The Badge Archive

Items Needed

• None (just the group and their creativity!)

Instructions

1. Scouts line up shoulder-to-shoulder at a designated starting line. Select one scout to act as the “Mother.”
2. The “Mother” calls out instructions to one scout at a time, such as “Take 3 baby steps forward” or “Hop 2 times.”
   • Before moving, the scout must ask, “Mother, may I?”
   • The “Mother” responds with either “Yes, you may” or “No, you may not.”
   • If a scout forgets to ask “Mother, may I?” or moves without permission, they must return to the starting line.
3. The first scout to reach the “Mother” wins the round and becomes the next “Mother.”

Variations

• Themed Movements: Add creative movement options based on themes, like:
  • Animal Steps: “Take 3 bunny hops forward” or “Waddle like a penguin for 2 steps.”
  • Space Walk: “Take 5 astronaut steps forward” or “Float 2 steps backward.”
• Group Play: Instead of individual turns, call out instructions for the whole group to follow simultaneously.
• Reverse Rules: Introduce a twist where players must move backward instead of forward when given permission.
• Obstacle Course: Add simple obstacles (like cones or chairs) that players must navigate while asking “Mother, may I?”
• Silent Play: Players must use gestures instead of speaking to ask “Mother, may I?”
• Tag Team: Pair players into teams, where one asks “Mother, may I?” and the other performs the movement.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Return to Game Time

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References:

• Rohlf, Karen. “Mother, May I?” Blog.dressagenaturally.net, blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.