Make a Sit-Upon

The weather is turning and we are now starting to make outdoor plans for our troops. One of the traditional crafts of Girl Scouts is making a sit-upon. I remember doing it as a Brownie myself. This February I took an Outdoor 2 class and experienced the real benefit of using one myself sitting outside on a cold wooden bench all day. It really does make sitting more comfortable, cleaner, and warmer.

There are a variety of ways to make sit-upons, but last year my daughters' leader had the girls make them with this fun and easy technique. All you need is a vinyl shopping bag with handles, duct tape, and recycled newspaper. These vinyl shopping bags are available everywhere these days and the handles provide a perfect way to tote your sit-upon.

First, put the folded newspaper inside the shopping bag. You don't want the bag to be too heavy, so a good Sunday paper should be enough for insulation. Then, fold the sides and bottom of the bag in toward the center of the bag. Use the duct tape to seal each side and top of the bag.

You can use fun designer bags and colorful duct tape or if you use simple bags, the girls can decorate their sit-upons with permanent markers. If this essential is on your camping list, be sure to try this technique with your girls.

Have fun,
Shawna