The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts explore how comics use words, then add dialogue, thoughts, or narration to their four-panel comic strip.

• Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Cadette Comic Artist badge requirements.

Info Needed: There are multiple ways to add words to a comic. Dialogue bubbles, thought bubbles, or captions are the most common. The words should help explain what’s happening or what the characters are thinking. Keep the text short so it fits clearly inside, above, or below each panel.

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Items Needed:

• Pens or pencils
• Scrap paper (plenty for each Scout)
• 4 panel comic (from Mirror Expressions, Partner Positions, Plan a Comic, or Transition Time activity)
• (Optional) Guide about Comic Words by The Badge Archive

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–35 min):

1. Set up with materials and previous comic strip. (2 min)
   • Scouts sit at a table or use hardcover books as a surface.
   • Distribute pens, pencils, scrap paper, and their four-panel comic.
2. Review how comics are read and how text is placed. (2 min)
   • Scouts learn that dialogue usually starts from the left or top of the panel.
3. Explore types of comic text and choose one or more to use. (5 min)
   • Dialogue bubbles: used for characters speaking
   • Thought bubbles: cloud-like shapes for internal thoughts
   • Narration boxes: third-person narration that guides the story
   • (Optional) Use the Comic Words guide to see examples of each type.
4. Plan and add words to their comic strip. (5 min)
   • Scouts decide what their characters will say or think.
   • Scouts check if there’s enough space and adjust drawings or use larger paper if needed.
5. Share completed comics with the group. (10–15 min)
   • Scouts explain how they used words to support the story.