The Badge Archive

Activity Description: A fast-paced, two-line relay where youth practice the Scout Handshake, rotate through every member of the troop, and race to reunite with their original partner.

Items Needed:

• A large open indoor or outdoor space
• A timer

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–40 min):

1. Find a Partner (3–5 mins):
   • Youth find a partner (have an adult leader join if there is an odd number).
2. (Optional) Learn the Handshake (5 mins):
   • Teach them the Scout Handshake by having them make the Scout Sign with their right hand while shaking their partner’s left hand.
3. (Optional) Introduce and Share (5 mins):
   • Ask the partners to use the handshake to greet each other, share their names, and exchange a quick fact about themselves (such as their grade, favorite food, or pet).
4. Form the Lines (2 mins):
   • Form two lines, one partner in one line and the other partner in the second line. The partners should be in the same spot in their lines. The lines are next to each other and the partners stand facing each other in arms reach to be able to handshake. This creates two parallel lines facing one another, with each scout standing directly across from their original partner.
5. Line A Walkthrough (5–10 mins):
   • Everyone gives the Scout Handshake to the person across from them, their original partner.
   • Instruct Line A to stay completely still while Line B shifts one spot to the right. The scout at the far right end of Line B must quickly run behind their line to fill the empty spot at the beginning on the left.
   • Everyone shakes hands with their new partner.
   • Repeat this shift-and-shake process until Line B has rotated completely and the original partners are facing each other again.
6. Line B Walkthrough (5–10 mins):
   • Repeat the exact same process, but this time Line B stays frozen while Line A shifts down one spot at a time, shaking hands at each stop until the original partners reunite.
7. The Speed Round (5 mins):
   • Pull out the timer. Challenge the troop to run through the entire relay one more time (picking either Line A or Line B to move first) as fast as possible in a speeding, fun chaos. Emphasize that they must successfully complete the handshake at every stop without skipping anyone or breaking the line format.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
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Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
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See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
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