Voting – Beads and Tokens

Activity Description: Youth vote as a group by choosing between different ideas using tokens and paper bags.


Items Needed:

  • Paper bags, boxes, or containers of some kind that can be marked on
  • Pen or Marker
  • Tokens (beads, beans, jelly beans, marbles, etc.)

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–30 min):

  1. Review the options. (4–6 min)
    • Youth talk about different ideas and come up with a clear list of choices they can vote one.
    • See Brainstorming activities, if needed.
  2. Prepare voting containers. (3–4 min)
    • Label each paper bag, box, or container with a different idea or option. Place the containers where youth can easily reach them.
  3. Vote with beads. (4–6 min)
    • Give each youth three tokens. Youth drop their tokens into the containers with their favorite ideas.
    • (Optional) Use a total of five tokens. Three tokens can be used for their favorite option and two tokens for second and one token for their third choice.
    • (Optional) Use a total of five tokens. Two tokens can be used for their favorite option and then they get three choices for only one token.
  4. Choose the group decision. (3–4 min)
    • Count the tokens and select the top idea.
    • If two or more bags tie, give each youth one token for a final vote between the two choices.
    • Share the final choice with the group.


Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met in Goals Category

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Tracking: Make a way to track sales with a goal tracker or using the online sales tracking feature.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requir

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