Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Have a matching game, a song, and a relay race, to teach youth how living things share basic needs.

Items Needed:

• Large pictures of a dog, a goldfish, a bird, and a child
• Care Cards (see list below)
• Category pages
• A 3 Cheers Journey Activity Song
• (Optional) Tape or sticky tack

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Create cards. (15–30 min)
   • Using the Care Card list below, create the Care Cards.
2. Create category pages. (5 min)
   • Label four pages with words or images for Nutrition, Shelter, Health, and Comfort
3. Be ready for singing time. (5–30 min)
   • Choose a 3 Cheers Journey Activity Song to sing and learn the words and movements well enough to teach the youth.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 35–55 min):

1. Matching game. (10–15 min)
   • Place the pictures of the dog, goldfish, bird, and child on the floor.
   • Pass out the care item cards to everyone.
   • Match the specific animal and child care cards to the correct picture. Take turns having them place their cards next to the correct picture.
2. Sing a journey song together. (5 min)
   • Gather everyone in a circle.
   • Sing the chosen 3 Cheers Journey Activity Song with accompanying movements.
3. Race relay. (15–25 min)
   • Place the category pages on the opposite side of the room.
   • Count the care cards from the first activity so there are exactly one or two cards for each youth to ensure equal turns.
   • Demonstrate how to sort by placing any extra leftover cards into the correct category pages before the race begins.
   • Place the counted relay cards in a central pile at the starting line.
   • Race across the room to sort the cards into new general need categories.
   • Have them run one by one to take a card, race across the room, place it on the right category page, and run back to tag the next person.
4. Sit down for a final discussion about differences and feelings. (5–10 min)
   • Explain that living things share basic needs like nutrition, shelter, and health care, and receiving this care helps them feel happy and safe.
   • Look at how all categories contain cards for both animals and the child. Point out differences, such as a dog needing a vet while a child needs a doctor.
   • Ask questions like: How does the dog, goldfish, or bird feel when their needs are met? How do they feel when someone takes care of them?
   • Connect the responses to show that care makes all living things feel safe and happy.

Care Cards

• Dog Cards:
  • Bowl of kibble
  • Water bowl
  • Dog bed
  • Collar and leash
  • Chew toy
  • Veterinarian (animal doctor)
• Goldfish Cards:
  • Container of fish flakes
  • Fish tank filled with water
  • Water filter
  • Aquarium castle or plastic plants
  • Fish net
• Bird Cards:
  • Dish of birdseed
  • Small bird water dispenser
  • Birdcage
  • Bird swing or bell toy
  • Cuttlebone

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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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• Choose a different Early Caring for Animals activity.
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