#CampDIY Day 46: Draw who you want to be!
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Draw a future self portrait showing who you want to be, add details about interests and goals, then share and explain your choices.

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Step-by-step guide to #CampDIY Day 46: Draw who you want to be!

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What you need
A clean table or flat surface, colouring materials (markers crayons colored pencils), eraser, paper, pencil

Step 1

Gather all your materials and place them on your table so everything is easy to reach.

Step 2

Sit in a comfy spot with good light so you can see your drawing clearly.

Step 3

Close your eyes and imagine who you want to be when you grow up for one minute.

Step 4

Choose three things that show your future self like a job hobby or a goal.

Step 5

Lightly sketch the shape of your head shoulders and body with your pencil.

Step 6

Draw the hairstyle clothes and facial expression that match your future you.

Step 7

Add one or more tools or props that show your interests and goals like a paintbrush stethoscope or soccer ball.

Step 8

Draw a simple background that shows where you might be like a classroom a stage a garden or a lab.

Step 9

Write a short label next to each prop explaining why it is important to your future self.

Step 10

Erase any extra pencil lines to make your sketch neat and clear.

Step 11

Colour your drawing using your colouring materials to bring your future self to life.

Step 12

Practice a two-sentence explanation out loud about your choices and what you want to achieve.

Step 13

Share your finished drawing and your short explanation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have some of the listed supplies like colored pencils, a pencil, or an eraser?

If you don't have colored pencils, use crayons, markers, watercolour or a collage of cut paper to 'Colour your drawing', and if you lack a pencil or eraser do the 'Lightly sketch' on scrap paper and trace the cleaned-up lines onto a fresh sheet before colouring.

My drawing's proportions or facial features look wrong—what should I try?

If the 'head, shoulders, and body' look disproportionate, start with a simple stick-figure for posture, use light guideline circles for the head and facial placement, and erase extra lines before you 'Draw the hairstyle clothes and facial expression' so features line up correctly.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids, limit to one or two choices from 'Choose three things', use stickers or templates for 'Add one or more tools or props' and have an adult write the 'short label', while older kids can add detailed backgrounds, mixed-media coloring, and expand the 'two-sentence explanation' into a paragraph or presentation.

How can we make the project more creative or keep it longer-term?

Make the project a keepsake by mounting the 'finished drawing' on cardboard, gluing small real materials to the 'props', writing a timeline next to each 'short label' that lists steps to reach the goal, and photographing it to 'Share your finished drawing' on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to #CampDIY Day 46: Draw who you want to be!

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Photosynthesis - Light Dependent Reactions and the Calvin Cycle

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Facts about self-expression and goal-setting for kids

🎨 Rembrandt created around 80 self-portraits — artists have used self-portraiture for centuries to explore identity.

📣 Sharing and explaining your drawing boosts storytelling and confidence — it helps others understand your goals.

🧠 The picture superiority effect means people remember images better than words, so drawing your dreams makes them stick.

🌟 Tiny details (pets, tools, uniforms) in future portraits give big clues about hobbies and career wishes.

🧭 Visualizing your future self helps you set clearer goals — people who picture success are more likely to follow through.

How do I guide my child through 'Draw who you want to be'?

Start by explaining the idea: draw a future self showing who you want to be. Begin with a short conversation about interests and goals, then sketch a basic outline. Add clothing, tools, and a background that show job or hobbies. Encourage labels or a sentence for each detail (e.g., “I love soccer; I want to be a scientist”). Let kids color and decorate, then take turns sharing and explaining choices—ask curious, positive questions to build confidence.

What materials are needed for CampDIY Day 46: Draw who you want to be?

You’ll need paper or a sketchbook, pencils and erasers, colored pencils, markers or crayons, and optional paints for a bolder look. Add stickers, collage paper, glue, scissors, and magazines for cutting images. A mirror or recent photo helps with facial features. For sharing, have a display board or a tablet to take photos. Substitute cardboard, recycled materials, or chalk for low-cost alternatives.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity works for ages 3 through teens with adjustments. Toddlers and preschoolers (3–5) can draw simple selves and name one thing they like. Elementary children (6–11) can add roles, hobbies, and short labels. Tweens and teens (12–18+) can write goals, create detailed portraits, and explain steps to reach them. Supervise young children, encourage openness rather than criticism, and adapt prompts to each child’s attention span and reading level.

What are the benefits and variations of drawing a future self portrait?

Drawing a future self builds self-awareness, goal-setting, creativity, and communication skills. It boosts confidence when children articulate aspirations and practice explaining choices. To vary, try a collage of future tools, a timeline showing steps to a goal, role-play the future self, or create a digital portrait with photo-edit apps. For group play, make a gallery and have peer compliments. Keep conversations supportive, avoid pressuring unrealistic expectations, and celebrate small steps
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