The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scout creates a mini Zen garden using a small container, sand or gravel, and natural or decorative items.

• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Junior Gardner badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Brownie Outdoor Art Creator, Junior Outdoor Art Explorer, Cadette Outdoor Art Apprentice, Senior Outdoor Art Expert, and Ambassador Outdoor Art Master badge requirements.
• Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Gardner: Garden design involves choosing plants, shapes, and features that work well together in a space. Think about color, texture, purpose, and how people or animals might use the garden. This applies to gardens of any size, including mini Zen gardens or container gardens, where thoughtful choices are about layout, materials, and how the space feels or functions.

Info Needed for Outdoor Art: Art with Nature means the scout uses nature directly in the process: through materials (like rocks, leaves, or soil), outdoor spaces, or natural forces (like sunlight or wind). The art may be built outside, designed for nature, or shaped by it.

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Items Needed:

• Small box, tray, or shallow container
• Sand or fine gravel
• Small rocks or pebbles
• (Optional) Natural items like twigs, leaves, or shells
• (Optional) Mini rake, fork, or stick for drawing patterns
• (Optional) Spoon or scoop for placing sand

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–30 min):

1. Fill the container with sand or gravel to create a flat surface. (5 min)
   • Use a spoon or scoop if needed.
   • Smooth the surface with fingers or a tool.
2. Choose and place rocks or natural items in the garden. (5–10 min)
   • Encourage balance and spacing.
   • Items can be grouped or spread out.
3. Use a rake, stick, or finger to draw patterns in the sand. (5–10 min)
   • Try lines, swirls, or circles.
   • Patterns can go around or between the objects.
4. (Optional) Talk about how the design feels or what it reminds them of. (5 min)
   • Focus on calm, quiet, or nature themes.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

• Counselor Keri – Designed for classroom use, this guide shows how mini Zen gardens can be part of a “calm corner” or emotional regulation space for kids.
• Go Go Yoga for Kids – Combines Zen garden crafting with yoga and mindfulness practices. Offers simple steps and ideas for integrating the activity into calming routines.
• Kumarah Yoga – Focuses on mindfulness and relaxation through Zen garden creation. Includes thoughtful instructions and reflections for kids, making it ideal for quiet time or yoga-themed sessions.
• Projects with Kids – Offers a colorful, hands-on guide to making DIY Zen gardens using safe containers, bright sand, and creative accessories like mini rakes and driftwood. Great for sensory play and calming activities.
• The Spruce Crafts – Provides a detailed tutorial for making mini Zen gardens with pastel colors and playful elements like dinosaurs. While not exclusively for kids, the tone and visuals are very accessible.