Hobbies & Projects – Scout Life magazine

Use the Monkey Paw Knot to Make a Holiday Ornament

A monkey paw knot is typically used to weigh down a rope, but it can also be a fun holiday ornament.

How To Make a Solar Eclipse Viewer for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8

Safely view a solar eclipse with this easy-to-make shoebox solar viewer.

How to Make a Fabric Pumpkin

Fall is here! You can carve a pumpkin -- or make one yourself. Here's how.

How to Make a Solar-Powered Oven for Outdoor Cooking

Take outdoor cooking to the next level with this homemade solar cooker.

5 Easy Tips to Help You Snag a Free Baseball at a Game

How often have you gone to a baseball game hoping to catch a ball that goes into the stands? It's not as hard as it seems.

How to Build a PVC Sprinkler for Summertime Fun

Cool off with this backyard summertime sprinkler system that you can build yourself.

5 Homemade Gifts for Father’s Day

Father's Day is coming up. Show dad you care with a do-it-yourself gift.

6 Handmade Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Learn how to make a homemade purse, a key chain, mosaic steppingstones, a clock and more!

How to Fold Your Own Pocket-Sized Joke Books

Never be without your favorite jokes again. Download, print and fold these fun pocket-sized joke books to take with you.

Learn Morse Code With This Morse Translator and Decoder

Use this helpful tool to translate between morse code and text.

10 Tips to Become a Chess Champ

If you want to be a chess champ, it'll take lots of learning and lots of practicing. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

How to Easily Take Fingerprints With Household Items

You can take fingerprints using a pencil, a sheet of paper and clear adhesive tape.

How to Use Lashings to Build a Comfortable Camp Chair

Relax around camp by lashing together a comfortable camping chair. It's easy if you have the pioneering skills.

Pile of drink coasters made from a neckerchief

How To Turn an Old Neckerchief Into a Drink Coaster

You can use an old neckerchief (or any fabric you like) to make a fun coaster for your drinks.

How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller

Learn how to fold this classic paper game and fill it with hidden messages.

Check Out These Fantastic Pinewood Derby Car Designs From 2023

These fun, fast and fantastic Pinewood Derby are awesome!

Use Science to Build the Fastest Pinewood Derby Car

A former NASA engineer explains how you can use science to make the fastest car at your next Pinewood Derby.

How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car

There are many ways to make your Pinewood Derby car go faster. Here are some of them.

How to Use Old Magazines to Make Wall Art

Instead of getting rid of your old Scout Life issues, recycle them in a creative way!

How to Use a Sled to Make a Pulk for Backpacking in the Snow

Not only are sleds fun, but they're also a great way to carry gear in winter.

How to Make and Decorate Holiday Sugar Cookies

The holiday season is here! Celebrate with these sweet cookies that you can make and decorate yourself.

How to Make a Time Capsule

This indestructible PVC tube will keep your treasures safe for years.

How to Make a Clothespin Lamp

Add a fun touch to your room décor with this crafty clothespin lamp!

How to Do the 4 Thieves Card Trick

This simple magic trick is all about storytelling -- and a little sleight of hand. Learn how to do it with our step-by-step video.

How to Make a Fun Magnetic Wand

This fun magnetic device can help you increase coordination skills. Strengthen the small muscles in your hands and wrists as you create shapes and letters.

How to Get Started Birding

Birdwatching can be a fun pastime. All you need are binoculars and a bird guide to start.

Take a Look at These Stunning Pinewood Derby Cars From 2022

These Pinewood Derby cars are amazing! Check out this photo gallery of creative Pinewood Derby cars sent to us by Scout Life readers.

How to Make a Rube Goldberg Machine

Here's how to build a complex contraption that uses a chain reaction to perform a simple task.

How to Use Yarn to Make a Pompom Snowman

Brighten your home this winter with a cute and crafty homemade snowman decoration!

Learn How to Draw a Bear From a Pro

Learn to draw a bear from an Oscar-nominated animator who worked on the Brother Bear movie.

How to Make a Hardware Chess Set

Use nuts and bolts from your tool chest to make this unique hardware chess set.

Improve Your Chess Skills With These 9 Expert Tips

Chess grandmaster and Eagle Scout Kayden Troff shares his nine tips to become a better player.

Combat Food Waste with These 5 Easy Recipes

Perfectly good food scraps get tossed in the trash when they can be used to help make another meal.

11 Tasty S’mores Recipes

There's no reason to mess with this classic camping dessert. But if you're feeling adventurous, here are 11 tasty S'more variations.

How To Make a Glow-in-the-Dark Galaxy Jar

This crafty project is also known as a calming jar, because it can help with stress relief.

How to Make a Plywood Carabiner

Use this simple, homemade wooden clip to secure your stuff.

How to Make 4 Cool Gifts for Father’s Day

Father's Day is coming up. Dad will be a happy guy with one of these cool gifts.

How to Make Your Own Board Game

Design and make your own board game to take family game night to the next level of fun.

How to Make an Origami X-Wing Fighter

Use these instructions to fold your very own Star Wars X-Wing ship.

5 Easy Gifts That You Can Make for Mom

Show you care by making mom a matchbox locket, sewing organizer, paperweight, artwork holder or pen holder.

How to Throw a Tomahawk and Hit a Target

Tomahawk throwing can be a rigorous yet rewarding activity. The secret to throwing tomahawks is "lots of practice and follow-through."

Go Beyond GORP With These 40 Tasty Trail Mix Ingredients

Trail mix doesn't have to be boring. Mix and match these ingredients to create your own perfect trail snack.

How to Make a Soap Carving

Embrace your creativity with soap carving, a fun and easy activity that will also improve your whittling skills.

These Incredible Pinewood Derby Cars From 2021 Will Inspire You

Check out these Pinewood Derby cars! Our photo gallery of creative cars is incredible. Take a look and then send us a photo of your 2021 Pinewood Derby car.