Blog Archives
Badge: Printables – My Games
Creativity is needed to create your own games. You can incorporate standards such as cards and dice. Or you might choose to create your own accessories. I’ve provided some printables to start creating your own printable games. The end product is up to you.
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Steps
1. Type of game.
Not all games are created equal. Your game might work well as a board game with rewards for landing on certain spots. Perhaps a quiet word find is more what you are looking for. Look through these choices to start determining what type of game you would like to create.
- Indoor / outdoor
- Quiet / active
- Limited space / unlimited space
- Length of time
- Themed game / one-off filler
- Individual / pair / group
- Learning / just for fun
2. Theme.
Your choice of theme will help determine your colors, style and even how it might be played. You can look for free graphics online to include or even create your own. Determine what your theme will be. Create a color scheme. Collect / make graphics you intend to include.
3. Purpose.
What is the purpose of your game? Adding dice and counting spaces can help lead into a mathematical game. Trading cards can feature historical facts. Decide what you want your game to do. Incorporate these ideas into your theme.
4. Templates.
Templates are a great way to start designing your game. Sometimes you’ll use the template as part of your game, sometimes as a design tool for experimenting with ideas before creating your game. Of course, you can find templates for dice, spinners and other accessories as well.
The AEP supplements for this badge program have a variety of templates you can start with. Start your own archive of templates specific for game creation.
5. Rules.
You’ve played a lot of games. Your kids have as well. Create a list of rules from other games and place into a file so that you have an idea file. You can sort by the types above (Step 1) or any way that makes sense to you.
6. Distribution.
Using the Adobe Acrobat PDF format, distribution is easy. You can keep a clean original and distribute it as well. Create an organization system for your archiving your printable games.
Put it together
7. Rules only.
Some games do not need accessories. For example, “Rock, Paper, Scissors” needs no additional parts. However, a set of rules is a good thing to have on-hand when introducing this game. Brainstorm games that only need a rules sheet. Create one.
8. Printable boards.
Blank board templates can easily be adapted to any theme. By saving the board you create, you can reuse it. Reuse a board game for:
- Birthdays
- Holidays
- Meetings
- Events
- On-hand filler
Take a blank board and create a printable board game you can use more than once. NOTE: You can make your board game more sturdy by laminating, adhering to foam core, etc.
9. Super-size boards.
Looking for a way to direct traffic at an event? Stuck inside with a group of hyper kids? Create a life-size game board. With paper, one sheet counts as a space. You can just use sheets of colored construction paper or mix it up by printing special instructions to mix amongst your regular “spaces.” For younger kids, add a dice with colored sides instead of numbers to your construction paper board.
For fun, AEP has three supplements that are single-page printable spaces to use for life-size games. Incorporate one (or more) of our sets into a game or create your own and play it with your kids.
10. Dice, spinners and numbers.
Dice, spinners and other number generators can be used to move around the board, draw cards, do actions, etc. These items can be adjusted for the age level of your group. For example, young children may find it easier to work with dice that have colored sides instead of numbers (Step 9).
Brainstorm other ways you can have kids include numbers into a game by using paper-created items.
11. Cards.
Cards can add variety to a game — from movement to special effects. They can also be utilized as a trading card. Our ATC template is a great way to create cards. In fact, you might even have each participant at your event create their own unique card and have everyone exchange them as part of a game. Look at how cards can be used as games or incorporated into games.
12. Money.
Putting a monetary twist to a game is another way to change an ordinary game. What would Monopoly be without the money? You can personalize money for an event with a photo, like a birthday party. AEP has a template you can use for this or create your own.
13. Counters and playing pieces.
Depending on your game, you might need counters in a variety of types:
- Individually designed counters that represent players
- Groups of counters, like checkers
- Sets of counters, like chess
Explore ways to create / find your own playing pieces.
14. Mazes.
Mazes can be created simply with a sheet of paper, ruler and pencil. You choose to make it easy or difficult. You can also use a template sheet under a blank sheet and trace the lines you want. Try creating a maze and have someone solve it.
15. Words.
Word games are not only easy to create, there are a plethora of Web sites that allow you to create them. Create the same word game online and by hand. Which do you prefer?
16. Origami.
Folding paper is a great way to create a printable game. From paper airplanes with contests for flying feats to paper footballs, we’ve all played with games and toys we’ve created with paper. Try creating your own cootie catcher / fortune teller.
What’s next?
17. Play test.
Just making a game isn’t enough. You need to test it to make sure others understand your rules, you have all the pieces you need and . . . most of all . . . it is enjoyable. Get a group together to play test one or more of the games you created
18. Party!
Host a party with printable games. These can be ones you found, created yourself, or have everyone create a game at your event.
19. Share.
Share the printable games you find and those you create with others who are interested. Be sure to include the rules and any accessories needed.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_Bingo_Blank.pdf
Blank BINGO-type game cards, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6 — each in two sizes.
SUPP_Boards_Blank.pdf
Blank page-size game boards for customization — 22 to choose from.
SUPP_Boards_SS1.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — standard set of 10 spaces.
SUPP_Boards_SS2.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — active set of 14 spaces.
SUPP_Boards_SS3.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — chaos set of 18 spaces.
SUPP_Dice_Six.pdf
Template and two samples of six-sided dice.
SUPP_Maze_Templates.pdf
Two maze templates to draw your own maze with.
SUPP_Money_Templates.pdf
Eight denominations of play money from $1 to $500 to use as-is or to personalize for your game.
SUPP_Spinner_Templates.pdf
Ten spinner templates . . . from fully blank to ten divided sections.
SUPP_Word_Blank.pdf
Three word game templates — a scramble and two word finds, 10×10 and 15×15.
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Sites to Explore
boardgamegeek.com
boardgames.lovetoknow.com/Create_Your_Own_Printable_Board_Game
jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm
www.boardgameswithscott.com/?p=5
familycrafts.about.com/od/printablegames/Printable_Games.htm
www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/?CFID=736793&CFTOKEN=71752708
freebies.about.com/od/teacherfreebies/tp/word-search-makers.htm
www.toolsforeducators.com/bingo
www.wikihow.com/Hand-Draw-a-Maze
www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Trading-Card-Game
www.ehow.com/print/how_5000381_create-own-printable-board-game.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_4500679_make-folded-paper-game.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_4868894_make-magnetic-games.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_5196792_make-fake-printable-money.html
Badge: Printables – Girl Scouts
When creating and using Girl Scout printables, you already have a theme to follow. However, there are many other choices you’ll need to make.
To help get started on this badge program, see the badge program “Create Printables.”
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Steps
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Preplanning printables
1. Audience.
You may think narrowing down your audience to “Girl Scouts” will make creating / using printables easier. However, you need to determine the level of your users to make sure what you create is age appropriate. Who will you be using your printables?
- Girl Scout Daisies: kindergarten and first grade
- Girl Scout Brownies: second and third grades
- Girl Scout Juniors: fourth and fifth grades
- Girl Scout Cadettes: sixth, seventh and eighth grades
- Girl Scout Seniors: ninth and tenth grades
- Girl Scout Ambassadors: eleventh and twelfth grades
- Girl Scout Volunteers: any over high school
2. Purpose.
Are you using the printables to go with programs such as a specific badge or journey? If so, review the materials so you know what fits with the program before you start. You can then customize your materials to the abilities of your audience.
3. Theme.
If you’re looking for activities for recruitments, events or trainings, concentrate more on age-appropriate printables. You might choose to incorporate the theme of the activities in your printables or remain exclusively with a Girl Scout theme. For example, celebrating Juliette Low’s birthday on October 31 could pull in historical information, generic birthday themes or service that can be done in addition to the celebration itself.
4. Availability and distribution.
Are you sending the files to a Service Unit manager or Council office for output? If so, you need to make sure they can accept your files, have the same fonts and can print for you. If not, you may need to provide fonts, or even graphics depending on how your software works with them. In addition, keep the files on a memory stick or email them to yourself so you have access in case of an emergency. You’ll be able to print them at a local copy shop.
5. Back it up!
Save all the printables you create for Girl Scouts in two locations. One with the information for the event so if you want to do the event again in the future, all the files are with it. Place the second set into a themed area so you can quickly go to it without having to remember the event you used the printables for.
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Specific printables
6. Color sheets.
Color sheets can be an activity to keep girls busy or to get girls into a mindset for receiving information. Check out the Daisy Petals to see two versions of the color sheets (SUPP_2011_DaisyColor.pdf and SUPP_2011_DaisyColorWords.pdf). Look through old Girl Scout materials and find images you can use as color sheets. In addition, some service projects use color sheets. Making placemats for Meals on Wheels is just one option. Also check out samples of service color sheets at “Color a Smile” online.
7. Word games.
Explore the offerings of Girl Scout word games on the Internet. Themes can be vintage Girl Scouts, WAGGGS, or even level-specific programming. Of course, you may want to use Girl Scout holidays like World Thinking Day or Girl Scout Week. Check out our supplements for examples.
8. Puzzles and games.
Puzzles and games may not need a theme. Instead, they may just be used as an additional activity in case the girls complete other activities faster than you anticipated. Having a stash of “what if” activities can allow you to quickly add items to a program.
Check out the puzzle and game supplements available through the AEP. Use this as a starting point only.
9. Icebreakers.
Icebreakers are activities that allow you to learn about yourself and others to help you get comfortable in new surroundings with new people. Check out the AEP supplement SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf and make a printable from one of those ideas or create one based on your own idea. Make sure it takes your Girl Scout theme into account. Try your icebreaker on a group and get feedback on whether it works or if adjustments need to be made.
10. SWAPS.
You can use miniatures or create your own by creating images of larger items and reducing them to a “SWAP” size. Explore cookie box miniatures available online for making as SWAPS. Brainstorm other items you can use as miniatures for swapping.
11. Crafts.
Whether giving directions, ephemera or as templates to work from, crafts utilize printables. Search for printables you can use either to explain how to do a craft or to incorporate as a craft item. Make sure they incorporate the theme you are trying to create.
12. Awards.
From investiture through bridging, printable awards allow you to give your girls a little thing extra to include in their scrapbook or handbook. You can also present awards to parents and volunteers. Search the Web for printable awards or create your own awards to hand out at your next ceremony.
13. More printables.
Review the badge program “Create Printables” and see what other ideas you can add to this list. Share your ideas, findings or completed printables with other Girl Scouts.
14. Girl Scout Traditions.
Check out the Girl Scout Traditions badge set from AEP. Review the programs and supplements to find materials to incorporate even more Girl Scout themed printables.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_2011_DaisyColor.pdf
. Color sheet with new Daisy design
SUPP_2011_DaisyColorWords.pdf
. Color sheet with new Daisy design and copy explaining the petals / leaves
SUPP_2012_Make Your Own Badge.pdf
. Sheets to make your own badges, starting February 2012.
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SUPP_Game_CootieCatcherGS.pdf
. Girl Scout cootie catcher / fortune teller
SUPP_Game_GSfind.pdf
. Girl Scout word find
SUPP_Game_GSlaw.pdf
. Arrange the words to find the Girl Scout law
SUPP_Game_GSpromise.pdf
. Arrange the words to find the Girl Scout promise
SUPP_Game_GSscramble.pdf
. Girl Scout unscramble words
SUPP_Game_GSsudoku.pdf
. Girl Scout sudoku puzzle
SUPP_Game_MakeWords_GS100.pdf
. Make words from “Happy 100th Anniversary” (Girl Scouts)
SUPP_Game_Make Words_GSUSA.pdf
. Make words from “Girl Scouts of the USA”
SUPP_Game_MakeWords_JGL.pdf
. Make words from “Juliette Gordon Low” (Girl Scouts)
SUPP_Game_Scouts_Guides.pdf
. Change the word “Scouts” to “Guides”
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SUPP_Game_Achi_GhanaNigeria.pdf
. Game board for Achi
SUPP_Game_Nim_China.pdf
. Game board for Nim
SUPP_Game_Seega_Egypt.pdf
. Game board for Seega
SUPP_Game_Tapatan_Philippines.pdf
. Game board for Tapatan
SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf
. Directions for numerous icebreakers
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NOTE: AEP Girl Scout printables can be found at www.scribd.com/collections/2837586/Girl-Scouts-Printables; other printables such as the games can be found in Game Printables or AEP Supplements.
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Sites to Explore
www.makingfriends.com/scouts/scouts_girls_paper.htm
www.dltk-kids.com/scouts/index.htm
coloringbookfun.com/girlscouts
www.sstephen.org/girlscouts/d_printables.htm
Badge: Ephemera (revised)
Ephemera is any material that was originally designed to be discarded after use. It includes concert tickets, advertising trading cards, postcards, catalogs, greeting cards, pamphlets, matchbook covers and letters. Some people include old photos. It also includes items that are not printed like watch parts and fabric bits. Ephemera is included in collages, mixed media and altered artwork. Find out where you can get ephemera and what you can do with it.
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Steps
1. Purchasing ephemera.
Ephemera is big business. From mixed media artists to scrapbookers, you can find ephemera available on CDs, as printed sheets or as digital images. Find a few companies who sell ephemera to see the variety that is available. You can also check out eBay for people selling originals.
2. Copyright.
The company that is selling the ephemera may not have rights to the items. Manipulations done to it, which results in a new product, are protected. Compilations are also protected. If you purchase ephemera, make sure you are aware of how you are allowed to use, distribute and / or sell not only the ephemera itself but any items you create with the ephemera. If you own the ephemera, you can use it any way you wish as long as the copyright to the piece itself has expired.
3. Making a collection.
Starting a collection can be free or costly, depending on how you acquire pieces. Explore the “finding ephemera” steps to start and grow your collection. Sort your collection by date, type, colors or any way that works for you.
4. Inspiration.
Your ephemera collection can be used for inspiration when you’re not feeling particularly creative. Look at designs that work or don’t work. What is visually pleasing for you? What don’t you like? What do you like? Try to explain why you feel this way.
5. Crafting with ephemera.
Ephemera can be used with artistic trading cards, scrapbooks and mixed media projects . . . to name just a few. Check out how ephemera can be incorporated in crafts you like to do. Feel free to share your experiences with us.
6. Sharing your collection.
Thinking of sharing? You can trade items, sell them or create digital images to upload or e-mail to others. Find others to share with and provide files / copies they can use. This can be a swap group like swap-bot, one-on-one or with a group of like-minded collectors.
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Finding ephemera
7. Your current resources — free resources.
You are constantly being bombarded with ephemera that you can repurpose (recycle) into art. See the list at the end of this badge program for possible items to collect and use. Add any ideas you have to the list and share with other AEP members.
8. Friends and family — free resources.
Many people save small mementos as reminders of their lives. Ask friends and family if they have small items they’d be willing to part with. Again, use the list at the end of this badge program for reference.
9. Flickr — free resources.
Flickr membership is free. You may need to join groups to get the images. Make sure you load the image and download the highest resolution you can. If you plan on printing it out, the greater resolution will give you a larger image before bitmapping makes it unreadable. Even if you don’t think you’re going to print it out, it is better to spend the time now to get a better resolution image than fight later with the images to get them to a usable size.
After you’ve downloaded and sorted some files, experiment with making a PDF or JPG contact sheet. A contact sheet places small images with the filenames in a grid on a page. This will allow you to browse your images faster.
10. Library of Congress — free resources.
www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html
The Library of Congress has a digital collection of Americana. Check out their items and see if anything appeals to you. You might even recognize a few pieces.
11. Flea market / garage sale / yard sale / auction — pay resources.
You can get ephemera from any of these places. The prices will vary depending on the quality, seller, etc. While it may cost, this is generally less costly than purchasing ephemera online. You will also have the physical pieces, so you can control the digital quality if you choose to digitize your items. Try digitizing by photographing or scanning your items. Clean up watermarks, scratches, and other non-original markings.
12. eBay — pay resources.
eBay and other online auctions not only tend to cost more than locally acquired ephemera, but you also have to pay shipping. You cannot see exactly what you are purchasing until it arrives at your door and you are dependent on the honesty of the seller.
13. Dover Publications — pay resources.
Dover Publications sells printed and digitized ephemera. If you are purchasing ephemera, their offerings are some of the most affordable and diverse. Dover does offer free weekly samples of their publications so you can get lower resolution versions. Review their offerings. You may notice that other companies use their images to resell as their own.
14. What else can you find?
What other resources can you find? Do you have local historians or a section in your local library that you can utilize? Do local museums provide samplings online or in their gift shops? Is there a local ephemera group that will share with you? Share what you find.
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