The Badge Archive

Dance Workout

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:

  • Device(s) with internet or cable connection to play music
  • Speaker (Bluetooth, cable, or shared stereo)
  • Preselected songs (each at least 3 minutes long)
  • Open indoor space with room for movement

Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 20 minutes):

  1. Choose a Song as a Group (3–4 minutes)
    • Offer 2–3 age-appropriate songs for scouts to vote on.
    • After a song is selected, break it into sections based on how many verses there are plus one chorus group. Some verses may be doubled up so a group could be in charge of two total versus or a verse and a chorus depending on size of the group or length of the song.
    • Assign intro to the first verse group and outro music (if present) to the final verse group. Attach any instrumental bridges to the section before or after based on leader’s discretion.
  2. Split Into Section Groups (3–4 minutes)
    • Divide scouts into small groups or pairs, with each group responsible for one section of the song.
    • One group should be designated for the chorus, and they choose a repeatable dance move that will be used every time the chorus appears.
  3. Pick Simple, Repeatable Moves (6–8 minutes)
    • Each group selects 2–3 movements that fit the beat and feel of their section.
    • Encourage scouts to keep it simple: stepping side to side, jumping jacks, claps, spins, or grapevine steps.
    • Remind them that the goal is aerobic movement, not formal dance choreography.
  4. Practice the Full Routine (3–4 minutes)
    • Run the song one time from start to end with each group performing their moves when their section plays.
    • The entire group joins in on the chorus move each time it appears.
  5. Reflect on Movement and Cardio (2–3 minutes)
    • After dancing, discuss how scouts felt during the full-body movement:
      • Did your heart rate increase?
      • Were you breathing harder?
      • What moves felt easiest or hardest to keep up with?
    • Reinforce that dancing is an aerobic workout that strengthens the heart and builds endurance.

Repeatable Dance Moves

Some scouts have trouble choreographing a full song in just 10 minutes. If they need help, offer this list of simple moves to combine and repeat:

  • Step-touch side to side
  • March in place
  • Arm rolls or air punches
  • Jumping jacks
  • Spin and clap
  • Squat and reach
  • Grapevine steps
  • Slide right, slide left
  • High knees or butt kicks
  • Clap-and-turn in place

Scouts can choose their favorites or mix and match to keep their section active and fun!

Tia Kennard