The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts follow a fun animal-themed dance called the Critter Shuffle, then guess which verses used big or small movements.

• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Fun With Movement badge requirements.

Info Needed: Scouts practice using their full bodies and/or fine motor skills. They try playful movement challenges.

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Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 12–15 min):

1. Play or lead the Critter Shuffle dance with scouts. (5 min)
   • Encourage scouts to follow each movement in the song.
   • Use the intro line to help them get ready and excited.
2. After the song, review the verses one at a time. (7 min)
   • Read or show each verse clearly.
   • Ask scouts to guess if the verse uses big or small movements.
   • Confirm the answer and briefly explain why.
3. (Optional) Repeat the dance with scouts calling out big or small before each verse. (3 min)
   • Let scouts shout “BIG!” or “SMALL!” before each movement group.
   • Reinforce understanding through repetition and fun.

Critter Shuffle Lyrics

Anyone can use the lyrics to call out the movements in a fun country style square dance manner.

[Intro]
Alright, partners! Line up and get ready!
Let’s do the Critter Shuffle together!

[Round 1]
Jump like a frog—hop up high, then go down!
Spin like a puppy, gotta catch that tail now.
Stretch like a giraffe, get your hands to reach to the sky!
Stomp like an elephant, each foot goes heavy and high!

Blink like a butterfly—flutter both eyes real fast!
Wiggle like a spider—make all your fingers dance!
Make a silly face—like a monkey having fun!
Tap like a mouse—just your toes, then you’re done!

[Chorus]
Now everybody spin—let’s do the Critter Shuffle again!

[Round 2]
Hop like a bunny—go fast and side to side!
Sway like a flamingo, open both arms way out wide!
Crawl like a bear—get right down on the floor!
Jump like a kangaroo—once and try for more!

Your hand is a bee—make a loop into the air!
Roll like a cat—roll those shoulders round with care!
Stick out your tongue—like a lizard looking ’round.
Be like an owl—lift up your eyebrows up and down.

[Chorus]
Now everybody clap—let’s do the Critter Shuffle again!

[Round 3]
March like a penguin—waddle step by step by step!
Fly like an eagle—put both arms out, no rest!
Stand like a flamingo—go on one foot, hold on tight!
Roll like an otter—go from side to side, just right!

Tap like a raccoon—put your thumb into each paw!
Trace a finger on your arm—like a caterpillar slow with awe!
Sniff like a fox—put your nose up, take a smell!
Stretch like a snail—move real slow, then curl your shell.

[Final Chorus]
Now everybody stomp and smile—Critter Shuffle one more time!
Great job, dancers!

This Activity is a Part of the Following Meeting Plan(s)

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