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Postcard pictures

Awaken your inner artist by sketching a local point of interest as we find out about what makes landmarks special.

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You’ll need

  • Pens or pencils
  • Coloured pens or pencils
  • Clipboards
  • Scissors
  • Some example postcards

Before you begin

  • The person leading the activity should get together some old postcards. Look for examples that show popular landmarks.
  • The person leading the activity should fold each A4 sheet of card in half and then in half again. Unfold each sheet of card, use a pencil to draw along each crease and then cut each sheet of card into four rectangles. Each rectangle should be a similar size and shape to the example postcards.
  • The person leading the activity should choose a local landmark that is close to the meeting place. The group should be able to walk to the landmark and sit down somewhere to draw. An area with picnic benches or low stone walls, with views of wildlife, would be ideal.

Run the activity

  1. The person leading the activity should lead the group to the local landmark they have chosen. Find somewhere for everyone to sit.
  2. Everyone should have a look at the example postcards. The person leading the activity should ask what the postcards show. See if anyone knows where the landmark is or the reason why it was popular enough for someone to make a postcard. Also, ask if anyone has ever received a postcard from a friend or family member and find out what was on it.
  3. The person leading the activity should tell the group to have a look at the landmark they have visited. Find out what everyone can see in the surrounding landscape. See what plants and animals the group can see. Ask if anyone knows why the area is called a ‘landmark.’
  1. The person leading the activity should hand out the rectangles of card and drawing materials, including the coloured pencils. Everyone should try to make a sketch of the landmark from where they are sitting to make a postcard of their own. The person leading the activity should move between the group and make sure that everyone remembers to think about the landscape, the materials on any buildings and how they are going to capture what makes the landmark stand out.
  1. After 15 or 20 minutes, the person leading the activity should check on everyone’s progress. Those who need a little more time may continue. When everyone is finished, the group should come together and talk about their sketches. See if they are happy with the drawings. Each member of the group should look at someone else’s postcard and point out the spot that the person has drawn.

Reflection

The group visited a local landmark. Had they been to that place before, or was it something they had never noticed? What did they learn about the landmark from visiting it and drawing it?

Making a sketch of an area that stands out is not easy! You have to think deeply about why something is beautiful or different. What parts of the landmark were difficult to draw and which bits were simple? Did you have enough colours? Who do you know who might like your postcard and would be happy if they received it in the post? Why might they like this landmark?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Outdoor activities

You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.

Hiking and walking

Follow the guidance for activities in Terrain Zero, or the guidance for each the adventurous activity.

Budding sketch artists could try to draw something small, far-off and detailed, and challenge the rest of the group to name what they have drawn.

Help anyone struggling with their drawing by encouraging them to try a smaller or simpler area in the centre of their card. They can always draw what’s around that area if there is time later.

Assist those drawing who have sensory differences or get distracted easily, choose appropriate landmarks and drawing materials for them.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Beavers My Skills Challenge Award
Beavers Creative Activity Badge
Cubs Artist Activity Badge
Beavers Thistle Award

Anyone who knows a thing or two about postcards or the landmark might like to write a letter to a friend or family member on the back of their card. It should explain to that person what the drawing shows, why it stands out and why you sent it to them.

Allow young people to choose which areas to sketch, so that they can demonstrate which colours, textures and features interest them.