Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Uniquely Us badge requirements.
Info Needed: Celebrate how each person is one-of-a-kind while exploring the ways we’re all connected. They discover shared traits, interests, and strengths through movement and group interaction.
Items Needed:
- “Things That Connect Us” trait cards or slips (printed or prepared in advance)
- Open space for movement (indoor or outdoor)
- (Optional) markers, stickers, or dot labels
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–30 minutes):
- Get Ready and Review Traits (5–7 minutes)
- Prepare a stack of cards, each with one trait or interest.
- Scouts stand in a circle or scattered formation with space to move.
- (Optional) You may assign each scout 2–3 cards or draw from the center pile.
- Move to Connect (10–15 minutes)
- Read one card aloud at a time or have scouts take turns sharing.
- If the trait applies to a scout, they take one step into the center and look around.
- Scouts notice who shares that connection before returning to their place.
- Continue with new traits to build visible shared experiences.
- (Optional) Add a sticker or color dot on a tracker sheet for each trait they connect with.
- Reflect and Celebrate Differences (5–8 minutes)
- Ask scouts what they noticed: Who shared similar traits? What was different?
- Discuss how connections can come from personality, experiences, and feelings, not just appearances.
- Remind scouts that each trait is valuable, even when it’s not shared by many.
Sample Trait Cards
Here’s a list of trait cards for a “Things That Connect Us” movement or sorting activity. Each trait is designed to spark connection, celebrate individuality, and align with the goal of exploring non-physical qualities.
Personality & Strengths
- I’m creative
- I’m kind to animals
- I make people laugh
- I’m a good friend
- I try my best even when things are hard
- I like to help others
- I’m a problem solver
- I’m brave in new situations
- I care about fairness
- I can cheer people up
Interests & Favorites
- I enjoy drawing or painting
- I love books or reading
- I like building or designing things
- I enjoy music or dancing
- I like puzzles or games
- I love nature or being outside
- I enjoy writing stories or poems
- I like science or experimenting
- I have a favorite animal I could talk about forever
- I love learning fun facts
Experiences & Feelings
- I’ve felt nervous but did something anyway
- I’ve made a new friend recently
- I’ve learned from a mistake
- I’ve helped someone without being asked
- I’ve stood up for someone
- I’ve taught someone how to do something
- I’ve tried something totally new
- I’ve felt proud of myself
- I’ve worked through a disagreement
- I’ve had a time I felt really brave
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