The Badge Archive

Coffee Filter Butterflies

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Bugs badge requirements.

Items Needed:

  • One wooden clothespin per scout
  • Two or more coffee filters per scout (for multiple wing options)
  • Markers or crayons
  • Paper plate, napkin, or workspace for coloring

Instructions (Total Time: 20–25 Minutes):

  1. Learn and Reflect (5–6 minutes)
    • Talk briefly about how butterfly wings help them survive (camouflage, warning colors, attracting mates)
  2. Color the Wings (10–12 minutes)
    • Scouts use markers or crayons to decorate their coffee filters
    • Bright colors, spots, or patterns can mimic butterfly wings
    • Leave the center of each filter blank for folding
  3. Assemble and Swap Wings (2–3 minutes)
    • Scouts pinch the clothespin across the center of one coffee filter.
    • Try different wing sets by sliding them in and out. They can design multiple wings and reuse the body like swapping outfits.

Resources:

“How to Make Classic Coffee Filter Butterflies.” One Little Project, 12 July 2018, onelittleproject.com/coffee-filter-butterflies/. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Tia Kennard