To play this version, the cop simply never turns around, but stays facing the children throughout the game. This variation is useful for very young children that need to be watched at all times. This is a fun variation where kids may move on “yellow light,” but only in slow motion. The traffic cop can use all three commands and turn around on “yellow light” to ensure that everyone is moving slowly. On “yellow light,” anyone moving at “green light” speed or stopping completely will be sent back to the starting line. This is a lot of fun with older kids because you can trick them. Since they are used to “red light” interchanging with “green light,” they are likely to move on a repeated “red light,” expecting it to be a “green light.” This forces everyone to pay close attention and makes the game more challenging. The traffic cop simply faces away from the kids and acts as if they will say, “Green light,” but then quickly turns around and says, “Red light” instead, surely catching a few kids off guard.  You can warn the kids that you will be adding multiple “red lights” so that they know to look out for it. You can do a few times where you alternate “red light” and “green light” as usual, and then suddenly do two or even three “red lights” in a row to add to the surprise. Since kids normally run forward on “green light,” a fun variation is to change from running to a different activity, such as  skipping, hopping, crawling, crab walking, or walking backwards. The traffic cop should announce the form of movement before calling, “Green light,” so that everyone knows how they will move. Any child not doing the appropriate movement will be sent back to the starting line. Let the traffic cop be the finish line and have them move around throughout the game. This will constantly change the scope of the game and will make it more challenging. A moving finish line can be a lot of fun and kids will constantly have to try to keep up. The traffic cop could take several steps away from the kids on each “green light” so that the kids have even more distance to cover.

Summary: Play with the cop watching the players. Add a “yellow light” command. Allow for multiple “red lights” in a row. Choose a different form of movement. Make the traffic cop mobile.


Fill the jar with as much milk as you like in your drink. However, since you need room for the milk to expand and foam, do not fill the jar more than halfway with milk. Use 2 percent or non-fat milk since these are easier to froth. Place the lid on the jar. Shake the jar vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the milk has frothed and doubled in size. Remove the lid. Place the jar in the microwave uncovered. For a standard 1,000-watt microwave, microwave the milk for 35 to 40 seconds. For a microwave with a higher wattage, only microwave the milk for 30 seconds. Since the jar may be hot, use a dishtowel to remove it from the microwave. Pour the foamed milk into your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as soon as possible.

Summary: Fill a jam or Mason jar with cold milk. Shake the jar for 30 to 60 seconds. Microwave the milk for 30 to 45 seconds. Remove the jar from the microwave.


Prepare the countertop with a good quality bonding primer that will improve paint adhesion when you go to apply your actual paint. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat. Let this second coat dry for 24 hours as well before moving on to the next step.  Because bonding primer tends to be relatively thick, use a foam roller to apply it to make sure you get a smooth application. Most primers will need around 24 hours to dry. However, if the manufacturer’s instructions state a different length of time for you to allow the primer to dry, follow these instructions instead. It’s very important that you mix the paint before applying it, in order to get it at the right consistency. You should wait to mix your paint until right before you plan to apply it.  Although all types of countertop can technically be painted, not all paints can be used on each type. Read the label on the paint you have to make sure it works on the material your countertop is made of. If you’re unsure which type of paint is right for your countertop material, talk to an employee at a home improvement or paint store to find out which type you need. Pour some of the freshly mixed paint into a paint tray, then dip your roller into the tray to get paint on it. Simply roll the roller over the countertop to apply a thin layer of paint. Avoid applying the paint too thickly in any spots; you’ll apply a second coat to the countertop later, so there’s no need to use excess paint here. It will probably take at least 6-8 hours for the first coat to completely dry, but to play it safe, wait a full 24 hours before applying the second coat. Paint the second layer with the roller brush the same way you painted the first layer. If you’re using a paint kit that is specifically meant to resemble stone or granite, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the second layer of coat, since it may be more complicated. Mix your resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then use a separate paint roller to spread it evenly across the countertop. The resin will harden shortly after you apply it and will protect your newly painted countertop from chipping or scratching.  You can buy commercially available resin anywhere painting supplies are sold. Keep an eye out for any bubbles that pop up in your resin as it begins hardening. If you spot any bubbles, even them out quickly with your roller. If they’re already hardened, you’ll have to use a blowtorch to reheat the resin and cause the bubbles to pop.

Summary: Apply 2 coats of primer to the countertop and allow them to dry. Mix your paint with a painting stick. Use a paint roller to apply the first layer of paint to the countertop. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second layer of paint. Seal the paint with countertop resin to finish the job.


Band camp is mainly about combining newly-learned drill sheets with music. If you have it memorized, you will not have to rely on your lyre and can focus on marching and formation. This is especially true for incoming freshmen; more effort will be required to learn techniques of marching - playing music you didn't memorize and marching something you learned a few days ago will not mix well. Not only will this strategy be less stressful, but it will save the band less time working individually.
Summary: Know your music before band camp starts.