Girl Scout Leadership

How does an octopus play?

A Silver Award project partnering with the Oregon Coast Aquarium to teach the public about octopus enrichment — and help these clever, curious animals get the toys and puzzles they need to thrive.

Girl Scout Leadership

How does an octopus play?

A Silver Award project partnering with the Oregon Coast Aquarium to teach the public about octopus enrichment — and help these clever, curious animals get the toys and puzzles they need to thrive.

The Blueprint

Taking the Lead,

Making Waves

01
02
03

Identify the Need

Illustrate Solutions

Build Sustainability

The octopuses have such a short time in the aquarium, and there are more high-maintenance and unique species that need more attention. Humans generally have a moral obligation to take extra good care of animals when they are in captivity. It's important that people understand and learn about their time at the aquarium so they would care more, and know how to support animal enrichment so they can get involved if they want to.

I worked with experts at the aquarium to create a new sign that teaches readers about octopus enrichment. The sign includes text in English and Spanish and teaches about why enrichment is important and about different enrichment that octopuses enjoy. There is a QR code to the aquarium’s Wishlist so visitors can know how they can support enrichment for the animals at the aquarium.

I had a craft station at Trillium Valley Day Camp (K-6th grade Girl Scouts) dedicated to teaching about octopuses, enrichment, and creating enrichment-related crafts, from marble mazes to simple fleece octopus dolls. I provided information about how Girl Scouts can support animal enrichment at the aquarium.

Later, I attended the local Service Unit’s Ice Cream Social event where I demonstrated a tri-fold board that gave information about my Silver Award.

I am presenting my project and running an Octo-buddy craft station at Octopus Day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium on 10/8/2026.

The Blueprint

Taking the Lead,

Making Waves

01
02

03

Identify the Need

Illustrate Solutions

Build Sustainability

The octopuses have such a short time in the aquarium, and there are more high-maintenance and unique species that need more attention. Humans generally have a moral obligation to take extra good care of animals when they are in captivity. It's important that people understand and learn about their time at the aquarium so they would care more, and know how to support animal enrichment so they can get involved if they want to.

I worked with experts at the aquarium to create a new sign that teaches readers about octopus enrichment. The sign includes text in English and Spanish and teaches about why enrichment is important and about different enrichment that octopuses enjoy. There is a QR code to the aquarium’s Wishlist so visitors can know how they can support enrichment for the animals at the aquarium.

I had a craft station at Trillium Valley Day Camp (K-6th grade Girl Scouts) dedicated to teaching about octopuses, enrichment, and creating enrichment-related crafts, from marble mazes to simple fleece octopus dolls. I provided information about how Girl Scouts can support animal enrichment at the aquarium.

Later, I attended the local Service Unit’s Ice Cream Social event where I demonstrated a tri-fold board that gave information about my Silver Award.

I am presenting my project and running an Octo-buddy craft station at Octopus Day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium on 10/8/2026.

Project Outcomes

Sharing the Science of Octopus Enrichment

Project Outcomes

Sharing the Science of Octopus Enrichment

The Intersection

Crafting a Connection

Octo-buddy

Using soft fabric, a 2.5"-3" paper mache ball, and some twine, you can make a cute octopus friend!

Shoebox Maze

Octopus love mazes as a way to play. With this simple craft using a box, a marble, some straws or sticks, and glue or double-sided tape, you can play like an octopus!

Click the picture to download instructions.

Coloring Sheets and Stickers

Click to download! The stickers are meant for 1" circle sticker sheets.

Octopus coloring sheet

Octopus stickers

Shrimp stickers

The Intersection

Crafting a Connection

Octo-buddy

Using soft fabric, a 2.5"-3" paper mache ball, and some twine, you can make a cute octopus friend!

Shoebox Maze

Octopus love mazes as a way to play. With this simple craft using a box, a marble, some straws or sticks, and glue or double-sided tape, you can play like an octopus!

Click the picture to download instructions.

Coloring Sheets and Stickers

Click to download! The stickers are meant for 1" circle sticker sheets.

Octopus coloring sheet

Octopus stickers

Shrimp stickers

Expanding the reach

Ready to get involved?

To learn more about enrichment, you can visit the Aquarium's website by scanning the QR code to the right, clicking on the QR code, or going to aquarium.org/enrichment. The site gives lots of details on enrichment, and a link to an Amazon Wishlist with many different toys for the animals at the Aquarium.

Expanding the reach

Ready to get involved?

To learn more about enrichment, you can visit the Aquarium's website by scanning the QR code above, by clicking on the QR code, or going to aquarium.org/enrichment. The site gives lots of details on enrichment, and a link to an Amazon Wishlist with many different toys for the animals at the Aquarium.