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Badge: Photo Scavenger Hunt – Youth

2012/07/30 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Photo Scavenger Hunt - YouthThis badge program builds upon Photo Scavenger Hunt, incorporating specifics for adjusting a scavenger hunt for younger kids as well as highlighting possible themes / lists you can use for a hunt designed for their age group.

 

 

Steps

 

Adjustments for youth

1. Supervisory adults.

Each team will need at least one adult – two are recommended. In case of emergency, this allows one adult to respond while one gets help / keeps the rest of the kids together. Often, you’ll be able to get parents to volunteer as long as they know the length of time they’re needed and what you expect them to do. All pre-teens should have supervision at all times. Determine the radio of adults to kids for your hunt.

2. Limited location.

When you are having a photo scavenger hunt for kids, you need to limit your location area. A single park, indoor shopping mall, etc. is a good place for younger kids as they are in a contained area and drivers are not needed. Brainstorm places locally where you might be able to host a hunt for kids.

NOTE: If you decide to do a larger area that requires transportation for your kids, be aware of state and federal regulations as you may need to acquire a safety seat for each child. The vehicle size may restrict the size of your teams.

3. Limited duration.

The optimum duration of your hunt is dependent on the age / maturity of your audience. Plan on no more than two items for every year of your scavenger’s age. Very young kids (preschoolers) have a shorter attention span than a sixth grader. Decide if you are going to limit your participants to one or two ages or if you’re going to make teams with older and younger kids within the pre-teen years so that the older kids can help / encourage the younger ones.

4. The list.

Some of your participants may not be able to read. You could provide photos / sketches for them or actual colors / shapes to find. Think of other ways to make the list more accessible to younger scavengers.

5. Incorporating storytelling.

Everyone loves a good story, especially kids. If you can find or create a story to go with your hunt, it becomes more interesting to your scavengers. Look through books they read, watch cartoons they see or look online to help craft storylines.

 

Themes for youth

6. Alphabets.

For kids, alphabets are a great way to reinforce use their knowledge. You might ask for a photo of each letter alone or create unique alphabet with the letters they find.

You can give them a list of letters and have them take pictures of items that begin with the letter and write the word down that goes with the photo. Bonus points might be awarded for getting more than one thing that begins with that letter.

Lastly, you can make it more challenging by limiting what they can photograph. For example, you might have them take pictures of street signs with street names that begin with the different letters of the alphabet.

What other ways could you use alphabets in a photo scavenger hunt?

7. Animals.

Everyone loves animals. Local zoos or farms would allow you to keep the kids in a limited area while still giving them the ability to explore. You will need to visit the area before the hunt to make sure your list covers the animals available for photos.

For an animal scavenger hunt, you might provide silhouettes for them to interpret and find the animal that match. You might give them words for the animals. Instead of naming the animals, you might want to define the animals differently by age, family group or habitat. Brainstorm ways to incorporate animals into a scavenger hunt.

8. Art and sculpture.

Does your town encourage the arts? Do they have an art museum or an exhibit in your town? Do they have sculptures or other pieces of art in public locations? Does your local school or church display art created by the kids? By asking for photos of different types of art, shapes, colors or techniques (for the more advanced), you can find a multitude of ways of using art for a photo scavenger hunt.

You may even want to turn this around by asking the kids to take photos of their town and then creating a collage of all the photos. Identify items within the photos and have them search the collage for those items. What other ways can you think of using art for a photo scavenger hunt?

9. Color.

Color is a great thing for kids to find on a scavenger hunt. You can use pieces of construction paper to identify the colors if your age group can’t yet read.

Photo scavenger hunts can revolve around one color or taking pictures of multiple colors. You can use this to start a discussion on variations within a color. Alternately, you can take the photos once the kids take them of a single color and ask them to arrange them from lightest to darkest. How else might you use colors on a scavenger hunt?

10. Food.

All kids can relate to food. Whether in a supermarket, farmer’s market or a food court, there are a lot of food items that can be photographed. You may want to have the kids identify vegetables or fruits by color, shape or texture. Travel to local shops and find out what they have available. You might even be able to add an element or two to make it more fun like a stuffed bunny holding a stuffed carrot for one of your vegetables.

11. Shapes.

Shapes give you another easy way to run a photo scavenger hunt. It allows the kids to explore the ways shapes are used in signs, architecture and more. Try getting photos of one shape or a variety. What might you do with the photographed shapes the kids take?

12. Holidays.

Holidays are a great time to take photos. People decorate their yards, public buildings put up displays and schools feature all sorts of items made by their students. There are a lot of photo opportunities.

Some ideas for a holiday-themed hunt include:

  • Tree ornaments
  • Easter eggs
  • Hidden hearts
  • Elements that visually represent the holiday
  • People celebrating the holiday

You can also use the resulting photos to discuss social interaction and the different ways people celebrate. Place the photos to create a large advent calendar. The kids can discuss what the photos mean to them as every family celebrates certain holidays and they each have experiences to share. Select a holiday and create a scavenger hunt from one of these choices or create your own.

13. Other interests.

What other things are your kids interested in that you can adapt to a photo scavenger hunt? It might be cartoons they see on television that they can find represented in merchandise. Perhaps their favorite places to visit in your town could be adapted into a hunt. Discuss the possibilities with pre-teen kids.

14. Placed items.

Make or purchase items to place in your area. Create a story for your teams – a reason why they are going on the hunt – and let them go. Placed items for them to find might include:

  • Fairies
  • Small cars
  • Certain type of flower
  • Ribbons
  • Entire outfit of clothing
  • Yard gnomes
  • Plastic flamingos
  • Painted rocks
  • Monster prints

Small placed items are a great for indoor hunts.

15. Follow your own drum.

You do not need to have a theme for a successful hunt. Look around your location and choose items that you spot and put them on your list. Don’t make them all easy.

16. Do it!

Create a scavenger hunt for one of the themes (Steps 6-15) and run it. Use the Photo Scavenger Hunt badge program if you need steps to follow.

 

Supplements Available

SUPP_AEP_PSH_ActionHunts.pdf — Add people doing actions as part of your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_AlphabetHunts.pdf — Using the alphabet as a theme for hunts.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_AnimalHunts.pdf — Utilizing animals in your scavenger hunts.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_ArtHunts.pdf — Incorporating art into your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_ColorHunts.pdf — Colors as the idea behind your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_CommunityHunts.pdf — Utilizing your community in your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_FoodHunts.pdf — Using food in a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_HolidayHunts.pdf — Having a different kind of fun at the holidays.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_NatureHunts.pdf — Nature as a theme for your hunt without damaging it.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_NightHunts.pdf — Ideas for a night hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PhotoSkillsHunts.pdf — Improving your photography skills on a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PlacedItemHunts.pdf — Using items you place for a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PropHunts.pdf — Incorporating props into a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PuzzleHunts.pdf — Adding clues into a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_ShapeHunts.pdf — Shapes as the idea behind your hunt.

 

Sites to Explore

brett-tesol.hubpages.com/hub/Easter-Scavenger-Hunt-Clues
childparenting.about.com/od/funcelebrations/a/nature_scavenger_hunt.htm
www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/scavenger-hunt-ideas-for-kids.html
www.coolest-parties.com/scavenger-hunt-list-ideas.html
www.livestrong.com/article/214959-kids-outdoor-scavenger-hunt-ideas
www.everythingmom.com/activities/kids-scavenger-hunt-an-outdoor-scavenger-hunt.html
www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/make-your-own-treasure-hunt
www.stemmom.org/2012/04/digital-scavenger-hunt-spring-nature.html
www.makeandtakes.com/summer-camp-for-kids-photo-scavenger-hunt
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NOTE: Also see links on Photo Scavenger Hunt for more ideas.

 

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Badge: Photo Scavenger Hunt – Adult

2012/07/27 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Photo Scavenger Hunt - AdultThis badge program builds upon Photo Scavenger Hunt, incorporating specifics for adjusting a scavenger hunt for adults as well as highlighting possible themes / lists you can use for a hunt designed for a mature group of scavengers.

 

Steps

 

Adjustments for adults

1. Limited by your imagination.

With adults, you have minimal restrictions. Your area can be as large as you wish. You can define times and rules, meeting only when all of the photos are uploaded and the awards decided. Brainstorm the kinds of photo scavenger hunts you might want to do with adult scavengers.

2. Keep it tasteful.

In searching the Web, many of the items include provocative and sometimes distasteful items to be completed. Not all adults are uninhibited. If you are unsure whether your scavengers are willing to go beyond silly and fun, check with them or err on the side of caution and keep your hunt clean.

3. Pay to play.

If your adults pay to be part of a scavenger hunt, you need to give them something in return. Instead of ribbons and certificates that you might give kids as awards, start your brainstorming with gift cards and cash prizes. You could create a yearly event with a large cash prize going to the winner. Think of ways you might promote this type of photo scavenger hunt and the awards you might be able to give.

4. Fundraiser.

A photo scavenger hunt can be run as a fundraiser with scavengers paying to participate and businesses donating items to help bring money into a cause. Look at ways you might be able to turn a scavenger hunt into a fundraiser. Query your friends and see if they would be willing to participate.

5. Weekend event.

Plan a scavenger hunt over a long weekend. Ask adults to form their own teams depending on what time during the weekend is good for them. Let teams gather and snap away. Upload all files online and meet up Sunday for dinner, discussions and awards. Does this flexibility work better for your scavengers?

 

Themes for adults

6. Extreme close-ups.

Take extreme close-ups of an item. Provide these close-ups as the “list” of things to find. The team will need to guess what it is and photograph the entire item. Try a few to see if this is something you think adults would enjoy.

7. Creative comparisons.

Ask your teams to be creative in their photos. If you’re taking a picture of a person, don’t take a full body shot. Instead try a head shot, silhouette, etc. Compare your photos when the hunt is complete and decide which views are the best.

8. Perspective challenge.

You may need to scour the Internet for ideas on this one. Look for ways to create photos that play with perspective. For example, one team member can hold out their hand and another is further back and looks like she is standing on the hand. Ask a team member to bend down and take a shot from an angle so it looks like he doesn’t have a head. Create your own list of at least ten perspective challenges.

9. Logos.

Provide a list that is nothing but logos from your town. The teams need to find the establishment / product and snap a picture of it. You can make this more difficult by removing part of the logo. Look at logos in your town to determine which would be easy to spot and which would be difficult.

10. Landscapes.

All photos for this hunt must be in the form of landscapes. Your items will need to be larger so they can be recognized within the landscape shot. If you’re asked for a picture of a cow, it needs to be with a background of the field. Try identifying an item or two and taking pictures where the item is still recognizable in the landscape.

11. Quantity is key.

Select a single item (color, shape, vehicle, footwear, etc.) and collect as many pictures with that shape in it as you can. The entire shape does not need to be the object . . . for example a triangle might be a yield sign, but it also might be an architectural element. Award points for the most photos. Pick an item and give yourself five minutes to see how many you can spot as a test.

12. Group shots.

Adults are less inhibited about asking strangers to take shots of the group. Give your teams a list of shots they need to make with all members of the group. You might have them acting out scenes from a selection of movies, recreating pieces of art or posing in unusual ways. Give extra points for non-members and use of on-site items.

13. Find the most.

Give your team a list of items and have them find a way to make it the “most.” For a famous person, have them find the most famous person they can. For a tall building, find the tallest building. For an old car, have them find the oldest car. This stretches from merely finding an item to finding a better one. The teams can vote on which is the “most” for each item on your list to determine a winning team.

14. Children’s games.

Think of the games you played as a child and pick one such as Charades or Statues. Give your teams a list of places they have to play the games. The photos highlight the most embarrassing moments of playing the game at each location. Brainstorm games that you think would fit this theme.

15. Pulling from other badge programs.

If none of these themes sound good to you, check out Photo Scavenger Hunt: Youth and Photo Scavenger Hunt: Teen for more ideas.

16. Do it!

Create a scavenger hunt for your theme and run it. Use the Photo Scavenger Hunt badge program if you need steps to follow.

 

Supplements Available

SUPP_AEP_PSH_ActionHunts.pdf — Add people doing actions as part of your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_AlphabetHunts.pdf — Using the alphabet as a theme for hunts.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_AnimalHunts.pdf — Utilizing animals in your scavenger hunts.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_ArtHunts.pdf — Incorporating art into your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_ColorHunts.pdf — Colors as the idea behind your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_CommunityHunts.pdf — Utilizing your community in your hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_FoodHunts.pdf — Using food in a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_HolidayHunts.pdf — Having a different kind of fun at the holidays.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_NatureHunts.pdf — Nature as a theme for your hunt without damaging it.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_NightHunts.pdf — Ideas for a night hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PhotoSkillsHunts.pdf — Improving your photography skills on a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PlacedItemHunts.pdf — Using items you place for a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PropHunts.pdf — Incorporating props into a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_PuzzleHunts.pdf — Adding clues into a scavenger hunt.
SUPP_AEP_PSH_ShapeHunts.pdf — Shapes as the idea behind your hunt.

 

Sites to Explore

embitca.hubpages.com/hub/Adult-Scavenger-Hunt-Lists
www.wildlydifferent.com/corporate-photo-scavenger-hunt.php
www.games-for-all-reasons.com/scavenger-hunt.html
www.reasontoparty.com/scavengerhunt.htm
www.ehow.com/how_8123795_create-scavenger-hunt-list-adults.html
brett-tesol.hubpages.com/hub/Treasure-Hunt-Ideas-for-Adults

 

NOTE: Also see links on Photo Scavenger Hunt for more ideas.

 

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New Supplements Available Now!

2011/12/15 by Leave a Comment

I have started uploading the new supplements for Girl Scout Traditions. You can find all of our Girl Scout supplements here.

Printables: World Games has also had supplements added. The badge program is coming out next month.

I like to print the world games out and give them to teachers as a gift. The time of year when the kids can’t go outside to play is here. The printable games give the kids something to break from their daily work and allow them to be indoors for recess / lunch. Some of the games need a print each time they are played. Some are reusable.

Happy Holidays!

Filed Under: AEP, Girl Scouts, On the Web, Printables Tagged With: , ,

Badge: DNR – Project Learning Tree

2011/12/06 by Leave a Comment

Badge: DNR - Project Learning TreeProject Learning Tree is an environmental education program for kids from preschool through grade 12. It is from the American Forest Foundation.

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Steps

1. Project Learning Tree (PLT).

www.plt.org

Project Learning Tree is designed to get kids outside. The purpose is to teach kids HOW to think about the environment. Explore the Web site to learn more.

2. GreenWorks!

www.plt.org/greenworks

GreenWorks! provides the framework for service learning in cooperation with businesses, non-profits, etc. Review the guidelines and brainstorm ways you can incorporate PLT activities / service into your current programming.

3. GreenSchools!

pltgreenschools.org

GreenSchools! encourages positive environmental action of schools and communities. Review this program and decide if you want to reduce your school’s ecological footprint. These activities can be incorporated into normal school days. How much can you do to help the environment?

4. Try an activity.

Free activities are available online. Try one or more to see how the program works. Is this something you can use with your youth troop / group?

5. Take a PLT workshop.

Search for your state coordinator and / or events to find out when workshops are being offered. Sign up and take one.

6. Earth and Sky radio show.

www2.plt.org/flash/PLT_EarthSky_2009.html

Earth and Sky is a daily radio show that highlights a range of environmental topics. Go to the Earth and Sky Web site and look through some of their offerings. Do a tutorial if you are interested in this resource.

7. Focus on forests.

www.plt.org/focus-on-forests

Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests module is now available. Learn about forestry. Explore the links and resources to find activities you can use with your youth.

8. Look through the curriculum.

Review the curriculum to find other items not specifically called out in the steps of this badge program. Are there more areas you’re interested in learning about? If so, find out more.

9. Additional resources of PLT activities.

www.plt.org/curriculum

Under “Curriculum”, explore the additional activity resources for both PreK-8 and Secondary.

10. Incorporating PLT with Girl Scouts.

www.plt.org/girl-scouts

PLT has activities that work with all levels of Girl Scouts. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.

11. Incorporating PLT with Boy Scouts.

www.plt.org/boy-scouts

Look through activities to find out how to incorporate PLT activities with Boy Scout activities.

12. Create an activity box.

Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project Learning Tree. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.

13. Environmental education.

connect.plt.org/app/render/go.aspx?xsl=tp_community.xslt

PLT provides even more educational support. Check out their site where they encourage others to share their PLT materials.

14. Become a trainer or coordinator.

Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project Learning Tree.

15. Explore ways to share PLT.

Find ways to share Project Learning Tree with others beyond Step 14.

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Sites to Explore

All links are provided within the steps above.

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Badge: DNR – Project WET

2011/12/05 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Project WETProject WET deals with water issues from healthy drinking water to conservation. It is designed for kids aged 5-18.

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Steps

1. DNR in your state.

Find the Web site of the Department of Natural Resources in your state. Explore the educational offerings specific to your state. Locate your state’s Project WET materials.

2. Project WET online.

www.projectwet.org

Review the Project Wet site. Learn about its history, goals and how it works.

3. Project WET materials.

Some materials come free with training. Some you can purchase. Review the materials available on the Web site and store.

NOTE: Some materials in the store are free.

4. Participate in a Project WET workshop.

Project WET is a free six-hour workshop that gives educators tools to teach water resources. Upon completion of the workshop, participants receive a 516-page curriculum and activity guide at no charge. Though the workshops are designed for teachers to incorporate environmental science into their curriculum, many adults find these materials are also beneficial for working with youth groups. Review the materials you receive after the workshop and find some you would like to do.

5. Incorporating science into other subjects.

Materials in Project WET reach beyond environmental science. The concepts are designed to be used with health, language arts, history, math and more. Find ways of incorporating Project WET materials into other areas.

6. Beyond Project WET.

Explore other water science programming / educator guides also offered by the DNR. If you find any that interest you, explore those as well. Remember to look beyond “teacher” offerings. See what Project WET has to offer parents, corporations, aquariums, etc.

  • WOW! Wonders of Wetlands
  • Healthy Water, Healthy People
  • Conserve Water
  • Discover Floods

7. Check out Project WET in other states.

Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?

8. Incorporating Project WET with Girl Scouts.

www.uni.edu/~iowawet/G_Scout.html

Project WET has activities that work with Girl Scout badges and patches. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout meetings / events.

9. Incorporating Project WET with Boy Scouts.

Compare the offerings of Project WET with individual merit badge books to find activities to incorporate Project WET with Boy Scout awards.

10. Share with youth.

Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.

11. Create an activity box.

Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WET. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.

12. Service.

Design a service project with Project WET in mind. Run it yourself or ask others to help. Ask participants to evaluate the program after it has completed and offer creative criticism to improve your service project.

13. Become a trainer / coordinator.

Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WET.

14. Explore ways to share Project WET.

Find ways to share Project WET with others beyond Step 13.

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Sites to Explore

www.butlerwebs.com/hunting/statelist.htm
www.projectwet.org
www.watereducation.org/doc.asp?id=1012
www.nationalwatercenter.org
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters
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Girl Scout Traditions Badge Set

2011/09/22 by Leave a Comment

UPDATE: All eight of the badge programs have been released for review.

Review should be completed October 16th.

The collections on Scribd and Google Documents for Girl Scout Printables will be updated and house all Girl Scout supplements and printables to help Girl Scout adults when looking for materials to support our 100th anniversary in 2012.

Supplements starting with FOUND are items found on the Web over the last ten years. Supplements starting with SUPP are ones I’ve created to support the badge programs.

Have a great day!

Laura

Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs, Girl Scouts, On the Web Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Badge: Cooperative Games (revised)

2011/09/15 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Cooperative GamesCooperative games allow your group to work together during a game. These types of games are inclusive. They emphasize participation and challenge rather than defeating another person or team. There is no “winner” or “loser”, just having fun!

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Steps

1. Explore group dynamics.

While cooperative games are inclusive, some steps may be difficult for your group. Review the participants you will have playing and find games that can be played by everyone.

2. Start with the provided PDF.

You will find SUPP_Cooperative Games.pdf on Scribd, Google DOCs and our Yahoo! Group. Review the games on this PDF. Find a few you’d like to try.

3. Play the games.

Play the games you chose with your group. Keep notes on things that worked and whether the group liked the game.

4. Adjusting games.

Sometimes you’ll want to play a game, but the rules don’t enable you to play or you need materials you don’t have. Perhaps the game is too easy or hard for your group. The simplest thing to do is change the rules. If you’ve played the game before with your group, make sure you communicate any changes. Always make notes on what you’re changing so that you remember in the future without losing a lot of time on discussion. Try modifying one or two of the games.

5. Finding more.

Search through books or Web sites to find more games to add to your collection. We have some sites to start you out below. As you collect them, make notes to any that you feel need modification to make them more usable.

6. Other game areas.

Other games areas where you might find cooperative games include parachute games, clapping games and even video games. Look outside games you would normally play to expand your cooperative game collection even further.

7. Design your own.

Take a personal challenge and design your own cooperative game. You’ll need to take into account your group, the time you want to spend and perhaps a theme if you’re trying to tie it into other activities.

8. Share.

Share your game collection with your organization, other groups or AEP members.

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Supplement

SUPP_CooperativeGames.pdf

Sample cooperative games.

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Sites to Explore

www.mrgym.com/CooperativeGames.htm
www.creativekidsathome.com/games/cooperative_games
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/cooperative-games.page-1.html
dragon.sleepdeprived.ca/games/cooperative_games/cooperative_games.htm
www.responsiveclassroom.org/blog/?p=841
www.ehow.com/how_5638455_design-cooperative-games.html
scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/Games.htm
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Badge: Parachute Games (revised)

2011/09/15 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Parachute GamesIncorporating a parachute in your fun time allows everyone a chance to play as a group. Parachute size should be considered to make sure there’s enough room for everyone. If you can’t afford a parachute, you can make your own from patterns available on the Web or try some of these with a simple sheet.

Pull out your parachute and let’s go play!

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Steps

1. Where can you play?

To successfully play with a parachute, you need to make sure you have enough room. Height has to be considered as well as the size of the parachute itself. Outdoors is an easy choice. You can play indoors in gymnasiums and other areas with high ceilings. Be aware of the floor surface as well as this may affect your game. Find somewhere you can play.

2. Safety.

One problem with group games is that accidents happen more often. Prepare a list of safety rules to share with your players. Make sure everyone understands not only the rules but also why rules are needed.

As you’re playing, be aware of the activity level and attention of the group. As kids get silly, they often forget the rules. By being vigilant, you can help minimize injuries.

REMEMBER: Never place a person on the parachute and attempt to raise or throw them. Most play parachutes are not built to hold people. Accidents from injury to death could occur from an improperly thrown person.

3. Commands.

Practice commands to make sure everyone know what to do. Commands may include:

  • Inflate – lift parachute over head
  • Deflate – parachute should be moved to a flat position
  • Float – keep parachute in air above heads
  • Stop – everyone stops what they’re doing

What other commands do you think you’d need?

4. Grip terms.

Practice these grips with your players.

  • Overhand: Palms are facing down
  • Underhand: Palms are facing up
  • Crossover: Right hand over left hand with both palms down

5. Skills.

Practice skills with the parachute.

  • Flutter – everyone moves the parachute up and down as fast as possible
  • Waves – everyone works together to make small, medium or large waves
  • Stretch – Using the overhand grip, lean back pulling the parachute taut
  • Dome – together, everyone pulls the parachute up and down quickly in front of them, catching air inside
  • Mushroom – together, everyone pulls the parachute up and takes a step or two forward so they
  • are “inside” the parachute when it comes down
  • Tent – together, everyone pulls the parachute up and down quickly, taking a step or two forward so they
  • are “inside” the parachute and sit down, holding the edge behind them
  • Jell-o – while in the final position of “Tent”, put feet out in front of you and kick the parachute up

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Parachute games and activities

6. Play with parachute only.

Try one or more of these games using only the parachute. Find these games on the Web or download the Parachute Games supplement for the rules.

  • Fruit salad
  • Colors
  • Cat and mouse
  • Sharks and lifeguards
  • See-saw
  • Air conditioning
  • Blob
  • Parachute tag
  • Ocean waves
  • One hand run

Search the Web for more games and activities you can do with the parachute alone.

7. Parachute with balls.

Try one or more of these games using a parachute and one or more soft balls. Again, the supplement has rules for you.

  • Rollerball
  • Popcorn
  • Ball toss
  • Bouncing balls

8. Other items for play.

You can replace the soft balls with soft dolls, yarn, bean bags, stuffed animals or other items to freshen your games. There are even games you can play with an earth ball. Look for other items and games you can incorporate into your parachute play beyond the standard balls.

9. Adapt other games.

Make a “Tent” and play “Duck, Duck, Goose” or a similar game under the tent. What other circle games can you adapt to play with your parachute?

10. Dances.

www.izaak.unh.edu/dlp/NorthernJunket/NJindex/folk%20dances.htm

You can do simple folk dance steps with your parachute. Check out some samples you can pull from this link or use some of your own.

If you choose, take a familiar song your kids know and put actions to it, creating your own circle dance. Pull steps out of folk dances or ask the kids to select their own actions. Make sure you document your new dances so you can do them again.

11. Circle activities.

You can adapt your circle activities with a parachute by creating a “Tent” to have your opening and / or closing circle. You can also do activities from discussions to singing under your parachute. Try using your parachute beyond games.

12. Create your own games.

Create your own parachute games or encourage your players to make them. Start by adjusting the rules of games you already know. Then, venture into your own original games.

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Supplement

SUPP_ParachuteGames.pdf

Parachute games sampler

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Sites to Explore

www.creativeplay4less.com/ppchutegames.html
www.mrgym.com/MiscGames/Parachute.htm
www.funandgames.org/games/GameParachute.htm
www.youthwork-practice.com/games/parachute-games.html
www.youthwork-practice.com/programs-youth-group-meetings/parachute-cloth-Olympics.html
www.scoutscan.com/beavers/parachut.html
www.ehow.com/parachute-games
www.squidoo.com/parachute-games
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/parachute-games.page-1.html
rhymetime4kids.blogspot.com/2010/10/parachute-games.html
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , ,

Badge: Icebreakers for Kids (revised)

2011/09/14 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Icebreakers for KidsWhether you’re starting a troop or planning an event, icebreakers are great for kids to get to know each other. While icebreakers can be games or activities, this badge program is geared toward kid preferences.

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Steps

1. Why icebreakers?

Icebreakers can play an important role helping kids connect with one another in a group environment. They can also act as energizers during a long meeting or discussion. Some ways they can be used include:

  • Get to know one another
  • Introduce a new member to an existing group
  • Help kids feel comfortable together
  • Encourage cooperation
  • Encourage listening
  • Encourage working together
  • Break out of cliques
  • Developing social skills

Identify when you can use icebreakers with your troop / group.

2. Provided PDFs.

SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf is provided for this badge program by the Adult Enrichment Project. Download it to review as you work through the steps. As you review them, note that many of the icebreakers may be done by adults or kids.

3. Search the Web.

Go out on the Web and find more icebreakers you can use with your girls and / or boys. Save the ones you think look interesting.

4. Keep the kids in mind.

Before starting icebreakers, you need to determine if the game or activity is doable by your kids. You don’t want to have an activity that takes a lot of writing for Kindergartners and you don’t want one that’s too young for teenagers. Observe your target audience and select a few icebreakers you feel may work with your troop / group.

5. Breaking the rules.

Sometimes the icebreaker doesn’t work. Keep notes on any adjustments you may have made or to not use it again if it completely fails. Reflect on failed icebreakers to determine what went wrong and if you could use it with a different troop / group or age level.

6. The choice of themes.

Unlike adults, kids have more difficulty sitting still for long periods. While themes are a great way to tie icebreakers into an event or meeting, you’ll find that kids are more interested in the icebreaker itself. If they have one they enjoy, they’ll ask to do it again, whether it fits your current activities or not. As you use icebreakers with your kids, note how they react to icebreakers and what effect themes have on them. Track which ice breakers they request again.

7. More active.

Kids like to move. For this reason, you’ll probably want to choose more active icebreakers. Review the PDF and the icebreakers you collected. Assign an activity level to each so you can quickly pull an active icebreaker when they become restless. Also, watch your kids as the year progresses. As the weather outside discourages outdoor play, are your kids more likely to request active icebreakers?

8. When to use icebreakers.

As you search the Web, you may have noticed that many schools have icebreakers for classes to start the year. For meetings, they are used at the beginning to allow participants to get to know each other and raise the level of comfort. So, if you have a troop meeting frequently, you may not want to keep your icebreakers to introducing only. Kids love to share information about what they know, so adjust the icebreakers to share different information. In addition, icebreakers can be used as energizers when your kids start getting bored or overloaded. In what other instances do you think icebreakers could be used?

9. Fun props.

If the icebreaker says to use a ball to throw between participants to take turns, why not replace it? Try a teddy bear or rubber chicken. Before you use your icebreakers, see if you can replace the standard materials with fun props. Try running the same icebreaker with both the more traditional item and a fun prop. Which do the kids enjoy more?

10. Activities for props.

If you’ve ever forgotten your props, you’ll know the panic. You can add activities for missing props. Try taking turns by giving each other “high fives”, a handshake or even making faces at each other. What other activities can you come up with to replace props? How do these activities affect your icebreakers?

11. Friendship books.

If you are thinking of including icebreakers for the kids to share information about themselves, why not add sheets they fill out and make a friendship book? This will allow your kids to contact each other outside of your meeting times. This will add to their comfort as well as interacting outside of your shared setting. Think of ways to encourage your kids to use their friendship books.

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Supplement

SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf

Selection of ice breakers to start this badge program.

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Sites to Explore

www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/activity_ideas/icebreakers.asp
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Training/LdrTrain.htm
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/ice-breakers.html
www.group-games.com
www.youthgroupgames.co.uk/icebreakers-for-large-groups-1030-people.html
www.ehow.com/how_2214688_plan-ice-breakers-youth-group.html
www.funandgames.org/games/GameIcebreakers.htm
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , ,

Badge: From a Child’s View (revised)

2011/08/16 by Leave a Comment

Badge: From a Child's ViewWhen researching something new, adults are often told to “check out the kid’s section” in the library. By starting with kids’ books, you can learn the terminology and basics in simple language and basic concepts. So, what other places can you find materials to help you start learning “from a child’s view?”

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Steps

1. Check out your house.

Do you have books or kits kids would use to learn something new? Do you have anything you are interested in that you’d like to start exploring? Create a “resources” area in your home, on your computer, etc. Donate items you do not plan to use yourself to youth groups, after school programs, schools, etc.

2. Used good sales.

Check out garage, yard and rummage sales. Do you have a used book store? Does your library recycle books? If you see something you can repurpose for your interests, put it into your physical “resources.”

3. Online kid activity sites.

Online activity sites and teacher lesson sites are a great place to get simple instructions to do things. Try a few of these or find your own.

  • www.surfnetkids.com/directory
  • www.indianchild.com/interesting_hobbies.htm
  • www.familyeducation.com/home
  • www.allstaractivities.com
  • www.educationworld.com

4. Youth group badges and patches.

Youth groups provide programs from just requirements to full booklets full of material. You can find many items online to start with. You can find listings for some of these groups on AEP’s Yahoo! Group or on Scribd. Check out some of the following:

  • www.girlscouts.org
  • www.scouting.org
  • www.frontiergirls.com/index.html
  • www.4-h.org
  • www.campfireusa.org
  • www.spiralscouts.org
  • www.keyclub.org/home.aspx
  • www.scouts.ca/dnn

5. Volunteer with an organized group.

By volunteering, you may be able to get free or low-cost training. You’ll also expose yourself to “experts” from those who provide opportunities both within the group and outside from those that support the group.

6. Ask kids.

Go directly to the source. Find out what the kids know about your subject(s). If you’re looking for what’s new, ask the kids what they are learning. Find out where they go for fun! It might shock you to find out that they’re using computers in kindergarten or that at age 7, they are more tech-savvy than you are.

7. Local libraries.

Check out the kid section in your local library. Compare a subject from the kids section and the adult section to see the differences.

8. Keep a contact list.

As you meet experts who deal with children and teach them, keep a list of names and interests. When you begin to work on a subject, this person will be able to help you. If it’s something they are especially interested in, they’ll be happy to share more than just a few quick comments with you.

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Supplements

SUPP_American Heritage Girls_2010.pdf
SUPP_Boy Scouts_Cubs_2010.pdf
SUPP_Boy Scouts_Merit_2010.pdf
SUPP_Frontier Girls_2010.pdf
SUPP_Girl Scouts_11-17_2010.pdf
SUPP_Girl Scouts_Brownies_2010.pdf
SUPP_Girl Scouts_Juniors_2010.pdf

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Sites to Explore

www.buzzle.com/articles/list-types-of-hobbies
factoidz.com/cat/hobbies-arts-crafts
www.edutainingkids.com
www.teacherplace.org
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , ,
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