Craft Stick Picture Frame

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Craft Stick Picture Frames are great introductory craft project for Daisy scouts, and can be completed in a 30 minute meeting.  It can be messy, so make sure the girls have old t-shirts that are okay to get paint on or smocks.  These are terrific crafts to do around Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to frame cute pictures of the girls to give to Mom or Dad!  You can also use a permanent marker to write messages on the craft sticks, like names or holiday messages.

Want to share photos of your troop and finished projects? Contact Us!

Materials NeededMaterials Needed:

DirectionsDirections:

  1. Paint the pre-made wooden frame and craft sticks the same color of choice; let dry.
  2. Glue craft sticks to frame, two on each side.
  3. Choose the picture to insert.  Use framing backing as template to draw around picture and then cut out.
  4. Place picture in frame.

Safety TipsSafety Tips!

  1. Be sure to use non-toxic paint.  The paints linked above are washable and non-toxic for children.
  2. Check the wooden frames and make sure that they’re sanded and splinters are minimized.
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Preventing Hypothermia

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Hypothermia doesn’t just happen in the winter or in cold water.  Hypothermia can occur in water that’s 70 degrees, so you need to be aware of hypothermia even when enjoying spring and summer water activities.  Know how to protect your troop from hypothermia by:

  • Always wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating on cold water.  A life jacket not only provides flotation, but it also helps the person wearing it to conserve body heat.
  • Wearing layers of insulated clothes that keep you warm even while wet, such as clothing made from wool or containing polypropylene or capilene.
  • Wearing a wet suit or dry suit during aquatic activities.
  • Wearing a hat.  Body heat is quickly lost through the head.

For more, read Basic Water Rescue, a booklet published by the American Red Cross.

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Being Prepared for an Aquatic Emergency

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It;s important to be prepared for an aquatic emergency.  Being prepared means being ready before it happens.  To be prepared for an emergency, you must first understand the aquatic environment and review general water safety guidelines.  Always:

  • Be aware of the conditions and potential hazards of the water environment, whether it’s a pool, lake, river, ocean, or other body of water.  Know its unique conditions, as well as hazards common in your geographical area, such as storms, currents, and underwater obstructions.
  • Understand the various recreational activities that are common in your area and their hazards.  Consider the age and ability of participants in those activities.
  • Learn what kind of accidents and injuries have occurred in your water environment.  This knowledge will help you prevent further injuries and prepare for similar aquatic emergencies.

You also need to have the right equipment on hand in case of a water emergency.

  1. Appropriate rescue equipment for a water emergency, such as a ring buoy, throw bag, heaving line, or reaching pole.
  2. Appropriate life jackets for every person that is in, on, or around the water.
  3. A first aid kit.
  4. A means of communication (such as a phone, cellular phone, or two-way radio).
  5. An emergency signaling device, such as an air horn, whistle, strobe light, signal mirror, flare, or chemical light stick.
  6. Extra clothing, blankets, and rain gear.

For more, read Basic Water Rescue, a booklet published by the American Red Cross.

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Square Foam Candle Holder

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I’ll be the first to admit that the words “foam” and “candle” don’t typically belong in the same sentence!  But in this case, there is actually a glass candle holder between the glass and the foam.  This is a great project for older girls who are more likely to be allowed to burn candles at home.  The design of papers and embellishments used can be altered to match any room decor, favorite color or theme, or holiday!

Want to share photos of your troop and finished Square Foam Candle Holder? Contact Us!

Materials NeededMaterials Needed:

DirectionsDirections:

  1. Place the glass votive holder on top of the craft foam block and trace with a pencil.  Use the serrated knife to cut on the traced line, cutting down approximately 2″.  Use a spoon to remove the foam from the cavity and shape it squarely.  Make sure the votive holder fits before moving on.
  2. Cut the base scrapbooking paper into two 6″ x 12″ pieces.  One side at a time, apply the glue to the block and wrap the paper around, smoothing to ensure there are no air pockets or wrinkles.  Glue the second piece around the other side and trim at the seam.
  3. Fold and glue the edges at the top and bottom of the block.  Cut at the corners to remove any excess.
  4. For the top and bottom of the block, cut two 5″ squares from the scrapbooking paper and glue to the top and bottom.  For the top, cut slits in a pie pattern on the back covering the opening of the block.  Glue and fold to the inside of the opening.  To line the opening, cut a 2″x9″ piece of paper.  Apply the glue and inser the paper.
  5. Attach the grosgrain ribbon around the base of the block to accent, overlapping the ends.
  6. Replace the glass votive holder into the block.  To add another design touch, display your foam block on top of contrasting fabric, furniture, or paper to really pop.

Safety TipsSafety Tips!

  1. Adults should supervise the use of the serrated knife.
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Developing an Emergency Action Plan

Posted in Camping, First Aid, Meeting Activities | 0 comments

Whenever going into the great outdoors with a troop, it’s important to develop an Emergency Action Plan, or EAP.  An effective EAP must be simple, easy to remember, and in writing.  Y0u should make an EAP clear for all girls, volunteers, and event staff to understand.  A EAP should include these general features:

  • How the person who recognizes the emergency is to signal others.
  • The steps each person should take in an emergency.
  • The location of rescue and safety equipment.
  • Actions to minimize the emergency and safely rescue any victims.
  • How to call for medical assistance when needed.
  • Follow up procedures for after the emergency.

All adults should be briefed in detail what to do in case of an emergency with the troop.  Depending on the age of the girls, you can brief them at the same time if they’re older and can understand the details, or you may choose to brief younger girls separately using language they can more easily understand.

When you put your EAP into writing, consider including any of the applicable following sections:

  • Layout of facility/environment.
    • EMS personnel access and entry/exit routes.
    • Location of rescue and first aid equipment.
    • Location of telephones, with emergency telephone numbers posted.
    • Location of keys for buildings or rooms with telephones or emergency equipment.
    • Exits and evacuation routes.
  • Equipment available.
    • Rescue equipment.
    • First aid supplies.
    • Emergency equipment, such as flashlights or fire extinguishers.
  • Support personnel available.
    • Internal.
      • Staff members.
      • Troop leaders.
      • Volunteers.
      • Clerical personnel.
      • Maintenance personnel.
    • External.
      • EMS personnel.
      • Police officers.
      • Fire fighters.
      • Hazardous materials (HazMat) team.
      • Poison control center.
      • Hospitals.
      • Power and gas companies.
      • Health department.
      • Search and rescue team.
  • Staff responsibilities.
    • Assign each adult a duty:
      • Provide care.
      • Control bystanders and troop.
      • Meet EMS personnel.
      • Interview witnesses.
  • Communications.
    • How and when to call 9-1-1 (or other local emergency number), and who will make the call.
    • Chain of command.
    • Personal to contact family/parents.
    • Person to deal with media.
  • Follow up.
    • This includes items such as EAP documentation and evaluation.

Clearly, some of these sections do not need to be included for a day trip to a public, controlled area (such as a pool or water park).  They should all be included when taking an extended trip or a trip to a more remote area, like a day hike or weekend long camping trip.

For more, read Basic Water Rescue, a booklet published by the American Red Cross.

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Wall Names

Posted in Crafts, Meeting Activities | 0 comments

I love this project because the things you can do with it go beyond personalizing a room!  I always wanted to make wall names for my room, but sharing it with my brother and not wanting to make one for him too, that was an idea quickly squashed!  Kids, especially creative girls, love to put a personal touch on things.  With the permission of the parents, this is a great project for girls to help decorate their bedrooms or playrooms.  I suggest 7″ letters as they seem to be the most widely available, however you can use whatever size letters you want to make the project more feasible for your troop.  Since the wooden letters are the most customized of all the supplies, you can also request that the girl’s supply the letters – they can do their names, or words!

Want to share photos of your troop and finished projects? Contact Us!

Materials NeededMaterials Needed:

DirectionsDirections:

  1. Remember, first, to allow the paint to dry between each step.
  2. Lay down the newspapers to protect your work area.  Paint edges all around the letters.
  3. Plan out what patterns of paper should be used for each letter.  Apply the glue stick to the front of the letter and smooth over the paper, removing any air pockets or wrinkles.  Turn the letter paper side down onto the cutting mat.  Have an adult use the craft knife to cut away the excess paper around the letters.
  4. You can also use the letters and trace out the shape onto the back side of the paper with a pencil and cut out the letters with scissors, then glue the paper onto the letters.
  5. Use outward strokes to sand the edges of the letters.  This will create a slightly distressed look and secures the paper to the letters.
  6. Use tacky glue to attach felt flowers or other embellishments of choice to the letters.  For a finishing touch, spray glitter spray over the entire letter.

Safety TipsSafety Tips!

  1. Craft knife should only be used by adults, or with adult supervision for older girls.
  2. Use glitter spray only outside or in a well-ventilated area.
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