All worksheets / Animation
Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Animation
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Animation is a making badge. Most of it is requirement 3, where you plan and build two animations using two different techniques — flipbook, stop motion, cutout, sand, software, whatever you and your counselor agree on. The 12 principles in requirement 2 are the vocabulary professionals use to say why an animation reads as believable, so learn them before you animate, not after.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Principles of Animation
- Storyboarding & Concept Development
- Hands-On Animation Production
- Digital Animation Technology & Careers
7Printable Pages
5Requirements
2015Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Animation Requirements
Every requirement for the Animation merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1General Knowledge
Do the following:
- a In your own words, describe to your counselor what animation is.
- b Discuss with your counselor a brief history of animation.
2Principles of Animation
Choose five of the following 12 principles of animation, and discuss how each one makes an animation appear more believable: squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, straight ahead action and pose to pose, follow through and overlapping action, slow in and slow out, arcs, secondary action, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing, and appeal.
3Projects
With your counselor's approval, choose two animation techniques and do the following for each:
- a Technique 1
- b Technique 2
4Animation in our World
Do the following:
- a 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.
- b Discuss with your counselor how animation might be used in the future to make your life more enjoyable and productive.
5Careers
Learn about three career opportunities in animation. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss your findings with your counselor. Explain why this profession might interest you.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Animation requirements in 2015. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/animation/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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