The Badge Archive

Below are practical techniques and programs designed to tackle these challenges head-on and foster teamwork, respect, and emotional growth among teen scouts.

1. Team-Building Activities to Strengthen Relationships

One way to address drama is to channel energy into activities that require collaboration and mutual support. These exercises help scouts build trust and learn how to work together:

• Human Knot Game: Scouts hold hands in a circle and untangle themselves without letting go. This activity teaches communication and problem-solving while building camaraderie.
• Progressive Storytelling: Teams create a story together, taking turns adding sentences. It’s a lighthearted way to encourage active listening and cooperation. For more hands-on teens – try Progressive Art!
• Obstacle Course Relay: Set up a physical or mental obstacle course that teams must complete together. This promotes teamwork and a sense of accomplishment.
• Team Variation of Paper Tower Challenge: Scouts work in teams to build the tallest tower possible using only paper. This activity promotes creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Centipede Ski Challenge: A fun outdoor activity where students must coordinate their movements to “ski” together on wooden planks. This fosters trust and cooperation.
• Escape Room Challenges: Create an escape room with puzzles that require teamwork to solve. This activity emphasizes collaboration and critical thinking. (The only room The Badge Archive has available, ready to go, is the World Thinking Day D/B/J Escape Room on Teachers Pay Teachers)

Check out other Team Building games.

2. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to Tackle Root Issues

Drama often stems from misunderstandings, frustration, or an inability to handle emotions. SEL activities directly address these root causes and give scouts the tools to navigate social dynamics:

• Emotion Charades: Scouts act out emotions while their peers guess. This activity helps build emotional awareness and empathy.
• Conflict Scenarios Role-Play: Role-play common conflicts and practice respectful resolutions. Scouts learn how to address disagreements constructively.
• Gratitude Journals: Encourage scouts to write daily entries about things they’re grateful for, shifting focus from drama to positivity.
• Circle of Control: Teach scouts to differentiate between things they can control and things they cannot, helping them manage stress and focus on actionable solutions.

3. Restorative Justice Practices to Resolve Conflicts

Restorative justice practices prioritize repairing relationships rather than assigning blame, making them invaluable tools for resolving middle school drama:

• Peer Mediation: Train scouts to mediate conflicts among their peers. This empowers students to take ownership of resolving issues.
• Restorative Circles: Gather scouts involved in a conflict and facilitate a guided discussion to understand each other’s perspectives and find common ground.
• Community-Building Circles: Use guided questions to help students share their thoughts and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

4. Group Management Techniques to Set the Tone

Strong troop leadership can help reduce drama and conduct issues by creating clear expectations and a structured environment:

• Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS): Implement systems that reward good behavior to encourage students to stay focused and engaged. When the scouts come up with the system they can take ownership of their actions and their peers.
• Group Contracts: Involve scouts in creating agreements about scout behavior. This gives them a sense of ownership and accountability.
• Mindfulness Breaks: Incorporate short mindfulness exercises into the day to help scouts center themselves and manage their emotions.

5. Workshops and Programs for Lasting Impact

Sometimes the best solutions come from external programs and workshops that bring fresh perspectives and approaches:

• SEL-Focused Workshops: Enroll in workshops that provide hands-on activities and strategies for teaching social-emotional skills.
• Conflict Resolution Training: Programs that focus on conflict resolution can equip educators and students with tools to manage drama effectively.

By dedicating time to these strategies and activities, leaders can transform middle school challenges into opportunities for growth. While drama and conduct issues are a natural part of adolescence, the right tools and techniques can make all the difference in fostering a harmonious and thriving environment.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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References:

• “35 Restorative Justice Circle Questions to Engage Middle School Students.” Blog.calmclassroom.com, blog.calmclassroom.com/35-restorative-justice-circle-questions-to-engage-middle-school-students. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
• Best Kids Solutions. “16 Team Building Activities for Middle School (with Video Examples).” Best Kids Solutions, 8 May 2020, http://www.bestkidssolutions.com/team-building-activities-for-middle-school/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
• Bixler, Nicole. “14 Effective Classroom Management Strategies for Middle School.” Hāpara, 28 Sept. 2023, hapara.com/blog/14-classroom-management-strategies-for-middle-school/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
• Homrich-Knieling, Matt. “Using Restorative Justice to Transform School Culture.” Edutopia, 20 July 2022, http://www.edutopia.org/article/using-restorative-justice-transform-school-culture. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
• Lewis, Simon. “12 Engaging Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities for Middle School.” K12Loop, 6 Oct. 2023, k12loop.com/social-emotional-learning-sel-activities-for-middle-school/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
• Webb, Jill. “20 SEL Activities for Middle School: Worksheets, Challenges, Other Ideas, and DIYs – Teaching Expertise.” Teaching Expertise, 14 Dec. 2023, http://www.teachingexpertise.com/middle-school/sel-activities-for-middle-school/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.