The Badge Archive

Basic Meeting Plans are designed to have minimal supplies and still hit the GSUSA Requirements. Most meetings can be done in a 90 minute time frame.

Items Needed:

• Pen or pencil for each scout or small group.
• Printed butterfly diagram with blank labels for each scout or small group.
• (Optional) Short bug fact sheet
• One wooden clothespin per scout
• Two or more coffee filters per scout (for multiple wing options)
• Troop Coloring supplies (crayons or markers)
• Paper plate, napkin, or workspace for coloring
• Half of a paper towel roll or one toilet paper roll (per scout)
• (Optional) Duct tape or decorative tape
• Outdoor area with plants, grass, or trees
• Magnifying glass (optional, one per scout)
• Optional: paper and pencil for drawing or note-taking

Meeting Outline

Full instructions for each activity are found on the connected links. This outline shows the recommended order of activities for a nice flow from one activity to the next.

Meeting Start

Always plan for 5-10 minutes to allow scouts to arrive and your troop’s opening routines.

Time Expected*: 10 minutes

Activity 1 – Draw a bug poster

(Requirement 1 Earned)

Action Needed: Quick Butterfly Facts

Time Expected*: 10 minutes

Activity 2 – Try a bug craft

(Requirement 2 Earned)

Fun Activity: Coffee Filter Butterflies

Time Expected*: 20 minutes

Activity 3 – Explore bug homes

(Requirement 4 Earned)

Fun Activity: Make a Cocoon

Time Expected*: 15 minutes

Activity 4 – See bugs in action & Take a bug field trip

(Requirements 3 & 5 Earned)

Action Needed: Bug Walk and Hunt

Time Expected*: 30 minutes

Meeting End

Always plan for 5-10 minutes for clean up and Closing Routines

Scouts can keep looking for bugs inside the meeting area until it’s time to go home.

Time Expected*: 5 minutes

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Total Time Expected*: 90 minutes

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General Notes

• The Basic Plans from The Badge Archive are designed to earn one official GSUSA badge per level per meeting to remain budget-friendly.
• Some badges require two meetings to complete. This allows scouts to fully enjoy the activities while keeping costs low by only needing one GSUSA badge for every two meetings.
• For troops that wish to give scouts a badge or patch for every meeting, a fun patch can be awarded during one of the two sessions. Scouts attending only one meeting can earn the fun patch, while those attending both will receive both the fun patch and the GSUSA badge.

*Time Expected*

• The time estimates provided by The Badge Archive are based on the writer’s personal experience and are meant as a guideline.
• Troops may take more or less time depending on their scouts’ abilities and interests. Plan your meetings accordingly to suit your troop’s unique needs.

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For pre-planned meeting plans by others – see the Bugs page.
To choose your own activities – see the Bugs Activity List

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

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• Return to the Brownie Badge List.

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