The Badge Archive

Basic Self Portrait

Activity Description: Scouts create a portrait of themselves or someone they admire using drawing or other art materials.

Info Needed: Scouts should understand that art can be realistic, abstract, or expressive.
They will choose a subject and create a visual piece based on it.

Items Needed:

  • Paper for each scout
  • Pencils and coloring tools (crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
  • (Optional) Portrait examples (photos, illustrations, coins)
  • (Optional) Other art materials (paint, collage supplies, or sculpting tools if extending)

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–30 min):

  1. Choose a Portrait Subject (3–5 min)
    • Scouts choose someone or something to draw, such as:
      • A family member, pet, or friend
      • Themselves
      • A favorite character or real-life maker
  2. Create a Portrait (10–12 min)
    • Using their chosen medium, scouts draw or design a portrait.
    • Encourage them to show the subject’s personality or mood.
    • They can add a background or include meaningful objects.
  3. (Optional) Design Challenge (5–7 min)
    • Scouts sketch an invention or tool their portrait subject might use or need.
    • If time and materials allow, they can build or decorate that design.
  4. (Optional) Share & Reflect (3–5 min)
    • Scouts show their portraits and talk about who they chose and what they included in the background or expression.
Tia Kennard