Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youths sculpt and share clay models of vehicles based on their design sketches.

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Items Needed:

• Sketches from a previous activity
• ~4 oz. of Air Dry, Modeling, or Polymer Clay per youth
• Extra clay for sharing
• Tools for sculpting (rolling pins, cookie cutters, dull plastic knives, textured stamps)
• (Optional) Markers or Paint for adding details

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 30–40 min):

1. (Optional) Knead Clay. (2–3 min)
   • Youth may need to soften the material to make it easier to shape.
2. Sculpt the vehicle body. (8–12 min)
   • Youth use sketches as guides to form the basic shape. If using multiple colors, this should be one main color.
3. Add vehicle features. (8–15 min)
   • Youth include parts such as wheels, doors, and lights.
   • Tools can be used to add patterns or details.
4. (Optional) Dry the clay. (2–3 days)
   • If using Air-Dry Clay, set models aside and allow them to dry for 2–3 days until hardened. 
5. (Optional) Color the model. (4–5 min)
   • If using Air-Dry Clary, Youth decorate with markers or paint once dry.
6. (Optional) Share designs. (7–8 min)
   • Youth present their models to the troop. They can describe features, usefulness, and favorite parts of their design. The group can discuss how real designers share ideas to improve vehicles.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

• Video: Kidsat: How to make play doh cars like disney cars

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Automotive Design: All levels need to “Sculpt and share your vehicle”.

• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Automotive Design badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Brownie Automotive Design badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Junior Automotive Design badge requirements.

Info Needed for Art and Design Brownie Step 2 and Junior Step 3: Texture in a drawing helps us imagine how things would feel if we could touch them. For example, a drawing of a fluffy cat looks soft and furry, while a drawing of a rough rock looks bumpy. When you touch a 3D sculpture, you can feel if it’s smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft. This helps you understand what the artwork is supposed to be, like a rough tree bark or a smooth, shiny car.

Brownie Art and Design Step 3 requires focus on Shape and Form, Space, Patterns, or Symmetry.

• Fulfills Steps 2 and 3 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements