The Badge Archive

Here are some creative, non-religious ways to celebrate Easter with your troop:

1. Focus on Spring Themes

Instead of centering activities around Easter itself, embrace the broader themes of spring, renewal, and nature. Activities like planting flowers, learning about pollinators, or creating spring-themed crafts can be just as engaging and festive.

• Check out the Eco-Difference Patch Program. Remember that April is also Earth Month in honor of April 22nd’s Earth Day.

2. Easter Egg Hunts with a Twist

Organize a classic egg hunt, but make it unique by incorporating educational or team-building elements:

• Nature Scavenger Hunt: Hide eggs with clues that lead scouts to discover interesting facts about plants, animals, or the environment.
• Activity Challenges: Place simple tasks or challenges inside the eggs, such as “hop like a bunny to the next tree” or “name three things that grow in spring.”
• Non-Candy Prizes: Fill eggs with stickers, small toys, or scout-themed items to keep it inclusive and healthy.

3. Crafts and Creativity

Get hands-on with fun, non-religious crafts or projects that celebrate the season:

• GSUSA Brownies have an Easter Themed Think Like an Engineer Meeting Outline by The Badge Archive
• Decorate Eggs: Use natural dyes or stickers to decorate eggs, focusing on creativity rather than symbolism.
• Bunny or Chick Crafts: Create paper bunnies, chicks, or other spring animals using simple materials like construction paper, googly eyes, and glue.
• Recycled Art: Encourage scouts to make spring-themed art using recycled materials, teaching them about sustainability.

4. Games and Activities

Plan engaging games that tie into the Easter theme without being religious:

• Egg and Spoon Race: A classic game that’s always a hit with younger scouts.
• Bunny Hop Relay: Have scouts hop like bunnies in a relay race.
• Guess the Eggs: Fill a jar with candy eggs or small trinkets and have scouts guess the number inside.

5. Community Service

Use the season as an opportunity to give back:

• Kindness Eggs: Have scouts fill eggs with positive messages or small gifts and distribute them to neighbors, nursing homes, or community centers.
• Spring Cleanup: Organize a troop activity to clean up a local park or garden, tying the idea of renewal to community service.

6. Storytelling and Learning

Incorporate storytelling or educational elements that celebrate diversity and inclusivity:

• Spring Around the World: Share stories or traditions from different cultures that celebrate spring, such as Holi (India) or Nowruz (Persian New Year).
• Nature Education: Teach scouts about the changing seasons, life cycles of plants and animals, or the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies.

7. Inclusive Language and Approach

When planning activities, use language that focuses on fun and togetherness rather than specific religious traditions. For example, refer to it as a “Spring Celebration” or “Egg Hunt Party” rather than an Easter event. This ensures that all scouts feel welcome and included.

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By focusing on the universal themes of spring, creativity, and community, you can create a memorable and inclusive celebration that all scouts can enjoy. Remember, the goal is to foster a sense of fun and belonging while respecting the diverse backgrounds of your troop members.

Be sure to check out the Easter Bucket List Challenge to see if it would fit your troop!

For more ideas – look at the full list of Easter activities and GSUSA badge tie ins.

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