Grab a ziploc(TM) bag, put your camera in it, and poke a hole in it for the lens to stick out. That will keep it from drowning when it rains (but won't help at all if you drop it in a puddle or river).
Smallish beanbags are great for when you want to rest the camera on a fence or something but want it to be more stable, as well as giving it some protection from whatever rough surface you're resting it on.
