Balloon Platoon

No matter how rough the waters get, the fearless crew aboard this inflatable toy raft will stay high and dry.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Styrofoam tray
	Long balloon
	Rubber bands
	Paper clips
	String
	Ping-Pong balls
	Permanent marker
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Cut an oval base from a clean Styrofoam tray (it should measure about 9 inches in length). Poke six holes through the base about 3/4 inch in from the edge.
2. Inflate a long, thin balloon (the type you can twist into animal shapes) until the inflated part measures 24 inches. You may need a bicycle pump or a handheld air pump (sold at many department stores). Tie overhand knots at each end of the inflated portion.
3. Slip six rubber bands around the inflated balloon. Then, tie together the knotted ends of the balloon to form an oval.
4. Place the balloon on the oval base and thread an attached rubber band through each of the holes in the Styrofoam. Attach paper clips (as shown) to keep the rubber bands from slipping back through.
5. Finally, tie on a long string for a towline and assemble the passengers (just draw faces on Ping-Pong balls with permanent markers).