The Badge Archive

Holiday – National Picnic Month

July is National Picnic Month, and there’s no better time for scouts to head outside, enjoy nature, and build memories with their troop. Whether it’s a simple snack under a shady tree or a full-blown outdoor adventure, picnics are a perfect way to combine fun, friendship, and fresh air.

Why Celebrate with a Picnic?

🌿Picnics encourage scouts to:

  • Practice outdoor skills like planning, packing, and Leave No Trace.
  • Strengthen teamwork and communication through games and shared meals.
  • Explore local parks, trails, and green spaces.
  • Earn badges and fun patches tied to outdoor adventure, cooking, and environmental stewardship.

🧺 Tips for a Scout-Approved Picnic

  • Plan Together – Let scouts help choose the location, menu, and games.
  • Pack Smart – Bring reusable containers, water bottles, and a first aid kit.
  • Leave No Trace – Clean up thoroughly and respect nature.
  • Make It Memorable – Add a theme, dress-up element, or surprise activity.

Picnics are more than just meals—they’re moments of connection, discovery, and joy. So grab your blanket, gather your scouts, and celebrate National Picnic Month the Girl Scout way!

Badge Tie-Ins for All Levels

🏕️Scouts can work on these GSUSA badges during picnic-themed outings:

  • Daisy Outdoor Art Maker – Create nature-inspired art at your picnic site.
  • Brownie Snacks – Prepare and share healthy picnic snacks.
  • Junior Camper – Plan a picnic as part of a camping trip.
  • Junior Eco Camper – Plan a No Trash Picnic as part of your eco hike.
  • Cadette Trailblazing – Combine a hike with a trail-side picnic.
  • Senior Adventurer – Organize a picnic as part of a day-long outdoor challenge.
  • Ambassador Dinner Party – Hold a picnic event!

Picnic Activity Ideas

🍉For Younger Scouts:

  • Teddy Bear Picnic – Bring a favorite stuffed animal and enjoy themed snacks.
  • Storytime Picnic – Read books aloud under a tree and act out scenes.
  • Nature Bingo – Spot birds, bugs, and plants while you eat.

🍉For Older Scouts:

  • Solar Oven Cooking – Make s’mores or nachos using the sun’s energy.
  • Around-the-World Picnic – Try foods from different cultures and learn about global traditions.
  • Service Picnic – Pack extra meals to donate or clean up a local park after your outing.

Fun Patch Ideas

🎖️Celebrate your picnic with themed patches like:

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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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Resources:

  • “13 Team Building Games & Activities Outdoors – Ultimate Scouts.” Ultimatescouts.com, 2025, http://www.ultimatescouts.com/13-outdoor-team-building-games-activities/. Accessed 20 June 2025.
  • Jacobs, Shacoya. “National Picnic Month :: Out of the Basket Picnic Ideas.” Columbia Mom, 15 July 2022, columbiamom.com/national-picnic-month-out-of-the-basket-picnic-ideas/. Accessed 20 June 2025.
Tia Kennard