Your kids’ holiday excitement might have you saying, “Oh my gourdness!” around this time of year.
Thanksgiving break marks the most restful, relaxing times of the year for some people. But for Scouts (and Scout-age kids), the drive to build, create and keep their minds busy never ends.
That’s why we put together this list of Scout Life Thanksgiving crafts and recipes that not only promises to keep Scout minds engaged but also delivers on the warm, cozy and, most importantly, grateful sentiments of the season.
Bonus: The recipes in this list give your family an opportunity to cook and enjoy your entire Thanksgiving meal outdoors (if weather allows). Scouting America has dubbed this kind of outdoor celebration “Campsgiving.” What could be a more Scout-y way to show thanks than that?
1. Make Thanksgiving dressing in a Dutch oven
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, it ranks right alongside turkey as the most quintessential Thanksgiving food. This recipe is easy, delicious and can be prepared outdoors over coals or indoors in your oven.
2. Tell some Scout Life Thanksgiving jokes
It’s not a Scout Life Thanksgiving without some corniness. We’re not referring to the kind on the cob, which you may also enjoy this time of year. We’re talking about our 50-joke roundup themed for the season.
3. Use a tripod to roast your turkey
Can you cook an entire turkey at a campsite? Of course you can! Leave it to the Scouts in Troop 66 to show you how with this tripod roasting tutorial. Or you may prefer to try the Dutch-oven method below.
4. Craft a fabric pumpkin
If you need an indoor project, this fabric pumpkin how-to will keep you and your kids in the festive spirit.
5. Bake Dutch-oven cornbread
The best cornbread is made in a Dutch oven. Change our minds.
6. Create four Cub Scout-friendly crafts
Need an activity for the youngest members of your fam? We’ve got four! These crafts will keep little hands and minds occupied (it’s giving, time for Mom and Dad to get some meal prep accomplished).
7. Serve pumpkin spice cake from a Dutch oven
Of course the Dutch oven is making one last appearance in this list as we round out our recipes with a must-try dessert. This pumpkin spice cake recipe shakes up the pumpkin pie tradition with a lighter and fluffier sweet treat. (Prefer pie? We can help with that too.)
8. Put your leftovers to use as a turkey call
Once the meal is a done deal, save the bones from your bird to transform into a turkey yelper. See and hear the product you’re working toward in the video below.
The list of crafts and fun doesn’t end there …
Head to go.scoutlife.org/thanksgiving for even more Scout Life Thanksgiving crafts and recipes.
If you’re looking for other ways to show gratitude, check out our throwback post on “Scouting Gratitude Tours.” It’s not too late to start one of your own before next Thursday.
Let us know in the comments what crafts and recipes are Thanksgiving traditions for you and your kids. And how do you keep your Scout-age kids engaged in the season?
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