No Products in the Cart
20 Ideas to Bring the Magic of Elf on the Shelf to Your Girl Scout Troop
|
Time to read 6 min
Never Struggle Planning Activities Again
Easy to use activity booklets for your troop meeting.Never Struggle Planning Activities Again
Easy to use activity booklets for your troop meeting.|
Time to read 6 min
The holiday season is a whirlwind, and between school concerts and family gatherings, it can be hard to get the whole troop together in person. But who says the magic of the North Pole needs a physical meeting space?
If you’re looking for a way to keep your scouts connected and excited throughout December, bringing "Troop Elves" into the mix virtually is a game-changer. It’s low-stress for leaders but high-engagement for the girls!
The beauty of a virtual Elf on the Shelf is that the elves "live" with the leader (or a volunteer), but their adventures are shared digitally. Here is how to make it a success:
The Daily Reveal: Every morning, post a photo of the two elves to your troop’s private communication channel (Band, Slack, Facebook Group, or a group text).
The Morning "Check-In": Ask a question with the photo. “The elves are practicing their knots today! Can you name one knot we learned this year?”
Batch Your Photos
You don't have to move the elves every single morning. Spend 20 minutes on a Sunday taking 7 different photos in various spots around your house. Then, just hit "post" each morning!
Let the Girls Name Them
Use a digital poll (like a simple Facebook poll) during the first week so the girls can vote on the elves' names.
The "Meeting" Surprise
If you do have one in-person meeting this month, bring the elves along in a special "travel carrier" (a decorated shoebox) so the girls can finally see their virtual friends in person.
Here are 20 ideas to get you through December, including some troop favorites that are easy to snap and share!
Place the elves inside donut-shaped pool toys or small floats in the bathroom sink.
What to Share with Girls:
Safety first! The elves are using their 'buddy system' in the water. Do you remember who your troop buddy was at our last event?
Hang the elves upside down from a curtain rod or light fixture using a colorful slinky.
What to Share with Girls:
Perspective is everything! The elves are practicing being 'Courageous and Strong' today."
What have you done to be courageous and strong today?
Place the elves in the shower with a note telling kids to "Listen to your mom and take a shower!"
What to Share with Girls:
A Scout is Clean. Aside from washing up, what is your favorite way to take care of your body so you feel your best?
Stick the elves upside down on a whiteboard using sticky tack to make them look like they are defying gravity.
What to Share with Girls:
The elves are flipping for fun! Sometimes things get turned upside down—how do you stay positive when things don't go as planned?
Place the elves inside hot cocoa mugs surrounded by a mess of marshmallows.
What to Share with Girls:
A Scout is Friendly and Helpful. Who can you make a warm treat for or do something sweet for this week?
Tape the elves high up on a wall or have them perched on top of cabinets.
What to Share with Girls:
Oh no! The floor is lava! If you were stranded on an island or in a 'lava' living room, which 3 items from your '10 Essentials' would you want most?
String a piece of yarn across a room and hook the elves' arms over it so they are sliding down.
What to Share with Girls:
The elves are practicing their high-ropes course skills! What is something brave or new you want to try with the troop next year?
Lay the elves on "sand" (brown sugar or a towel) under a desk lamp with sunglasses on.
What to Share with Girls:
It’s cold outside, but the elves are dreaming of Summer Camp! What is your favorite outdoor activity to do when it’s warm?
Hide the elves behind a wall or tower built out of building blocks.
What to Share with Girls:
The elves are building a foundation for friendship! What is one 'block' or quality that makes a person a really great friend?
Sit the elves across from each other with a few Uno cards dealt out between them.
What to Share with Girls:
A Scout is Honest and Fair. Why is it important to follow the rules of a game, even when a leader or parent isn't looking?
Give the elves paper hats and toilet-paper-roll "binoculars" or small camera toys as they trek through the houseplants.
What to Share with Girls:
We’re exploring the 'jungle' today! If you were going on a real safari, which wild animal would you want to spot first?
Tuck the elves deep into the branches of your Christmas tree so only their hats or feet peek out.
What to Share with Girls:
A Scout is Resourceful. Can you find the elves in this photo? What is something else in nature that uses camouflage to stay safe?
Scatter plastic eggs around the elves, with each egg containing a tiny rubber duck.
What to Share with Girls:
The elves are confused about the holidays! How do you help a sister Scout when she makes a mistake or gets confused?
Line up full-sized cookies on a paper "conveyor belt" that turns into mini cookies where the elves are standing.
What to Share with Girls:
Elf magic at work! If you could shrink any food to fit perfectly in your hiking pack, what would you choose?
Sit the elves in a corner with a small sign that says "Reflecting on our choices."
What to Share with Girls:
Even elves need a quiet moment to think. What is one thing you’ve learned this month that you’re proud of?
Hang a mini piñata and have the elves "swinging" at it with a candy cane.
What to Share with Girls:
It’s time to celebrate our hard work! What is one troop goal or badge you are most proud of earning this year?
Have the elves "diving" into the couch cushions, pulling out lost coins or a remote.
What to Share with Girls:
A Scout is Thrifty. The elves found some lost treasures! What is something you have 'recycled' or found a new use for lately?
Wrap the toilet paper roll in Christmas wrapping paper with the elves sitting on top holding a sign: "Have a nice poop!"
What to Share with Girls:
Even elves have a silly sense of humor. What is a funny joke that always makes you and your friends laugh?
Dress the elves in tiny grass skirts or leis made of string and paper.
What to Share with Girls:
Learning about different places is part of being a 'Sister to Every Scout.' If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Tie scrap-fabric capes around the elves and hang them from a ceiling fan or light as if they are flying.
What to Share with Girls:
Everyone has a superpower! Is your 'Scout Superpower' being a good listener, a fast runner, or a great artist?
Ready to start your own double-elf tradition? To get started, you’ll need your own official scouts! You can pick up The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition sets to begin your troop's journey. Having the official kit ensures you get the beautifully illustrated book to read during your first virtual or in-person meeting, explaining exactly how the magic works.
Whether they are causing mischief or earning badges, these elves are a wonderful way to keep the magic of the sisterhood alive all December long.
Enjoy every minute being a leader and continue to inspire your girls!
