The Badge Archive

• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Budget Builder badge requirements.

Items Needed:

• Paper
• Pencil or crayon
• Pretend Price List (See below)
• Optional: Calculator

Instructions (Estimated Time: 20–30 minutes):

1. Partner Up (2 minutes)
   • Scouts form pairs. Each pair has a shared $30 budget to spend on a fun day together.
2. Combine Pairs (Optional – 3 minutes)
   • Two pairs (4 scouts total) may team up to combine their money for a total of $60.
   • They will plan a shared group outing but still need to make thoughtful choices to stay on budget.
3. Choose Your Plan (10–15 minutes)
   • Scouts look at the Pretend Price List and decide:
     • Main activity (one or two shared)
     • Shared snacks or meals
     • Optional extras
   • They write or draw what they choose and total up the cost. If it’s more than their team budget ($30 for pairs or $60 for a group of four), they adjust.
   • Apply Group Discounts (if eligible)
     • Group discounts apply only to activity tickets (like movies, bowling, mini golf, or museum).
     • If there are 4 or more scouts, they may subtract $4 from their combined ticket total.
       Discounts do not apply to food or souvenirs.
4. Share and Reflect (5–10 minutes)
   • Scouts share with the group or another team:
     • What did they choose to do?
     • What trade-offs did they make to stay on budget?
     • How did teaming up change their plan?

Pretend Price List

Pretend prices to use when planning a fun outing.

For a group of 4, double any items you want to buy for everyone (like two sets of tickets or four ice cream cones).