The Badge Archive

*Inspired by an activity mentioned in 1913 How Girls Can Help Their Country

Info Needed: Scouts learn the history and meaning of the American flag and make their own version using paper and craft supplies.

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Items Needed:

• Red and blue pencils, crayons, or markers
• White paper or cardstock
• Scissors
• (Optional) Glue or tape
• (Optional) Printable star template or instructions for folding paper to cut five-pointed stars

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 30–40 min):

1. Share background about the American flag (5–7 min)
   • Briefly tell scouts that the current U.S. flag design was inspired by symbols from George Washington’s coat of arms.
   • Introduce Betsy Ross and her role in crafting the first flag in 1777, including her idea for five-pointed stars.
   • Mention that the flag has 13 stripes to represent the original colonies and 50 stars for the current states.
   • Explain basic flag signals: half-mast for mourning, upside-down to signal distress.
2. Design personal flags using paper (15–18 min)
   • Scouts draw or color red and blue stripes on their papers to represent the flag.
   • (Optional) They cut folded white paper to make five-pointed stars or use a template.
   • Attach stars to the blue section of the flag or arrange creatively.
3. Reflect on flag meaning (5–7 min)
   • Scouts share what they included in their flag design.
   • Talk about symbols and what they might mean or represent today.
   • (Optional) Scouts create their own personal flag based on what matters most to them.

How to Fold and Cut a 5-Pointed Star

1. Start with a rectangle of paper (like 8.5″ x 11″).
2. Fold it in half lengthwise to find the center.
3. Mark a few key points (this is where the angles come in).
4. Fold the paper five times at specific angles so the layers stack just right.
5. Make one diagonal cut. When you unfold it, it’s a perfect star.

These videos walk you through the folding and cutting process with clear visuals:

• How To Cut a Perfect Star | Make a Perfect Star with Just One Cut – A great visual guide using square paper and one cut.
• How to Cut Out a Perfect Star (Level: 5 year old+) – Simple enough for young scouts to follow.
• How to cut star shape perfectly – DIY paper Star – Shows folding and cutting to get a 3D Paper Star.

References:

• Hoxie, W.J. How Girls Can Help Their Country. New York, The Knickerbocker Press, 1913, p. 7.