The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts explore a week of comics and analyze how characters and storytelling make them engaging.

• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Comic Artist badge requirements.

Info Needed: Explore how comics are created and understood by looking closely at characters, emotions, and storytelling techniques used in comic strips.

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Items Needed:

• Two weeks’ worth of newspaper comic sections OR Wi-Fi or cable-connected laptops, tablets, or phones
• (Optional) Pens or pencils and Ruled or plain paper
• (Optional) Comic Observation Sheet
• (Optional) Scissors – if cutting out comics

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 30 min):

1. Choose how scouts will work—individually, in pairs, or small groups—based on available comics or devices. (5 min)
   • If using newspapers, scouts select favorite strips from the collection.
   • If using devices, scouts access daily comics online.
2. Read a full week’s worth of one comic strip and choose a favorite. (5 min)
3. Re-read the chosen comic and observe three things. (10 min)
   • How emotions are shown and drawn
   • What personalities the characters have
   • How words and panels make the comic funny or exciting
   • (Optional) Use the Comic Observation Sheet to record findings
4. Share observations with the group. (5 min)
   • Discuss how character emotions, personalities, and word choices help make comics engaging
5. (Optional) If using newspaper comics, cut out panels and rearrange them to create a new strip. (5 min)