The Badge Archive

Paper Bag ID

Info Needed for badge requirements: Everyone is unique because of their talents, interests, and physical traits. For example, fingerprints are one of a kind, just like the way people smile, the things they love to do, or how they see the world.

Items needed

  • Basic Version:
    • Brown paper bags (one for each scout)
    • Pens, pencils, or crayons
  • Optional Variant:
    • Small objects scouts can choose to represent their identity, such as:
      • Foam letters and numbers
      • Colored pom-poms or beads for favorite colors
      • Animal stickers or small animal figures
      • Seasonal decorations (e.g., flowers for spring, leaves for fall)
      • Toy shapes (e.g., trees, stars, or houses)
      • Craft gems or glitter for something sparkly

Instructions

Basic Version:

  1. Give each scout a paper bag and ask them to decorate it by drawing or writing answers to prompts like:
    • What is your name?
    • How old are you?
    • What is your favorite color?
    • What is your favorite animal?
    • What is your favorite thing to do outside?
  2. Once done, gather the bags and gather the scouts together for a guessing game. Open each bag and share the drawings or writings in it with the group. Ask the scouts to guess whose bag it is based on the clues.
  3. (Optional) Once revealed, scouts can share why they chose the drawings or writings inside.
  4. After the guessing game, return the bags to their owners.
  5. Reflect on the activity by discussing:
    • Was it hard or easy to guess everyone’s identity?
    • Which answers made it easier to figure out whose bag it was?

Optional Variant:

  1. Set up a small table or station with a variety of objects scouts can choose from to represent different parts of their identity. For example:
    • A foam letter for the first initial of their name
    • A bead or pom-pom in their favorite color
    • A sticker or toy animal to represent their favorite animal
    • A small shape to symbolize their favorite activity (e.g., a star for playing outside at night)
  2. Have scouts select items from the table and place them in their bags as they answer prompts about themselves:
    • What is your name? Find the first letter of your name.
    • What is your favorite color? Pick an object in that color.
    • What is your favorite animal? Choose a matching item.
    • What is your favorite thing to do outside? Pick a shape that reminds you of that activity.
  3. Collect the bags and play the guessing game. Reveal the items inside the bags, and let scouts guess whose identity each bag represents.
  4. (Optional) Once revealed, let scouts share their bags and explain why they chose the objects inside.
  5. After the guessing game, return the bags to their owners.
  6. Reflect on the activity by discussing:
    • Was it hard or easy to guess everyone’s identity?
    • Which answers made it easier to figure out whose bag it was?
Tia Kennard