In our final installment of the summer Spotlight Series, we’re featuring Terri Bose—an entrepreneur whose creativity and innovation built MakingFriends.com into a beloved resource for scouting leaders, youth organizations, and families.
Some of the best ideas begin as experiments. The simple sparks of curiosity can evolve into something far greater. For Terri Bose, her journey started with a passion for creativity and a desire to build something meaningful. As the founder of MakingFriends.com, Inc., she transformed a personal exploration of web design into a thriving platform that provides scouting leaders, youth organizations, and families with engaging resources. What began as a small project has become a lasting resource for crafts, leadership, and connection.
From Art to Entrepreneurship – A Journey of Imagination
Creativity has always been at the heart of Terri Bose’s journey. Long before launching MakingFriends.com, she was an artist with a rebellious streak. She overachieved in school but rejected structure, finding inspiration in purple-faced Cinderellas and lime-green Dumbos instead of traditional coloring books.
Rather than following an academic path, she pursued advertising art, immersing herself in design, print, and creative storytelling. In 1997, when her clients started requesting websites, she launched MakingFriends.com. This was originally an experiment. Over time, it evolved into a beloved platform for scouting resources, crafting, and community-building, proving that sometimes the best businesses are born from curiosity and passion.
MakingFriends.com – A Creative Hub for Leaders & Scouts
Now part of MakingFriends.com, Inc., the website has expanded far beyond its humble beginnings. Offering Badge in a Bag® kits, patches, and hands-on activity resources, it has become a go-to destination for scouting leaders, parents, and youth groups looking for engaging ways to inspire young minds.
Terri, as the president of the company, continues to push boundaries in creative entrepreneurship. They design innovative products, develop educational tools, and foster a space where leaders can find practical solutions for their troops.
A Family of Websites for Crafts, Service, and Leadership
MakingFriends.com isn’t Terri’s only venture—she has built an entire network of websites dedicated to creativity, youth leadership, and giving back to the community:
- FreeKidsCrafts.com – A treasure trove of craft ideas and DIY projects for parents, leaders, and educators.
- DIYtoDonate.com – Service-based crafting that helps people create projects to support charities and local communities.
- YouthSquad.MakingFriends.com – Designed to empower young leaders and encourage teamwork among youth organizations.
Through these sites, Terri continues to expand her mission—providing tools that help leaders and young people create, connect, and contribute to their communities.
A Business Rooted in Innovation & Connection
At its core, MakingFriends.com, Inc. isn’t just about selling patches or kits. It’s about building experiences. The company’s user agreement outlines ownership of submissions and content, ensuring a structured and transparent approach to digital engagement.
From crafting kits to interactive scouting resources, Terri’s work has helped thousands of leaders bring meaningful experiences to life. Her ability to blend creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership has made her a trailblazer in the world of scouting and crafts.
The Team Behind MakingFriends.com
No one builds a successful creative platform alone, and MakingFriends.com is no exception. Over the years, Terri Bose has been joined by a dedicated team of innovators, problem-solvers, and creatives, each bringing their own expertise to the business. You can read all about them on their About Us page.
- Jim Bose – Terri’s husband and business partner
- Lauren – Manages logistics
- Betty – Editor for FreeKidsCrafts.com
- Amrin – Handles packaging, production, and efficiency
- Jamie – Designs patches and crafts new creative products
- Thane – The technical wizard
Through collaboration, creativity, and dedication, the MakingFriends.com team continues to support scouting leaders, youth programs, and parents, making crafting, learning, and achievement more accessible and inspiring.
Honoring a Legacy of Creative Leadership
Terri’s journey from an imaginative child to a successful entrepreneur is proof that creativity has no limits. Whether designing patches, fostering community-building, or creating new learning tools, she continues to shape a movement where ideas flourish and friendships grow.
Her work serves as a reminder that sometimes, a spark of imagination—like her daughter Jamie asking to “make friends” with paper dolls—can turn into a lifelong passion that impacts thousands.
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts
Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.
for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts
Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
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This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.
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