Virtual Animation Merit Badge

What:   By doing the requirements for the Animation merit badge, Scouts learn how to create the illusion of movement through a series of still images. They learn the techniques which make a good story and visual effect. Then they demonstrate their skill by creating their own animations. They also explore career opportunities related to animation.

The conversation will include animation art, techniques, history and careers. We will strive to understand the different forms of animation (CGI, Stop Motion, Cel, and Flash) and the basic skills that underlie them all (character design, thumbnails, storyboards, scripts, sound design and animation itself). Students are highly encouraged to share their work.

 Meet your Counselor - Representing Troop 6 of Barrington, RI, Jack Siegel has more than 20 years' experience writing and producing animation for television, commercials, digital and interactive platforms. He has worked at studios such as Cartoon Network, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Warner Bros. Animation and Hasbro; and on many shows including, Phantom Investigators, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Hi Hi PuffyAmiYumi and Ben 10.  

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 15 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over three sessions:

August 27, 2020 5:00PM-7:00PM

September 3, 2020 5:00PM-7:00PM

September 10, 2020 5:00PM-7:00PM

Scouts must attend all three sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, login instructions will be sent the day of scheduled class to the email of whom created the registration. Council staff will connect on behalf of the counselor and provide credit for completed requirements. A valid BSA ID number is required. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded.

PREREQUISITES:  Familiarity with any simple animation program. Flip book is a good one for beginners. It is needed for a short final project.