The Badge Archive

Holiday – International Harry Potter Day

Did you know that May 2nd is recognized as International Harry Potter Day? Officially acknowledged by UK Prime Minister David Cameron, this special day commemorates the legendary Battle of Hogwarts from May 2, 1998—a pivotal moment when Harry Potter and his allies triumphed over Lord Voldemort, marking the end of the Second Wizarding War. According to Calendarr.com, it’s a celebration of courage, unity, and the magic that inspires generations. 🪄✨

Elementary Scouts:

Younger scouts can immerse themselves in imaginative activities and hands-on crafts that bring the magic of Harry Potter to life in a playful and creative way. These activities are ideal for fostering teamwork, creativity, and a sense of wonder.

  1. Magical Wand Crafting: Create personalized wands using sticks, pipe cleaners, feathers, and glitter. Let the wand choose the wizard!
  2. Potion-Making Station: Mix colorful liquids (water and food coloring) to create magical potions. Add baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy effect!
  3. Sorting Hat Ceremony: Use a DIY sorting hat to assign scouts to Hogwarts houses. Incorporate fun trivia or challenges for each house.
  4. Golden Snitch Hunt: Hide golden snitches (painted ping-pong balls) around the meeting area for a scavenger hunt.
  5. Herbology Fun: Plant seeds and imagine their magical properties. Scouts can track growth and create stories about their plants.
  6. Harry Potter Bingo: Play bingo with Harry Potter-themed cards featuring characters, spells, and magical creatures.

Teen Scouts:

For older scouts, focus on engaging them in problem-solving challenges and skill-building activities that spark deeper thinking, collaboration, and exploration of themes from the Harry Potter universe. These events are perfect for inspiring leadership, critical thinking, and camaraderie.

  1. Escape Room Challenge: Set up a Harry Potter-themed escape room with puzzles and riddles to solve.
  2. Wizard Duel Tournament: Use foam wands and choreographed spell movements for a fun and safe dueling competition.
  3. Advanced Potion-Making: Create more complex potions using household items, like glowing liquids under UV light or dry ice effects.
  4. Book Discussion Circle: Dive into themes from the Harry Potter series, such as bravery, friendship, and overcoming challenges.
  5. DIY Marauder’s Map: Use invisible ink (lemon juice and heat) to create maps of the meeting area or local park.
  6. Quidditch Match: Organize a simplified version of Quidditch using hula hoops for goals and dodgeballs for gameplay.

Official GSUSA Badges

Here are some GSUSA badges that could be creatively tied to a holiday theme:

Fun Patches

Patch Programs:

Make your own requirements! Possible Fun Patches:

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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
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

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.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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Tia Kennard