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The Sandcastle Competition is back for 2024! 

Heres some great tips for making yours the winner! 

Building a great sandcastle can be a fun and rewarding activity. Here are some tips to help you create an impressive sandcastle:

Preparation

1. Choose the Right Location:

   • Find a spot with a good balance of wet and dry sand, ideally near the waterline where the sand is moist but not too saturated.
   • Ensure the area is flat and free of debris.

2. Gather Tools:

   • Buckets of various sizes for carrying water and sand.
   • Shovels, both large and small, for digging and shaping.
   • Sculpting tools such as spatulas, palette knives, or even plastic knives and forks.
   • Brushes and straws for detailing and blowing away excess sand.

Building the Base

1. Wet the Sand:

   • Wet sand is key to making a solid structure. Pour water over your sand pile and mix it well until it reaches a dough-like consistency.

2. Create a Strong Foundation:

   • Start with a large mound of wet sand. Pack it tightly by patting and pressing down to ensure it’s solid.
   • The base should be wide and sturdy to support the weight of the upper levels.

Constructing the Castle

1. Build Upward in Layers:

   • Add layers of wet sand on top of the base, packing each layer firmly before adding the next.
   • Carve and shape each layer as you go, working from the bottom up.

2. Use Molds and Buckets:

   • Use buckets or molds to create towers and other shapes. Fill them with wet sand, pack it down tightly, then turn them over carefully and lift the mold away.

Carving and Detailing

1. Carve Out Details:

   • Use small tools to carve windows, doors, and other features. Work slowly and gently to avoid collapsing parts of the structure.
   • Start with larger details and gradually move to finer ones.

2. Add Texture:

   • Use brushes to create textures like bricks or stones on the castle walls.
   • Straws can be used to blow away excess sand and clean up edges.

Tips for Stability 

1. Keep the Sand Moist:

   • Continuously spray or sprinkle water on your castle to keep it from drying out and collapsing.
   • Be mindful of the tide and weather conditions; build your castle above the high tide line to prevent it from washing away.

2. Work Efficiently:

   • Sandcastles are temporary by nature. Work efficiently and take photos of your creation to remember it.

Creativity and Fun

1. Be Creative:

   • Use seashells, rocks, and other beach finds to decorate your castle.
   • Experiment with different designs and styles.

2. Enjoy the Process:

   • Have fun and don’t worry too much about perfection. The joy is in the building process and spending time at the beach.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building an impressive and fun sandcastle!

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