Art Merit Badge Activity Planner
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Art Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Art can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.
- Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
- This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
- While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
A. Make Your Plan
- Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
- Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
- Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
| Patrol Activity | GREAT | Awesome MB for new scouts / Max Size 12 scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | GREAT | Virtual Art Gallery tours available |
| Family Activity | GREAT | Great family activity - projects, and field trips |
| Service Activity | GREAT | See examples below of Eagle Scout Service Projects using artwork. |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | Learn to make computer generated drawings |
| Field Trip | GREAT | Great art inspired in the outdoors |
| Duty-to-God | GREAT | Art is an essential element in many religions |
| MB Day | GREAT | Yes |
| Overnighter | GREAT | Popular outdoor activity |
| Summer Camp | GREAT | Popular outdoor activity. Be sure to do the "Art Hike". |
Online Resources
- Art Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Art Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Art Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
- Art Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Art is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
- Art @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
- Art Merit Badge @ SlideShare -
- Art Merit Badge @ ScoutSmarts -
B. Introduction Meeting
Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips. Send out the activity flyer in advance to use as an meeting agenda. Your scouts will then know what to expect.
Art is a classic example of a patrol sized activity. When you have too few scouts it is hard to finish the projects, and if you have too many scouts then there is not enough space or equipment and many end up just standing around. But for the typical patrol (4-10 scouts) you should find that there is plenty for everyone to become fully immersed in the activity and have fun.
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity. Art has very few pre-requisites - mostly just for the boys to do some projects.
- Required Reading:
- Art @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
D. Study Hall Patrol Night
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
MBC Discussion Group:
- Req #1: Discussion - What is Art?
- Req #2: Discussion - Elements of Art
- Req #3: Discussion - Six Principles of Design
- Req #7: Discussion - Careers in Art
Pre-Open Gathering Activity
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
- Scout Art exhibits - completed assignments
- Video - Bio of famous artworks
Art Project Resources:
Before beginning any projects - have assignments done to gather the appropriate resources. See MBC for advice.
- Darice 80PC Art Supply Kit: Darice 80-Piece Deluxe Art Set – Art Supplies for Drawing, Painting and More in a Compact, Portable Case - Makes a Great Gift for Beginner and Serious Artists
- 30PC Watercolor Art Supply Kit: Kid Made Modern Wondrous Watercolor Paint Set - Kids Arts and Crafts Supplies
- Sunnyglade 185 Pieces Double Sided Trifold Easel Art Set: Drawing Art Box with Oil Pastels, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, Paint Brush, Watercolor Cakes, Sketch Pad
- Drawing Set - Sketching and Charcoal Pencils Set: 100 Page Drawing Pad, Kneaded Eraser. Art Kit and Supplies for Kids, Teens and Adults, Sketch Set
Project 1: Four Different Renderings
State other ways - take one subject (apple or scoutknife) and create an artwork in four different methods:
Req #4: Render a subject of your choice in FOUR of these ways:
- Pen and ink,
- Watercolors,
- Pencil,
- Pastels,
- Oil paints,
- Tempera,
- Acrylics,
- Charcoal
- Computer drawing or painting
Project 2: Create Something Useful
Note: In 2016 the scout leaders of the newly formed Buena Creek District, asked a local art classic to design their new district patch/logo. See results to the right.
Req #5: Do ONE of the following:
- a. Design something useful. Make a sketch or model of your design. With your counselor's approval, create a promotional piece for the item using a picture or pictures.
- b. Tell a story with a picture or pictures or using a 3-D rendering.
- c. Design a logo. Share your design with your counselor and explain the significance of your logo. Then, with your parent's permission and your counselor's approval, put your logo on Scout equipment, furniture, ceramics, or fabric.
E. Field Trip
A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:
Art Gallery Field Trip
Req #6: With your parent's permission and your counselor's approval, visit a museum, art exhibit, art gallery, artists' co-op, or artist's workshop. Find out about the art displayed or created there. Discuss what you learn with your counselor.
Artwork Campout
Many serious arts find great inspiration in the outdoors. Consider using a camping trip to scenic location to complete your several required art projects. Remember to bring along your collection of art supplies.
The Summer Camp Art Hike
Art is a popular outdoor activity. Take your art class to a different scenic location each day for new inspiration. Be sure to include the scout camp art gallery for requirement #6.
F. Extra Credit
While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do A Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!
- Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
- Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.
Related Merit Badges
Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity: