Paper Bag Puppets

Making paper bag puppets is a simple craft that works well in many Scouting programs. It doesn’t take much time, and the supplies are easy to find. This activity can be done with all ages. Younger Cub Scouts especially enjoy it, but older Scouts can use it for skits or storytelling.

Paper bag puppets are good for indoor meetings. They help Scouts use their creativity. They also give Scouts a chance to work with their hands. This craft can be used as a stand-alone activity or as part of a larger theme, like making a puppet show or telling a story.

For Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts, this activity fits well with adventure requirements that focus on working together and using imagination. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts can use it to create props for a den skit. It’s also a fun option for rainy day camp activities.

In Scouts BSA or Venturing, older youth can use paper bag puppets in leadership games or to teach younger Scouts. They might even create a puppet show to share a message about Scout Law or safety rules. This is a flexible craft that supports both fun and learning.

Paper bag puppets have been around for many years. Nobody knows exactly who made the first one. But once people started using paper lunch bags, it didn’t take long for someone to turn one into a puppet. All it takes is a face, a flap for a mouth, and a little imagination.

These puppets became popular in schools and homes. Teachers and parents liked them because they were easy and cheap. Kids liked them because they could make silly characters and put on shows. You didn’t need anything fancy. Just some paper, glue, crayons, and maybe some yarn or buttons.

Over time, paper bag puppets were used for more than just fun. They were also used in classrooms to teach lessons, and even in churches and libraries to help tell stories. Today, they are still a favorite craft for groups like Scouts. Simple, creative, and full of laughs.

When your Scouts make paper bag puppets, they are doing more than a craft. They are learning how to follow directions. They learn to gather supplies, follow steps, and finish a task. These are good habits to build early.

They also use their imagination. Each puppet is different. Some will be funny. Some will be animals. Some might look like people they know. This gives your Scouts a chance to be creative and make something that is their own.

Working side by side, they also learn to share and take turns. If you only have one bottle of glue or a few markers, they need to wait and help each other. This teaches them teamwork and patience.

If you add a short puppet show at the end, they learn to speak in front of others. Even shy Scouts might speak up if they can hide behind a puppet. This helps build confidence. So don’t think of this as just a quick craft—it’s a good learning tool too.

Materials Needed:

• 1 paper lunch bag (brown or white) per Scout
• Crayons or markers
• Glue stick or white glue
• Safety scissors
• Construction paper scraps
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Buttons, yarn, fabric scraps (optional)

Instructions:

1. Give each Scout a paper lunch bag. The flap on the bottom of the bag will be the puppet’s mouth.
2. Have Scouts draw or glue on a face. The face should go on the bottom flap. That way, when they move their hand inside, the mouth will open and close.
3. Let them add eyes, ears, a nose, hair, or anything else using markers, paper, yarn, or buttons.
4. They can also decorate the puppet’s “body” on the main part of the bag. Add clothing, arms, or even a tail if it’s an animal puppet.
5. Allow time for glue to dry before putting the puppet on their hand.

Tips and Variations:

• For younger Scouts, you may want to pre-cut some shapes like circles or triangles.
• Use different colored bags to create animals or creatures.
• Create themed puppets for holidays or Scout Law characters.
• Make a simple puppet stage out of a cardboard box for skits.

Safety Notes:

• Use only blunt-tip scissors with younger Scouts.
• Remind Scouts not to put glue, buttons, or small parts in their mouths.
• Always supervise when using scissors or other sharp tools.

Click here for a printable copy of the Paper Bag Puppet Craft Instructions

Crafts for Scouts

Making paper bag puppets is just one fun craft you can do with your Scouts. If you are looking for more ideas like this, check out the Crafts for Scouts page on my website. You’ll find other easy projects that work well at meetings, during campouts, or for special events.

The crafts are simple, low-cost, and use materials you may already have. They help Scouts build skills like creativity, focus, and teamwork. Visit my Crafts for Scouts page to explore more hands-on ideas to keep your meetings fun and active.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What kind of bag should we use?

Use a regular paper lunch bag. Brown or white bags work best. Make sure they are not too small.

Do we need special supplies?

No. You just need basic craft items like crayons, glue, paper, and scissors. You can add googly eyes, yarn, or buttons if you have them.

How long does this craft take?

It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you do a puppet show after, plan for a little more time.

Is this craft too easy for older Scouts?

Older Scouts can still enjoy it. They can make more detailed puppets or use them in skits or lessons.

Can we tie this to a rank requirement?

Yes. For Cub Scouts, it can support adventures that focus on working together or using imagination. You can also use it as part of a skit or storytelling activity.

What if we don’t have googly eyes or fancy supplies?

That’s fine. Just use crayons or markers to draw the face. It still works.

Can Scouts take their puppets home?

Yes. Let them take their puppets home to show their families or use them again later.

Making paper bag puppets is an easy and fun craft for any Scouting group. It works well with all age levels. Younger Cub Scouts enjoy the simple steps. Older Scouts can use them for skits or to teach. This craft uses basic supplies and doesn’t take long to finish.

Scouts learn a lot while they work. They follow steps, use their hands, and create something unique. They also learn to share and work together. These are all important parts of the Scouting program.

You can tie this activity into different parts of your meetings. Use it with a theme, like storytelling or kindness. Use it during a rainy day at camp. Or just use it as a way to keep your den active and engaged.

Best of all, this craft is low-cost and easy to clean up. And when they are done, Scouts can take their puppets home and maybe even use them again.