Helpful Link

For each scout den meeting (two times a month) I make a word search puzzle for the boys to do as a gathering activity. If you don't know what a gathering activity is, this is my definition: an activity that each person, can independently do while waiting for the meeting to start and for others to arrive.
Basically just something to keep them busy so I can get things done and ready for our meeting.
I found this simple webpage that has lists and lists of pre-made word searches and also allows you to make your own. The best part is that my boys love them. I figured after a few weeks they would get tired of them and would want to do mazes or something different, but they always ask for the word search, and if I don't make them they are disappointed, and their energy ends up going in unwanted directions. You could use them for learning/teaching spelling words, while on car trips, for gathering activities, or in many other situations. Normally I base them on the months theme (Jan: Positive Attitude, Feb: Resourcefulness....) and for this month I thought I would do a springtime theme. Here it is.

Springtime
                                       

                               ANIMALS                                   BUD                                  SPROUT 

                               GRASS                                        SEED                                 VACATION 

                               EASTER                                     NEST                                 GROWTH 

                               SUNSHINE                                NEW                                  FLOWERS 

                               RABBIT                                     RAIN                                  BLOSSOM
                              LEAVES                                      GREEN                               SPRING
                              CHICK                                  BEE                                BUTTERFLY