Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Write meaningful letters of gratitude to veterans or active-duty service members to be delivered through a national support organization.

Items Needed:

• Pens, pencils, and markers
• Blank paper or stationery
• Envelopes
• Mailing address for a national support organization (see list below)
• (Optional) Stamps for the final mailing
• (Optional) Sample prompts for those who struggle with what to write

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 40 min):

1. Explain the activity. (5 min)
   • They will write meaningful letters of gratitude to veterans or active-duty service members. Explain why these letters are considered important things.
2. Choose an organization and the recipient. (2 min)
   • There are several organizations to choose from. There may be categories such as “Veteran” or “Active Duty Service Member.”
3. Provide a simple writing prompt to help them begin their letters. (3 min).
   • Provide a simple writing prompt to help them begin their letters. Encourage them to share a positive thought or a hobby they enjoy. The messages should remain positive and encouraging.
   • Do not allow them to use their last name, any sensitive personal information, political or other heavy topics, or request information that should be sensitive (like the veteran’s mission history or where they are deployed if still actively serving).
4. Write and decorate the letters according to the organization’s guidelines. (20 min).
   • Ensure no glitter is used and that messages remain positive and encouraging.
   • Use (Optional) blank paper for drawings if they prefer to express thanks through art.
5. Collect all finished letters into a single large envelope for mailing. (5 min).
6. Share how it felt to write a message to someone they have never met. (5 min).
   • Discuss how this simple act of service helps gather Israel and strengthen others.

Letter Writing Prompts:

• “I am writing to you today because I am grateful for…”
• “My name is [First Name] and I am in 6th grade, and I want to thank you for…”
• “I admire your courage because…”
• “One thing I love to do is [Hobby], and I hope you find time for things you love too.”
• “I feel safe and happy in my community because of people like you who…”
• “Thank you for your dedication and for protecting my freedom to…”
• “I wanted to send this note to let you know that people are thinking of you and…”
• “You are a hero to me because you choose to…”
• “I am inspired by your strength and your brave example of…”
• “I hope this letter brings a smile to your face and reminds you that…”
• “Thank you for the many sacrifices you and your family make so that…”
• “I am thankful for your service and for the way you help to…”

National Support Organizations:

• A Million Thanks
  • Their primary mission is morale-boosting through letters. They provide clear guidelines to ensure letters are appropriate and impactful.
  • Mailing Address: Varies
  • Requires handwritten letters of at least five sentences and all letters are bundled and mailed as one large package.
• Operation Gratitude
  • One of the largest in the country and has a dedicated Mail Call program for schools and youth organizations to see how their care packages were received.
  • Mailing Address: Varies
  • Encourages artwork and letters for first responders. Must register to enroll in Letter Writing program.
• Soldier’s Angels
  • This national nonprofit is dedicated to providing aid, comfort, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families.
  • Mailing Address: 1355 Central Pkwy S #700, San Antonio, TX 78232
  • Focuses on cards of encouragement and must send $1 per card for processing.
• Support Our Troops
  • This is a public purpose charity through which Americans strengthen the morale and well-being of current military service members and their families.
  • Mailing Address: Support Our Troops^® Care Goods PO Box 696 Ayden, NC 28513
  • Distributes messages to deployed soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen.
• USASOA
  • This all-volunteer military and veteran service organization is dedicated to providing for the care and comfort of ill, injured, and wounded veterans and their families.
  • Mailing Address: USASOA. Christmas Cards For Our Troops 714 Farmington Road West Accokeek, Maryland 20607
  • Sends Christmas Cards to deployed troops, active-duty members, and hospitalized veterans.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
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Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
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See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
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