The Badge Archive

Sing – The King of France

This song is paired with a movement game where scouts form two lines facing each other like a parade corridor. One scout (the King) marches dramatically down the center, acting out each verse (e.g. saluting, drumming, waving). As the King finishes the line, the two scout lines march forward together, copying the gesture, then march back to place without singing. Then the next verse begins and the King marches down with a new gesture. After a few verses, pick a new King so everyone gets a turn. Play up the drama! Big arm movements, exaggerated steps, and troop cheers make it lively.

Recordings

None available. See pg. 38 of The Brownie Book for the notes to sing.

Lyrics

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Marched up the hill and then marched back again.

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Gave salute and then marched back again.

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Beat their drums and then marched back again.

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Blew their horns and then marched back again.

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Waved their flags and then marched back again.

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
All shook hands and then marched back again.

Variations:

Removes first verse and replaces last verse with these two verses:

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Drew their swords and then marched back again.

The King of France with forty-thousand men,
Shouldered arms and then marched back again.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

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for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

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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.

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References:

Tia Kennard