The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Traditional closing ceremony to form a physical, unbroken chain and silently pass a hand squeeze around the circle to represent worldwide friendship.

Items Needed:

• A clear, open space large enough for the entire group to stand in a single circle

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 10 min):

1. Form the Circle (2 mins):
   • Stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a large circle.
   • (Optional) Briefly explain that this circle represents an unbroken chain of friendship with scouts around the world and the bond among members since a circle “has no end”.
2. Cross Arms and Link Hands (3 mins):
   • Instruct everyone to cross their right arm over their left arm.
   • Once their arms are crossed, have them hold hands with the person on each side of them.
   • Take a quick visual check to ensure everyone has their right arm on top.
3. Pass the Squeeze (3 mins):
   • Explain that a silent hand squeeze will be passed all the way around the circle.
   • A designated person (a leader or a chosen youth) starts by squeezing the hand of the person to their right.
   • That person then squeezes the hand of the next person, continuing around the circle.
   • Track the Progress (Highly Recommended): To prevent the squeeze from getting lost, skipped, or duplicated, instruct each person to point their right foot into the center of the circle immediately after they feel the squeeze and pass it on. This provides a helpful visual cue for leaders to track exactly where the squeeze is in the circle.
4. Close the Meeting (2 min):
   • Once the squeeze travels all the way back to the one who started it, they announce that the circle is complete. The group can then raise their connected hands, turn to the right to untwist, and gently break the circle to dismiss.
   • Safety Note: If the right arms were not on top of the left arms, untwisting the circle without unconnecting hands will result in injuries.

Note: Read more details about the Friendship Circle if interested.

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