Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Junior Practice with Purpose badge requirements.
Info Needed for Badge Requirements:
Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and breathing, helping scouts build endurance and strengthen their cardiovascular system. Tracking progress during cardio activities allows scouts to observe how effort and practice lead to improvement over time.
Items Needed:
- Choose one:
- Guest instructor or fitness teacher
- Field trip to local class
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for movement
- Water bottles
- Paper and pencil (one sheet per scout)
Before the Meeting
- Explore Aerobic Class Options – Scouts learn about three common fitness class styles and vote for which they will do:
- Zumba – Dance-based movement from salsa, samba, and hip-hop
- Water Aerobics – Gentle exercise in a pool with less strain on joints
- Kickboxing – Martial arts-inspired moves with punches, kicks, and jabs
Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 30 minutes):
- Participate in a Sample Workout (20–22 minutes)
- Scouts try a guided workout led by a guest instructor or as part of a field trip to a fitness facility
- The class type should reflect what the troop voted on beforehand (e.g., Zumba, Water Aerobics, or Kickboxing)
- Remind scouts to:
- Move at their own pace
- Follow safety directions
- Take water breaks as needed
- Focus on having fun and trying something new
- Reflect and Plan Ahead (8–10 minutes)
- After the workout, scouts write or discuss:
- What kind of movement did they experience today?
- How did their body feel after trying it?
- Would they add this class to their month of practice plan?
- Scouts may also write one goal related to the class style they tried (e.g., “Try this class again next month” or “Use one of today’s moves in my weekly routine”)
- After the workout, scouts write or discuss:
The Badge Archive 