Animation Merit Badge Activity Planner
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Animation Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Animation 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 to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | GREAT | Require presenter shares Animation in virtual meeting |
| Family Activity | GREAT | Share your work with your family - make projects at home |
| Service Activity | FAIR | Create and share scouting themes with Cub Scouts |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | Learn how to use Modern Digital Technology |
| Field Trip | FAIR | Find a remote animation studio to tour - Disney Studio Tour |
| Duty-to-God | POOR | N/A |
| MB Day | GREAT | Many special Animation MB Day groups abound. |
| Overnighter | FAIR | Disney Studio Tour |
| Summer Camp | POOR | n/a |
Online Resources
- Animation Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Animation Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Animation 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.
- Animation Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Animation 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.
- Animation @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
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.
News Flash
- Animation Merit Badge- SlideShare Presentation
- Get CREATIVE In Animating: How To Get The Animation Merit Badge - (YouTube) - Eagle Scout Mac Guzman
- Get Creative in Animation - Intro by ScoutingWire.org about BSA's new merit badge.
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
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 Animation?
- Req #2: Discussion - Share 5 of 12 Principles of Animation:
- Principles of Animation - BoysLife video demo of several principles of Animation
- Create your own Animation Flipbook - BoysLife exhibit
- Req #4b: Discussion - The Future of Animation
- Req #5: Discussion - Careers in Animation
- Careers in Animation - BoysLife video demo of several principles of Animation
Pre-Open Gathering Activity
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
- Principles of Animation - BoysLife video demo of several principles of Animation
Two Animation Projects
Req #3: Projects. With your counselor's approval, choose TWO animation techniques and do the following for each:
a. Plan your animation using thumbnail sketches and/or layout drawings.
b. Create the animation.
c. Share your animations with your counselor. Explain how you created each one, and discuss any improvements that could be made.
E. Virtual Field Trip
A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:
Req #4a: Tour an animation studio or a business where animation is used, either in person, via video, or via the Internet. Share what you have learned with your counselor.
VIP Studio Tour
Some Major Movie Studios to allow tours of their animation creative studios.
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:
See Also
- 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.
