The Badge Archive

The opening routine is your chance to transition youth from their busy outside lives into the shared, focused experience of scouting. It reinforces core values, builds camaraderie, and sets a positive tone for the meeting.

Pick and choose opening routines based on what works best for your youth and your unit’s goals. Every group is unique, so tailor the start of meetings to fit their preferences and needs. Keep it flexible and fun. There’s no “right” way. You just choose what helps your unit start meetings on a positive note!

The Essential Components

Most successful units include, at minimum, these two structural components to create a foundation for the meeting:

1. Reciting the Promise and Law: This is the core of the scouting experience. Beginning with the Promise, Oath, or Creed and the Law of your organization reinforces shared values and focuses the group on its mission.
2. Unit Announcements and Group Decisions: Use this time for essential communication. Share brief updates about upcoming events or projects. For older youth, hold votes on activity planning or service projects to promote the youth-led aspect of the program.

Optional Opening Routines for Engagement

In addition to the essentials, you can select from these options to make your opening dynamic and engaging:

• Pledge or Oath of Allegiance: Lead the youth in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or a similar civic oath relevant to your country or community to promote respect and citizenship. Rotate having scouts take turns leading the recitation of the Promise and Law, announcements, or other parts of the opening.
• Movement Game or Icebreaker: Start the meeting with a fun, active game (like “Silent Dance Party” or “Statues”) or a simple icebreaker. This is especially helpful for large or high-energy groups as it allows youth to burn off arrival energy before settling down for main activities. These are often done as a Gathering Activity before the opening routine.
• Singing Time: Kick off the meeting with a fun or traditional Unit Song. This could be a campfire favorite, a round, or an energizing tune chosen by the youth to set a cheerful mood.
• “Good News” Moment: Allow youth to share something positive or exciting from their week (e.g., something they accomplished, learned, or experienced). This builds connection and provides a safe space for positive social sharing.

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Customization and Leadership Tips

To ensure your opening routine is effective and sustainable, follow these customization and leadership guidelines:

• Keep it Brief: The entire opening routine should generally be 15 minutes or less to reserve the majority of your time for the main activities or badge/rank requirements.
• Adjust for Age: Younger youth (e.g., Daisies, Lions, Tigers) will benefit from more movement and songs, while older youth (e.g., Juniors, Scouts BSA, Venturers) will benefit from more time dedicated to announcements and voting.
• Promote Youth Leadership: Rotate leadership roles by having youth take turns leading the recitation of the Promise/Law, running the icebreaker, or giving the announcements. This is a simple way to teach leadership skills from the very start of the meeting.
• Maintain Consistency: Keep the sequence of the routine (e.g., Promise, Announcements, Activity, Split) consistent from week to week. Predictable structure reduces anxiety and helps manage a large group’s energy.

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Pick and choose opening routines based on what works best for your scouts and your troop’s goals. Every group is unique, so tailor the start of meetings to fit their preferences and needs.

For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

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.

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