British Red, for your information, I got my breathing badge early in scouts, but I had to prove myself in front of Arcala, Bosun, Uncle Bob and all the administrators at Neasden South SHQ. Basically is starts with 'sniffing kata' a series of short regular nasal inhalation-exhalations to the rhythmn of 'Oh the fire and the shorts' a famous scouting song. Anyway, after demonstrating proficiency in this particular discipline the grading moves on to 'gasping drill', in which you hold your breath for anything up to twelve minutes, after which you are judged by what colour you have turned.
While I am on the subject, does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumour that Baden Powells book was called 'Scouting for boys' or is this just urban myth?