Activity Overview
Girl Scouts visit a pet supply store, veterinarian’s office, animal shelter, or go online to learn more about animals and play Animal Bingo.
- Find and visit a place—either in person or online—where Girl Scouts can learn about different animals.
- If visiting a physical location, contact the site in advance to see if an employee or speaker can talk with the Girl Scouts during their visit.
- Have the group play Animal Bingo with the provided bingo card.
Leader Guidance
Preparation: Find and visit a place where Girl Scouts can observe and learn about different animals (with permission). If visiting a physical location, contact the site in advance to see if an employee or speaker can talk with the Girl Scouts during their visit. If an in-person visit isn’t an option, arrange for Girl Scouts to speak with someone virtually. You can also supervise Girl Scouts as they research information online.
Note: If using a guest instructor or online video, follow all Girl Scout safety guidance and council policies, including required adult supervision and any council rules for photography, video, and virtual interactions.
On the day of the activity,
Say:
- How many different animals can you think of? What are some of your favorites? (Wait for answers.)
- There are so many kinds of animals!
- Animals are as different as the people who love and care for them; they all have different needs and abilities that make them unique.
- Today, we’re going to play a game called Animal Bingo. As we play, we’ll find out more about what various animals need, with the help of a staff member or another animal expert.
Once you’re settled in at your planned location, play bingo! Refer to Animal Bingo for game instructions and a bingo card. (Make sure each Girl Scout has a copy.) If possible, ask an animal expert to help your group learn more about each animal. If not possible, help them look up information online.
Have Girl Scouts find out more about the animal of their choice by asking these questions:
- How much space does this animal need?
- How much food does this pet need per day?
- What kind of human contact does this animal like?
- What are some common costs of caring for this animal?
Once they find answers to their questions, instruct them to mark an X on the appropriate square. When they’ve made a complete line, either up, down, or across, they’ve completed Animal Bingo!
