• String or shoelaces
• Black plastic bags 
• Scissors 
• Ruler
• A4 paper or rice 
• Rubber bands 
• Sellotape

Method: 

Step 1: Pour the rice into the plastic bag until it is the size of your fist and tie the ball with a 

            rubber band at the top. 

Step 2: Cut the plastic bag into an A6 size, cover the ball and tie at the top with sellotape. 

Step 3: Take the braided string or shoelace and sellotape it on top of your poi. 

Step 4: Swing the poi around to make sure the string is tied tightly to the ball. 

Step 5: With your wildest imagination, decorate your poi! 

And there you have it; with these easy steps, you're on your way to becoming the best fire-spinner you could possibly be.

We're always creating amazing crafts at Sugar Bay, follow our Pinterest channel for more art and camp crafts inspiration