Webelos Art Explosion Adventure for 2024

The Webelos Art Explosion Adventure is a fun and creative way for Cub Scouts to explore the world of art. This adventure helps Webelos learn about different art forms, including drawing, painting, and digital art. By engaging in these activities, Scouts develop a deeper appreciation for art and learn how it can be a form of self-expression.

Art is a powerful tool for communication. In the Art Explosion Adventure, Webelos get the chance to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through various artistic mediums. Whether they are sketching with pencils, painting with brushes, or experimenting with digital filters, each Scout can discover new ways to share what they think and feel.

This adventure also encourages Cub Scouts to think creatively and solve problems. As they work on their art projects, they often have to think about the best ways to use materials or combine different media. This kind of creative thinking is useful in many areas of life, not just art.

Overall, the Webelos Art Explosion Adventure offers Cub Scouts a valuable opportunity to explore their artistic side. It helps them develop important skills like creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving. These skills can help them in other Scouting adventures and in everyday life.

Webelos Art Explosion Adventure Requirements

1. Create a piece of art by exploring drawing techniques using pencils.
2. Using a digital image, explore the effect of filters by changing an image using different editing or in-camera techniques.
3. Create a piece of art using paint as your medium.
4. Create a piece of art combining at least 2 media. 

Printable requirements for the Webelos Art Explosion Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Webelos Art Explosion Adventure

Webelos Adventures Check Off Sheet

Pencil Drawing Techniques

Create a piece of art by exploring drawing techniques using pencils.

Drawing with pencils is a basic but versatile way to create art. It allows Cub Scouts to learn how different pressures and movements can change the look of their drawings. This activity not only helps them understand the basics of drawing but also encourages fine motor skills and attention to detail.

• Pencil Gradient Practice: Have the Scouts practice shading from light to dark using a single pencil. This teaches them how to create depth and dimension in their drawings.
• Copy the Master: Provide them with a simple line drawing by a famous artist. Ask them to replicate it as closely as possible, focusing on the artist’s style and stroke techniques.
• Nature Drawing: Take the Scouts outside to draw natural objects like leaves, rocks, or tree bark. This encourages close observation and appreciation of nature.
• Emotion Drawing: Ask the Scouts to draw faces showing different emotions using only pencils. This activity helps them explore expressing feelings through art.

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Art Explosion Adventure requirement 1:

• Art in the Out of Doors
  • Cub Scouts can get inspiration by going outside to look at nature, architecture, weather, and wildlife.
  • Supplies: paper, pencils, colored pencils, large erasers, clipboards, pencil sharpeners, Webelos handbook
  • outdoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Drawing the Artist
  • Cub Scouts learn the art of drawing a self-portrait.
  • Supplies: paper, pencils, colored pencils, large erasers, pencil sharpeners, handheld mirrors, Webelos handbook
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• The Style of Art
  • Cub Scouts draw in a specific artist’s style.
  • Supplies: paper, pencils, colored pencils, large eraser, pencil sharpeners, items to be drawn, blue painter’s tape
  • indoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep

Digital Art and Filters

Using a digital image, explore the effect of filters by changing an image using different editing or in-camera techniques.

Using digital images and filters is a great way for Cub Scouts to learn about modern art techniques. This part of the Webelos Art Explosion Adventure introduces them to the concept of digital editing. By applying different filters and effects, Scouts can see how a single image can be transformed in many ways. This activity not only teaches them about technology and art but also sparks their creativity as they experiment with various looks.

• Filter Effects Game: Provide Scouts with a digital photo and let them apply different filters to see how each changes the image. Discuss what each filter does and why they might use it.
• Before and After Comparison: Have Scouts choose a filter to apply to a photo. Then, ask them to create a side-by-side comparison to show how the filter changes the original image.
• Create a Story: Scouts can use a series of photos edited with different filters to tell a story. Each photo represents a part of the story, showing progression through changes in the visuals.
• Guess the Filter: Apply a filter to a photo and have Scouts guess which filter was used based on the effects seen. This helps them become more familiar with the options available in photo editing software.
• Mood Photography: Ask Scouts to edit a photo to reflect a specific mood or emotion using filters. This helps them understand how colors and effects can convey different feelings.

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Art Explosion Adventure requirement 2:

• Say Cheese
  • Cub Scouts experiment with digital photography and editing.
  • Supplies: digital cameras or smart device cameras, apple, orange, bunch of grapes, banana, white tablecloth, small table
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Painting Adventures

Create a piece of art using paint as your medium.

Painting is a fun and colorful way to express creativity, and it’s a key part of the Webelos Art Explosion Adventure. This activity lets Cub Scouts use brushes, sponges, and even their fingers to apply paint and create unique artworks. It’s a perfect way for Scouts to learn about colors, mixing, and the different effects they can achieve with paint. Through this, they develop a hands-on understanding of art while enjoying the process of making something from scratch.

• Texture Exploration: Let Scouts experiment with adding sand, salt, or other materials to paint to see how it changes the texture. They can discuss how the different textures might be used in art.
• Finger Painting Mural: Set up a large canvas or paper where all Scouts can use their fingers to add to a communal mural. This fosters teamwork and lets them experience a tactile way of painting.

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Art Explosion Adventure requirement 3:

• No Brushes Needed
  • Cub Scouts explore painting without using traditional paint brushes.
  • Supplies: acrylic paint, paint canvases, paper plates, tablecloth, paint shirts, water, wash basin, cotton swabs, toothbrush, tree leaf, sponge, bubble wrap, paper towel, marbles, straws, cotton balls, painter’s tape, plastic cellophane, paper towel tubes, jar or bottle lids, plastic fork, spoon, knife
  • indoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• Watercolor
  • Cub Scouts make a watercolor painting.
  • Supplies: watercolor paper, watercolor paint sets, paintbrushes, large leaf, pencil, water cup, tablecloth, paint shirts, water, wash basin
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Mixing Media

Create a piece of art combining at least two media.

Combining different art media is a fantastic way for Cub Scouts to explore and expand their artistic skills. This requirement in the Webelos Art Explosion Adventure encourages Scouts to think outside the box and use more than one artistic method in a single piece. By mixing media, Scouts learn about the properties of various materials and how they can complement each other. This process boosts their creativity and problem-solving skills as they figure out the best ways to combine elements into a cohesive artwork.

• Collage Creation: Scouts can use cutouts from magazines, fabric scraps, and drawing elements to create a collage. This teaches them how different textures and visuals can come together.
• Ink and Watercolor: Have Scouts draw with ink pens and then use watercolors over the ink. The watercolor interacts with the ink, creating interesting effects and teaching about the fluid dynamics of different paints.
• Photo Drawing: Start with a digital printout of a photo, and have Scouts add elements using pencils, markers, or paints directly on the photo. This activity merges photography and drawing.
• Nature Combos: Use natural materials like leaves or twigs combined with paint or clay. Scouts can press these materials into clay or paint around them on canvas to integrate natural textures into their art.
• Mixed Media Sculpture: Provide various materials like clay, beads, wires, and scraps of fabric for Scouts to create three-dimensional sculptures. This challenges them to think about structure and design in multiple dimensions.

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Art Explosion Adventure requirement 4:

• 3D Sculpture
  • Cub Scout create a mixed medium 3D sculpture using wood, wire, paint, and beads.
  • Supplies: wood blocks, wood spool, wire, tablecloth, paint shirts, paper plates, water cups, watercolors or acrylic paint, scissors or wire cutters, pliers, paint brushes, wood glue, permanent marker, beads
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Mixed Medium Madness Game
  • Cub Scouts will create a completely original work of art with random art mediums and supplies.
  • Supplies: index cards, old paint shirts, paper plates, cups of water, paint brushes, table coverings, tape and glue sticks, scissors, watercolor paper, craft or construction paper, crayons, oil pastels, markers, pens, pencils, colored pencils, watercolors, acrylic paint
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting a craft activity, watch the Craft Tips video.

Before beginning this Adventure, review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.

More information

What materials do we need for the Art Explosion Adventure?

You will need pencils, paint, digital devices for editing photos, and various other materials depending on the projects you choose, like paper, brushes, and possibly collage materials.

Can we complete this adventure in one meeting?

It might be tough to complete all requirements in one meeting. Plan multiple meetings or start some of the projects at home to give enough time for each art project.

Do the Scouts need any previous art skills?

No, all Scouts can participate. The adventure is designed to introduce basic art skills and let Scouts explore different media.

How can parents help with this adventure?

Parents can assist by providing materials, helping supervise art projects, or even sharing their art skills with the den.

What should we do if we don’t have digital devices for editing photos?

Try to find alternatives like borrowing devices, or focus on other projects that don’t require digital editing. You can also use software at local libraries or schools.

Is there a way to display the art created in this adventure?

Yes, you can organize an art show at a pack meeting or create a virtual gallery online to share the Scouts’ artwork with families and the community.

The Webelos Art Explosion Adventure is designed to introduce Cub Scouts to the vibrant world of art. It provides a fantastic opportunity for Scouts to explore their creative sides and experiment with different artistic media. From drawing with pencils to painting and digital editing, this adventure covers a broad spectrum of art forms. It encourages self-expression and creativity while teaching valuable skills like problem-solving and the basics of visual communication.

Throughout the adventure, Webelos work on a variety of projects that help them understand how different materials and techniques can be used to convey ideas and emotions. They learn to appreciate art not just as a hobby but as a powerful tool for communication. This adventure also encourages teamwork and collaboration as Scouts often share materials and ideas, and sometimes work on group projects.

The variety of activities ensures that every Scout can find something they enjoy, whether they are drawing, painting, or using digital tools to alter images. By the end of the adventure, Webelos will have a collection of artwork that showcases their learning and creativity.