A Girl Scout bookmark is a fun and practical way to encourage reading, creativity, and a love of learning. Featuring inspiring messages, nature illustrations, and scouting-themed designs, these bookmarks make wonderful additions to reading activities, troop meetings, classroom projects, and craft sessions at home.
Whether you are a troop leader, parent, teacher, or Girl Scout looking for a creative project, printable Girl Scout bookmarks are easy to personalize. You can print a template, color the designs, and turn simple paper bookmarks into meaningful reminders of kindness, courage, teamwork, and adventure.
In this guide, you will discover printable Girl Scout bookmark ideas, creative ways to decorate them, and practical tips for making durable bookmarks. You will also find activity suggestions for troop gatherings, school reading programs, and thoughtful handmade gifts.
What Is a Girl Scout Bookmark?
A Girl Scout bookmark is a reading accessory inspired by the values and activities associated with Girl Scouting. It can feature encouraging messages, nature-themed artwork, outdoor adventures, or illustrations of scouting uniforms and badges.
Unlike an ordinary bookmark, a scouting-themed design can also serve as a small reminder to practice kindness, explore the outdoors, help others, and keep learning. A printable bookmark template makes it easy to create a personalized design without purchasing expensive craft supplies.
These bookmarks can be used by Girl Scouts of different ages, families, educators, and anyone who enjoys reading and creative activities. Depending on the design, they can be colored, decorated, laminated, or shared with friends.
Printable Girl Scout Bookmark Template Ideas
A printable Girl Scout bookmark template can include several designs on one sheet, allowing you to choose a favorite or create a matching set. Black-and-white outlines are especially useful for coloring activities, while small green accents add a recognizable outdoor-inspired touch.
1. Kindness and Courage Bookmark
A kindness-themed bookmark encourages readers to treat others with respect and confidence. Messages such as “Be Kind,” “Be Brave,” and “Be a Girl Scout” make the design suitable for reading challenges, troop activities, and everyday use.
Decorate the bookmark with hearts, flowers, and cheerful colors. You can also invite participants to write one kind action they plan to complete on the back of their bookmark.
2. Outdoor Adventure Bookmark
Outdoor adventures are an important part of many scouting activities. A bookmark featuring a tent, campfire, pine trees, mountains, or a compass can celebrate curiosity and a love of nature.
Use green for trees, blue for the sky, and warm colors for the campfire. This design works well for nature-themed reading activities and discussions about outdoor exploration.
3. Learning and Growth Bookmark
A learning-themed bookmark celebrates personal development and the excitement of discovering new things. Encouraging phrases about learning, growth, and making a positive difference can help children connect reading with their own goals.
Choose simple illustrations, such as flowers, books, stars, or plants, to complement the message. This design is also suitable for school libraries and reading reward programs.
4. Exploration and Teamwork Bookmark
A teamwork-themed bookmark can feature a compass, a winding trail, trees, and directional signs. These elements represent exploration, cooperation, and the confidence to try something new.
For a group craft project, ask each participant to choose a personal goal related to learning, helping others, or exploring the world. They can write that goal on the back of their finished bookmark.
How to Make a Girl Scout Bookmark
Making a Girl Scout bookmark is a simple craft project that requires only a few basic supplies. A printable template provides the outline, so you can focus on coloring, cutting, and personalizing the design.
Materials You Will Need
- A printable Girl Scout bookmark template
- A printer and suitable paper
- Cardstock for a sturdier bookmark
- Scissors or a paper trimmer
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- A hole punch, optional
- Ribbon or yarn, optional
- Clear adhesive film or a laminator, optional
Step 1: Print the Bookmark Template
Start by printing your preferred Girl Scout bookmark design. For a bookmark that holds its shape during regular use, choose cardstock instead of standard printer paper.
Check the page size and print settings before starting. Use the actual-size or 100% scale setting when appropriate, and make sure the entire template fits on the page.
Step 2: Color and Personalize the Design
Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to decorate your bookmark. Green is a natural choice for trees, leaves, and outdoor illustrations, while blue, yellow, and other bright colors can make the designs more cheerful.
You can also personalize the bookmark with a first name, a favorite inspirational phrase, or a personal reading goal. For a troop activity, let each participant choose their own colors and decorations.
Step 3: Cut Out the Bookmark
Carefully cut around the outside edges of the selected design. Keep the edges as straight as possible so the bookmark looks neat and fits comfortably inside a book.
If the template includes multiple bookmarks on one page, separate the designs first and then cut around each individual bookmark. Younger children should receive help or supervision when using scissors.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
If the bookmark includes a hole near the top, thread a short piece of ribbon or yarn through it. Tie a secure knot, leaving enough ribbon to create a decorative accent without making the bookmark difficult to store.
For extra durability, laminate the finished bookmark or cover it with clear adhesive film. Trim any excess material carefully and avoid sharp corners.
Creative Ways to Use Girl Scout Bookmarks
Printable Girl Scout bookmarks can support more than arts and crafts. They can also encourage reading, introduce meaningful discussions, and provide simple ways to celebrate teamwork and personal achievements.
Troop Meeting Activities
Include bookmark making in a troop meeting as a short creative activity. Provide several designs and basic coloring supplies, then invite participants to decorate their favorite bookmarks.
To make the activity more meaningful, ask everyone to choose a message about kindness, courage, learning, or helping others. Participants can explain their choices and share how they might apply the message in everyday life.
Reading Challenges and Library Activities
A Girl Scout bookmark can help children keep track of their reading progress. Write a small goal on the back, such as reading for 15 minutes a day or finishing a new book each week.
Teachers and librarians can also use the bookmarks as reading rewards. Give a bookmark to participants who complete a reading challenge or take part in a book discussion.
Handmade Gifts and Appreciation Notes
A handmade bookmark is an inexpensive way to share encouragement with friends, teachers, family members, or fellow troop members. Pair the finished design with a book or a short handwritten message for a thoughtful gift.
You can create several matching bookmarks for a group event or prepare different designs so each recipient can choose a favorite. A simple envelope or paper sleeve can help keep the bookmarks clean until they are given away.
Community Service and Kindness Projects
Bookmarks can also be included in reading-related community service activities. For example, a group may create encouraging bookmarks to accompany donated books for a school or community reading program, with the recipient organization’s permission.
Choose positive, inclusive messages that suit the intended audience. Before distributing materials that use official Girl Scout names, logos, or insignia, check the applicable branding guidelines and obtain any necessary permission.
Tips for Making Durable Printable Bookmarks
A few simple choices can help your Girl Scout bookmarks look better and last longer.
- Use cardstock: Thicker paper is generally more durable than ordinary printer paper.
- Choose clear designs: Simple outlines and readable messages make bookmarks easier to color and use.
- Allow ink to dry: Give printed ink and marker decorations enough time to dry before cutting or laminating.
- Cut carefully: Neat edges give the finished bookmark a more professional appearance.
- Protect the surface: Lamination or clear adhesive film can help reduce stains, bending, and everyday wear.
- Keep decorations flat: Avoid bulky embellishments that could damage book pages or make the bookmark difficult to store.
- Print extra copies: Additional templates are useful for troop meetings, classrooms, and group craft sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Girl Scout Bookmarks
Where can I find a printable Girl Scout bookmark?
You can find scouting-inspired bookmark templates on printable resource websites and craft blogs. Choose a design that suits your activity, then print it at home using the recommended page size and paper settings.
Can children color Girl Scout bookmark templates?
Yes. Black-and-white bookmark templates are ideal for coloring. Children can decorate illustrations of nature, camping equipment, flowers, and other scouting-inspired elements with crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
What paper is best for making a Girl Scout bookmark?
Cardstock is generally the best choice because it is thicker and holds its shape better than standard printer paper. Regular paper can still work for short activities or temporary bookmarks.
How can I make a Girl Scout bookmark last longer?
Print the design on cardstock and protect it with a laminator or clear adhesive film. Cut the edges neatly and avoid attaching heavy decorations that could bend the bookmark or damage book pages.
What messages can I put on a Girl Scout bookmark?
You can use original, encouraging messages about kindness, courage, teamwork, learning, and exploration. Examples include “Be Kind, Be Brave,” “Keep Exploring,” and “Learn Something New Every Day.”
Can Girl Scout bookmarks be used for troop activities?
Yes. Bookmark making can be included in troop meetings, reading challenges, or creative workshops. Participants can decorate their designs and discuss values such as kindness, teamwork, and community involvement.
Can I give handmade Girl Scout bookmarks as gifts?
Yes. Handmade bookmarks make small, thoughtful gifts for readers, teachers, friends, and fellow troop members. Pair one with a book or handwritten note to make the gift more personal.
Can I use official Girl Scout logos on printable bookmarks?
Official logos, insignia, and branded materials may be subject to trademark and usage rules. Check the official Girl Scout brand guidelines and obtain permission when required. For personal craft projects, you can also use original scouting-inspired artwork and general messages about kindness, learning, and outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
A Girl Scout bookmark is a simple, creative way to combine reading with meaningful messages about kindness, courage, teamwork, and exploration. With a printable template and a few basic supplies, you can make personalized bookmarks for individual reading, troop activities, classroom projects, or handmade gifts.
Choose a design that reflects your favorite message, print it on suitable paper, and add colors or decorations to make it your own. Whether you prefer outdoor scenes, inspirational phrases, or nature-inspired illustrations, a handmade bookmark can make every reading session a little more enjoyable.
Print your favorite Girl Scout bookmark template and turn a simple craft into an opportunity to read, create, and grow.
Download: Girl Scout Bookmark Template
