Pool Tote Craft

Time: 25–35 minutes (plus drying time)
Best For: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light
Group Size: Small groups, large groups
Advancement: Crafts, responsibility
Supplies: Canvas tote bags, fabric paint, brushes, cardboard, table covers
Prep Level: Low
Mess Level: Medium
Skills Learned: Creativity, planning, responsibility, fine motor skills

Pool parties and aquatics meetings are a favorite in Cub Scouts. Scouts love time in the water. They also bring a lot of gear. Goggles, towels, sunscreen, and dive toys can get scattered. A simple pool tote craft helps keep everything together.

Decorating canvas tote bags fits well into the Scouting program. It works as a gathering activity. It gives Scouts something useful to take home. It also supports the idea of being prepared. When Scouts carry their own gear, they learn responsibility.

This craft works for Lions through Arrow of Light Scouts. Older Scouts can help younger ones. That builds teamwork. It can also fit into aquatics adventures. You can connect it to water safety and being organized at the pool.

I like to start this craft at the beginning of the event. That gives the paint time to dry. By the time families head home, the bags are ready to carry wet swimsuits and pool toys. It is simple, useful, and easy to run.

Canvas tote bags have been around for many years. People used them for shopping and carrying books. They are strong and easy to reuse. That makes them a good choice for busy families.

In recent years, reusable bags became common in stores. Many people use them instead of plastic bags. This helps cut down on waste. Scouts can learn about being thrifty and caring for the earth by using reusable totes.

Tote bags are also popular for crafts. They are plain and ready to decorate. Fabric paint sticks well to canvas. Once it dries, it holds up to normal use. That makes it a good base for Scout creativity.

There is also something special about carrying a bag you decorated yourself. Scouts feel proud when they use something they made. Over time, that tote may become part of their regular camp or pool gear.

This craft is simple. But it teaches a lot. When Scouts decorate their own tote, they make choices. They pick colors. They decide on designs. That builds confidence.

Scouts also practice planning. They have to think before they paint. If they want to add their name, they need to space the letters. That takes focus. It also builds patience as they wait for paint to dry.

This is a good time to talk about being prepared. A Scout who keeps gear in one place is ready for action. At the pool, that means less time looking for goggles. It also means less stress for parents.

You can also connect this to being thrifty. Instead of buying special pool bags each year, families can reuse these totes. Scouts see that simple items can be useful.

Finally, this craft builds responsibility. When a Scout carries his or her own tote, that Scout takes ownership. That small step matters. It supports the habits we want to build in Cub Scouts.

Materials

• Plain canvas tote bags
• Fabric paint in assorted colors
• Paint brushes in different sizes
• Permanent markers made for fabric (optional)
• Paper plates or trays for paint
• Cardboard pieces to place inside bags
• Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
• Table covers or newspaper

Instructions

1. Cover tables with newspaper or plastic tablecloths.
2. Place a piece of cardboard inside each tote. This keeps paint from soaking through.
3. Set out paint on paper plates or trays.
4. Show Scouts how to write their names first. Let the paint dry a little before adding other designs.
5. Let Scouts add pictures such as fish, waves, or beach balls.
6. Remind them not to use too much paint. Thick paint takes longer to dry.
7. Set finished bags in a safe place to dry.
8. Let bags dry as long as possible before sending them home.

Notes And Variations

• Remind Scouts to wash hands after using paint.
• Keep paint away from eyes and mouths.
• Use fabric markers for simpler designs with younger Scouts.
• Add stencils for fish or water shapes if Scouts need ideas.
• Consider ironing the bags later at home to help set the paint, following the paint directions.
• Have a few extra totes ready in case of mistakes.

Click here for a printable copy of the directions For decorating pool totes

Crafts for Scouts

If you liked this pool tote craft, you can find many more craft ideas on my site. I share simple craft projects that work well for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Most of them use easy to find supplies. They are made for den meetings, pack events, and campouts. Each craft is explained in clear steps so you can follow along without stress.

Take a few minutes to look through the craft section. You will find seasonal crafts, holiday crafts, and crafts that connect to advancement. Many of them also teach useful skills. A good craft can fill gathering time and keep Scouts engaged. It can also support the aims of Scouting while giving Scouts something they are proud to take home.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

How long does the paint take to dry?

Most fabric paint feels dry in one to two hours. Thicker paint takes longer. I suggest starting this craft at the beginning of your event. That gives the bags time to dry before Scouts go home. Always check the paint label for exact drying times.

Will the paint wash off?

Fabric paint is made to stay on cloth. Once it dries and sets, it should not wash out easily. Some brands suggest heat setting with an iron at home. Ask parents to read the paint directions and follow them.

What age group is this best for?

This works well for Lions through Arrow of Light Scouts. Younger Scouts may need help writing their names. Older Scouts can add more detailed designs. You can adjust the level of help based on the age of your den.

How do I keep paint from bleeding through the bag?

Place a piece of cardboard inside each tote before painting. This stops paint from soaking through to the other side. It also gives the Scouts a firm surface to paint on.

What if a Scout makes a mistake?

Small mistakes can often be covered with another design once the paint dries. You can also turn a smudge into a wave or a fish. Keep a few extra bags on hand just in case.

Can this be done outdoors?

Yes, this craft works well outside. Just make sure tables are steady and protected. Watch for wind that could blow paper or drip wet paint. Outdoor space can make cleanup easier.

How many totes should I buy?

Plan for one tote per Scout. It is smart to buy a few extra. Sometimes a bag gets dropped or needs to be replaced. Extras help you stay calm if something goes wrong.

This pool tote craft is simple and useful. Scouts decorate plain canvas bags with fabric paint. They add their names and fun water themed designs. When the paint dries, they have a bag ready for goggles, sunscreen, and dive toys. It helps keep pool gear in one place.

This craft works well as a gathering activity. Start it at the beginning of your meeting or pool party. The bags can dry while Scouts swim or take part in other activities. By the end of the event, most totes will be ready to go home.

It also supports Scouting goals. Scouts learn to take care of their own gear. They practice planning when they design their bag. They build confidence by making something useful. The finished tote can be used again and again at meetings, camp, and family outings.

This project does not require special tools. It uses easy to find supplies. It is simple to set up and simple to clean up. It gives Scouts a practical item they can use right away.