The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Youth-led opening ceremony to center the troop, recite the Scout Oath or Promise and give each scout a moment to share with the group.

Items Needed:

• (Optional) Scout Oath or Promise poster or printout

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Prep Time. (5–10 min)
   • Decide if an adult will lead the circle or if older/returning scouts can lead the opening ceremony.
   • Have your Oath/Promise poster or printouts ready if the scouts are still learning the words.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–40 min):

1. Gather in a Circle (2–5 mins):
   • Youth sit in a circle on the floor. Explain that this circle is a special, dedicated time for everyone to listen, share ideas, and make plans for the troop/den.
   • (Optional) Introduce yourself and any other adult volunteers.
2. Scout Oath/Promise (3–5 mins):
   • Teach or review the Scout Sign. While making the sign, have the troop/den recite the Scout Oath/Promise together
3. Scout Sharing (10 mins):
   • Go around the circle one by one. Ask each youth to introduce themselves if this is their first meeting and share a happy moment from their week, or report back on something they did from a previous meeting.
4. (Optional) Practice the Quiet Sign (10–15 mins):
   • Teach the Scout Quiet Sign (a raised Scout Sign by a leader).
   • Turn it into a quick game by letting the youth jump around and make noise. When a leader raises the Scout Quiet Sign, all youth must instantly stop, raise their on hands in the Scout Sign, and be completely quiet.
   • (Optional) Praise how fast the entire group all stopped, and acknowledge the first ones to have noticed.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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