Making a gourd birdhouse is a great hands-on activity for Scouts. It lets them create something useful while learning about nature. They will see how their hard work can turn a simple gourd into a home for birds. This kind of project is fun and helps build important skills.

This craft fits well into many Cub Scout and Scouts BSA adventures. It teaches planning, patience, and care. Scouts will use tools and follow steps in order. They will also learn to be safe while working. These are skills that help them in other parts of the program too.

A gourd birdhouse project can also spark interest in birds and wildlife. Scouts may want to learn what kinds of birds use their birdhouses. They might watch the birds and notice their behavior. This ties in with nature study, conservation, and outdoor adventures.

This is a good project for meetings or campouts. Some steps are better for adults to handle, but there is still plenty for the Scouts to do. When finished, they will have something they can hang in a tree and be proud of.

People have been making birdhouses from gourds for a very long time. Native Americans were some of the first to use dried gourds as homes for birds. They found that the round shape made a good shelter. The hard shell of the gourd helped protect the birds from rain and wind.

Purple martins are one of the birds that like gourd homes. Long ago, Native Americans hung gourds on poles near their homes to attract these birds. The birds helped by eating insects like mosquitoes. This made life more pleasant for the people living nearby.

Early settlers in America learned this idea from Native tribes. They started using gourds for birdhouses too. Today, some people still use them because they are natural and last a long time when dried and sealed. Making a gourd birdhouse is a fun way to keep this tradition going and give birds a nice place to nest.

Den leaders, this is a great project to help your Scouts learn by doing. They will use their hands, follow steps, and work with tools. These are all useful skills. Even younger Scouts can take part in many parts of the project. They will feel proud when they finish their birdhouse.

Scouts will also learn how to be careful and safe. There are sharp tools and bleach involved, so it’s a chance to talk about safety. You can model how to handle things the right way. Older Scouts might be ready for more of the steps. Younger Scouts will still stay busy with cleaning, scooping, and painting.

This project also gives a chance to talk about helping wildlife. Birds need safe places to nest. By making these homes, Scouts help nature. You can ask them what birds they hope to see using the birdhouse. Some may want to look them up later.

It also teaches patience. They won’t be able to finish in one sitting. They’ll need to wait for paint to dry. They’ll need to come back later to finish the steps. That’s a good life skill. And when the project is done, they’ll have something they can hang up and enjoy for a long time.

So don’t worry if it gets a little messy or takes more than one meeting. This project teaches a lot and gives your Scouts a chance to shine.

Materials Needed:

• Dried bottle gourd
• Bleach (for soaking)
• Bucket
• Soapy water
• Steel wool
• Old towel
• Utility knife
• Spoon
• Hand drill
• Paintbrush
• Enamel paint, shellac, or polyurethane
• Wire (for hanging)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix a cleaning solution with one part bleach and nine parts water. Soak the gourd in this for 15 minutes. An adult should do this step.
2. Dry the gourd with a towel.
3. Scrub the outside with steel wool and soapy water to remove mold and dirt.
4. Dry the gourd again with the towel.
5. Use the knife to cut a round hole, about 1½ inches across, near the middle of the fat part of the gourd. This step is best done by an adult.
6. Use a spoon to scoop out seeds and soft material from inside.
7. Drill a few small holes in the bottom for water to drain out.
8. Drill two small holes near the top for hanging wire.
9. Paint the gourd with two coats of enamel paint, shellac, or polyurethane. Let each coat dry for 24 hours.
10. After the final coat is dry, thread wire through the top holes.
11. Twist the ends of the wire together to make a loop.
12. Hang your birdhouse outside and watch for birds!

Extra Notes:

• You can paint the gourd with fun designs or colors before sealing it. Just be sure the final coat is clear and waterproof.
• Let Scouts handle scrubbing, scooping, and painting. Adults should do the knife and bleach steps, especially for young Scouts.
• Be sure to remind Scouts not to touch the bleach solution.
• Watch out for sharp tools and help younger Scouts as needed.
• Some gourds might have spots or mold from drying. That’s normal and will come off when cleaned.
• You may need to redrill holes if paint fills them in.

Click here for a printable copy of the Gourd Birdhouse Project Instructions

Projects for Scouts

If your Scouts enjoyed making the Gourd Birdhouse, there are many more hands-on ideas they might like. These types of projects help keep Scouts busy and learning. They also give them something they can take home and be proud of. You can find more craft and outdoor projects that work well at meetings or campouts.

Visit the projects for Scouts page on my website to see the full list. The ideas there are simple and fun. They also support skills that Scouts work on in their adventures. Whether you need a quick meeting plan or a weekend activity, you’ll find something that fits.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

Where can I get dried gourds?

If you didn’t grow your own, check farmer’s markets or craft stores. Some garden centers may have them too.

Do I have to use bleach to clean the gourd?

Yes, it helps kill mold and bacteria. Just be sure an adult handles that step.

Can younger Scouts do this project?

Yes, with help. Adults should handle the knife and bleach. Kids can scrub, scoop, and paint.

What size hole should I make for the birds?

A 1½ inch hole works for many small birds. It’s best to place it above the middle of the round part.

What kind of paint should I use?

Use enamel paint or outdoor-safe shellac or polyurethane. Let it dry fully between coats.

Will the gourd last outside?

Yes, if it’s sealed well with paint or shellac. It should be taken down in winter to make it last longer.

Do I need to drill holes in the bottom?

Yes, a few small drainage holes keep water from collecting inside.

Can I decorate the gourd?

Yes, but use outdoor-safe paint. Finish with a clear coat to protect it.

What birds might use it?

Purple martins, wrens, and chickadees like gourd homes, depending on your location.

What should I do with the seeds I scoop out?

You can save them to grow new gourds or just throw them away.

Making a birdhouse from a gourd is a simple and fun activity for Scouts. It uses natural materials and basic tools. Scouts will enjoy turning a dried gourd into something useful. They can hang it outside and watch birds make it their home.

This project fits well into the Scouting program. It teaches basic skills like using tools, following directions, and being patient. It also helps Scouts learn about nature and how to take care of it. They will see how their work can help birds in their area.

Most steps are safe for younger Scouts, but a few need adult help. Cutting the hole and using bleach should be done by an adult. The rest—scrubbing, scooping, painting—can be done by the Scouts themselves. That makes this a great group project for a meeting or campout.

The final result is something the Scouts will be proud of. The birdhouse can last a long time if it is painted and sealed well. It’s a great way to connect creativity with the outdoors.