The Badge Archive

Take a Class for Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Mind, Body, Me badge requirements.

Info Needed: Mindfulness helps scouts notice what’s going on in their body and mind in the present moment. It can improve well-being and help them respond to stress or discomfort more thoughtfully.

Items Needed:

  • (Optional) Printed or digital explanation of yoga, tai chi, and qigong (for review and discussion).
  • Open indoor or outdoor space for group meeting.
  • Leader-prepared list of local class options for yoga, tai chi, and qigong.
  • (Optional) Paper and pens or journals for reflection.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 45–60 min plus local class time):

  1. Learn what each practice is and how it supports wellness (Estimated Time: 10–12 min)
    • Leader provides a short explanation of yoga, tai chi, and qigong.
    • Scouts ask questions and discuss how each practice helps with physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
    • (Optional) Scouts read printed fact sheets or watch short clips introducing each activity.
  2. Decide which movement practice to explore as a troop workshop (Estimated Time: 10–15 min)
    • Leader presents pre-researched local options for beginner-friendly classes in yoga, tai chi, and qigong.
    • Scouts vote on which wellness practice they want to try.
    • Leader works with troop to schedule and confirm attendance at the selected local class.
  3. Attend the local workshop or class as a troop (Time varies based on class selection)
    • Scouts participate in a guided experience led by a qualified instructor.
    • (Optional) Leader supports accessibility by ensuring location, movement, and pacing match troop needs.
  4. Reflect together after the workshop (Estimated Time: 15–20 min)
    • Scouts describe how they felt before, during, and after the experience.
    • Prompts:
      • “What part of the class felt most helpful or surprising?”
      • “How did your body or mind respond?”
      • “Can this kind of mindfulness support you in everyday situations?”.
    • (Optional) Scouts sketch or journal about one movement, moment, or feeling they want to remember.

Explanations:

Here’s a summary in short paragraph form for each wellness option:

Yoga is a peaceful blend of stretching, breathing, and balancing. It helps you relax, build strength, and improve focus. You can move at your own pace, and it’s great for easing stress, boosting flexibility, and feeling more connected to your body.

Other sources:

  • Yoga for Teens – Anahana
    Offers clear, age-appropriate guidance on how yoga supports teen mental, emotional, and physical health.

Tai Chi is like slow-motion martial arts. It’s a flowing routine of movements that feel like meditation in motion. It boosts balance, coordination, and mental clarity. Even though it started as self-defense, most people use it now for calmness and focus.

Other sources:

Qigong uses gentle movements and deep breathing to help you feel centered and strong. It’s easy to learn and doesn’t take much space or energy. The goal is to build inner energy (called “Qi”) for health, relaxation, and emotional balance.

Other sources:

Tia Kennard