The Badge Archive

Those who continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st, as it was under the old calendar, were dubbed “April fools.” The tradition of joking and trickery has since evolved and spread globally.

Today, April Fools’ Day is marked by harmless pranks, such as playful jokes between friends, surprising announcements, or silly tricks. The emphasis is on fun, ensuring everyone can enjoy the day without hurt feelings.

Light Pranks for Kids

Here’s a list of fun, lighthearted April Fools’ Day pranks that are perfect for young scouts and won’t hurt any feelings:

1. Switch Leaders’ Names: Call leaders by different names throughout the meeting.
2. Paper-Filled Shoes: Lightly stuff shoes with paper so they feel snug when scouts put them back on.
3. Mashed Potato Cookies: Shape mashed potatoes to look like cookies (bonus if you add chocolate chips for the look).
4. Backwards Day: Announce that it’s backwards day and do everything in reverse, like starting the meeting with the closing ceremony.
5. Invisible Ink Messages: Use white crayon to write secret messages on paper, then let scouts paint over them to reveal the words.
6. Color-Changing Water: Place a drop of food coloring under a faucet’s spout so it surprises scouts when the water flows.
7. Upside-Down Supplies: Turn troop supplies like chairs or books upside-down before the meeting.
8. Silly Name Tags: Swap out everyone’s name tags with funny alternatives like “Queen of Cookies” or “Captain Giggles.”
9. Balloon Surprise: Fill a closet or cupboard with balloons so they spill out when opened.
10. Googly Eye Takeover: Add googly eyes to random items like snack bags, supplies, or troop gear.
11. Frozen Snacks: Freeze juice boxes or fruit snacks so they’re unexpectedly icy.
12. Switch Snacks: Replace chips in a bag with baby carrots or another healthy snack.
13. Sticky Seats: Lightly tape sticky notes to chair seats so they stick when scouts stand up.
14. Moving Trash Can: Tape a toy or balloon to a string, hide, and slowly drag it past unsuspecting scouts.
15. Mixed-Up Song Lyrics: Change a familiar camp song’s lyrics and see who catches on.
16. The Donut Switcheroo: Bring a box of donuts, but inside is a veggie tray instead! After the initial surprise, reveal the hidden donuts to avoid disappointing hungry scouts.

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Official Badges

• Focus on Fun with any Art Themed official GSUSA badges
• Try a new Game with a Game Maker official GSUSA badges

Fun Patches

Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana- Michiana (GSNI-M)

• Clowns: Clowning Around – (Requirements Link, Purchase Link)

Or make up your own requirements and pick your own fun patch:

• April Fools from Advantage Emblem
• April Fools Fun from Making Friends

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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