Patriotic Napkin and Utensil Holder

Time: 30–40 minutes
Best For: Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light
Group Size: Small groups, large groups
Advancement: Crafts, citizenship
Supplies: Cardboard tubes, construction paper, cardboard base, glue, plastic lids, scissors
Prep Level: Medium
Mess Level: Medium
Skills Learned: Fine motor skills, creativity, following directions, teamwork

Cub Scouts enjoy crafts they can use in real life. This patriotic napkin and utensil holder is a good example. Scouts make something simple and useful. It also fits well with pack picnics, campouts, or holiday events.

This craft works well around patriotic holidays. You can use it for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or Veterans Day. It also fits well with service projects or pack meals. Scouts like seeing something they made on the table.

The craft is simple and uses easy materials. Most dens can find these supplies without much trouble. The steps are clear and Scouts can finish it during a meeting. It is a good choice when you want a quick but meaningful activity.

I like crafts that connect to the values of Scouting. This one lets Scouts show pride in their country. It also gives them a chance to practice basic craft skills while working together.

Red, white, and blue crafts have been popular in the United States for a long time. People enjoy decorating for patriotic holidays. Paper crafts are especially common because they are easy and inexpensive.

The design in this craft is based on the American flag. The blue section with stars and the red and white stripes help Scouts learn the basic parts of the flag. It can also lead to a short discussion about flag etiquette.

Napkin holders and utensil holders are often used at picnics and outdoor meals. They keep forks, spoons, and napkins in one place. This helps keep the table neat and organized.

Reusing cardboard tubes also teaches a simple lesson about recycling. Many Scout crafts use everyday items that would normally be thrown away. Scouts learn that useful things can come from simple materials.

When Scouts make this craft, they practice basic craft skills. They measure paper. They cut shapes. They glue pieces in place. These simple steps help build hand skills.

Scouts also learn to follow directions. Each step needs to be done in order. When they follow the steps, the craft works better. This is an important skill for many Scout activities.

This craft also helps with patience. The paper must be cut and glued carefully. If Scouts rush, the pieces may not line up well. Taking their time helps the project look better.

Den leaders can also use this craft to talk about teamwork. Scouts can share supplies. They can help each other cut stars or stripes. This makes the activity more social.

Another good lesson is pride in their work. When the craft is finished, Scouts can use it during meals. Seeing their project on the table makes them feel proud.

I like to remind leaders to let Scouts do the work themselves. The craft might not look perfect, and that is fine. The goal is learning and fun.

Materials

• Four empty toilet paper tubes
• Construction paper  – red, white, and blue
• One 6” x 6” piece of stiff cardboard
• Scissors
• Glue
• Four small, clean plastic lids (like milk carton lids) which will fit inside the tubes.
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Cover the top 1/3 of each tube with blue construction paper.
2. Cover the bottom 2/3 of each tube with red construction paper
3. Cut some small stars out of the white construction paper and glue them onto the blue parts of the tubes.
4. Cut some stripes out of the white construction paper and glue them on the red parts of the tubes.
5. Hot glue the four lids onto the square of cardboard as shown in the printable copy (see link above), with the flat sides down.
6. Put the tubes over the lids and hot glue as necessary to hold them in place.
7. Put your utensils in the tubes and stand your napkins up in the space between the tubes.

Notes

If you are doing this with young Scouts, an adult should use the hot glue gun. Older Scouts will appreciate the danger and excitement of using the glue gun.

Crafts for Scouts

If your Scouts enjoy this project, you can find many more craft ideas on my site. I share simple crafts that work well for den meetings, pack events, and campouts. Most crafts use easy supplies you can find at home or at a local store. These projects help keep Scouts busy while they learn new skills.

Take a look at the craft page to find more ideas for your next meeting. You will find crafts for holidays, outdoor themes, and Scout activities. Many of them can be finished during a regular den meeting. A good craft can add fun to your program and give Scouts something they are proud to take home.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What age group is this craft good for?

This craft works well for Cub Scouts. Lions and Tigers may need extra help with cutting and gluing. Wolves, Bears, and Webelos can do most of the steps on their own. Older Scouts can help younger Scouts if needed.

How long does this craft take to make?

Most dens can finish this craft in about 20 to 30 minutes. The time depends on how quickly Scouts cut the stars and stripes. If you cut some shapes ahead of time, the craft will go faster.

Can Scouts decorate the holders in different ways?

Yes. Scouts can add more stars or stripes if they want. They can also write their name on the base. Some Scouts may want to add stickers or small drawings.

What if we do not have plastic lids?

You can glue the tubes directly onto the cardboard base. The lids help hold the tubes in place, but the craft will still work without them. Just make sure the tubes are glued well.

Can this craft be used for pack events?

Yes. These holders work well for pack picnics, campouts, or holiday meals. Scouts enjoy seeing their craft used on the table. It also helps keep utensils and napkins organized.

Is hot glue required?

Hot glue works best to hold the tubes in place. An adult should use the hot glue gun for younger Scouts. If hot glue is not available, you can try strong craft glue, but it may take longer to dry.

Can we prepare anything ahead of time?

Yes. Leaders can cut the cardboard bases before the meeting. You can also cut some stars and stripes ahead of time. This helps younger Scouts finish the craft more easily.

This patriotic napkin and utensil holder is a simple craft for Scouts. It uses cardboard tubes, paper, and a small piece of cardboard. Scouts decorate the tubes with red, white, and blue paper. When the craft is finished, it holds forks, spoons, knives, and napkins.

The design looks like the American flag. Scouts add blue paper with white stars at the top. Red paper and white stripes go on the bottom. This makes the holder look bright and patriotic.

This craft works well before a pack picnic or holiday meal. Scouts like seeing their craft on the table. It also helps keep utensils and napkins in one place.

The project is easy for most Cub Scout dens. Scouts practice cutting, gluing, and following directions. They also enjoy making something they can use during meals.