The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts trace comic panels to explore how artists use shapes and lines to show emotion, action, and setting.

• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Cadette Comic Artist badge requirements.

Info Needed: Build drawing skills by practicing character shapes, poses, and expressions through tracing, freehand sketching, or guided tutorials.

---

Items Needed:

• Pens or pencils
• Paper (enough for several per scout)
• Tracing paper (enough for several per scout)
• Comics brought in by scouts OR printout of comic samples/printout of online comics provided by leader

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20 min):

1. Pass out pens, pencils, paper, and tracing paper. (2 min)
2. Choose comics to trace. (3 min)
   • Scouts may use comics they brought
   • If none were brought, use printed or online samples provided by the leader
   • (Optional) Scouts briefly share what they like about the comic they chose
3. Trace 10 to 12 comic panels. (10 min)
   • Focus on how the artist uses shapes to show emotions, movement, and setting
   • Tracing does not need to be perfect—this is practice
4. Share drawings and observations. (5 min)
   • Scouts discuss what techniques they noticed
   • (Optional) Scouts talk about what was challenging or fun about tracing the style