The Badge Archive

Meeting Outline

Items Needed:

• (Optional) Phone or computer with internet access
• (Optional) Printed comic books, graphic novels, or links to web comics
• Comic Anatomy sheet
• Blank comic template (one per scout)
  • Sample: Blank 4-panel comic grid
• Pens or pencils
• Coloring utensils
• Paper (plenty for each scout for three of the activities)
• How-To Guide from the internet or library, or a Circle Drawing how-to.
• Pens or pencils
• Blank 4-panel comic grid handout for each scout
• (Optional) A mirror (one per Scout or shared, if possible)
• (Optional) Facial expressions reference sheet – Expressions by The Badge Archive
• 4 panel comic (from Mirror Expressions, Partner Positions, Plan a Comic, or Transition Time activity)
• (Optional) Guide about Comic Words by The Badge Archive

Before the Meeting:

• Print all sheets and examples needed.
• Choose and print of bring at least one comic strip that clearly shows panels, gutters, speech bubbles, thought bubbles, captions, manpu, and/or facial expressions.
  • Use GoComics Archive or Comic Book Plus for older examples.
  • Use USA Today or a local newspaper for current examples.
• (Optional) Ask Scouts to bring a favorite comic or web comic link to share during the activity.

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.

Comic Basics – Scouts use a labeled comic to learn how images and words work together, then read a cartoon and write a funny caption.

Progressive Comic Art – Scouts take turns adding panels to each other’s comics in a group drawing game.

How-To Characters – Scouts use a how-to guide to draw simple characters and explore their personal drawing style.

Mirror Expressions – Scouts observe and sketch facial expressions, then use them to create a four-panel comic strip that tells a story without words.

Choose Comic Words – Scouts explore how comics use words, then add dialogue, thoughts, or narration to their four-panel comic strip.

If you have extra time: Scouts can try adding more panels to their comic until it’s time to go home.

Total Time Expected*: 90 minutes

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

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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 More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

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Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Return to the Cadette Badge List.

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