(Part of the Mechanical Engineering Badge Set)
Yes – 2011 Is the current GSUSA badge
Images on this page are original artwork by The Badge Archive. This site does not display official GSUSA badges. Visit the GSUSA shop to view and purchase official merchandise.
Released in 2018.
The 2011 Junior Page has information on when all badges were released.
What is this badge about?
Learn about potential and kinetic energy. Then build and test a small paddle-powered boat.
Quick Links:
Activity Choices, Meeting Plans, Solo Scouts,
Uniform Placement, GSUSA Info & Links
Our Summary* of Requirements:
- Learn about potential energy released into kinetic energy.
- Use the Design Thinking Process to design and build a rubber band-powered paddle boat.
- Test the boat and record results.
- Analyze and share the results.
- Brainstorm one improvement if you made it a second time.
* – This summary is based off the GSUSA booklet activity choices.
Activity Choices
Work in Progress, links may not be available. Check back later!
- Do one Required Activities:
- Pick one Potential and Kinetic activity.
- Do one Required Rubber Band Paddle Boat activity and ensure you do five things:
- Use the Design Thinking Process to design.
- Build a Rubber Band Paddle Boat.
- Test the boat and record the results.
- Share the analyzed results.
- Think of one improvement.
Available Troop Meeting Plans
- (2) 90 Min Mtgs – GSUSA Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) free plan
- Mtg 1: How Paddle Boats Work, Build a Boat
- Mtg 2: Test Boat, Analyze Results, Brainstorm Improvement
How to earn individually as a Solo Scout?
- Archived Copy of PDF from GSSEF – Original Link
- Video Walkthrough from Better Science Teaching
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Is there a matching badge for Multi-Level Troops?
There are no correlating journeys or badges. We recommend a Fun Patch for other levels.
Where does this go on the Uniform?
This is a Skill Based Badge and goes on the troop number side of the vest – Click Here to see Junior diagrams and details on where to place it or sash placement.
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GSUSA Information and Details
There are five steps needed to complete this badge, found on the Girl Scout Shop description or searching the GSUSA Badge Explorer. Information on the official requirements can also be found on the Scout’s Honor Wiki.
Printed Booklets
Booklet and VTK Information(Coming Soon)- Buy the GSUSA Leader Guide Booklet
Other Non-GSUSA Resources
- None Currently Available.
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
(No official Groups)
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Click Here -> To see information References:
Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.
- Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Meeting : Paddle Boat Design Challenge 1.” My.girlscouts.org, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., https://my.girlscouts.org/content/girlscouts-vtk/en/vtk.html. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
- Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Meeting : Paddle Boat Design Challenge 2.” My.girlscouts.org, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., https://my.girlscouts.org/content/girlscouts-vtk/en/vtk.html. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
- Roberts, Rachel. Junior the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. New York, NY, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 2011.
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- Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!
- Return to the 2011 Junior Badge List.
- Return to the 2011 Junior Badge Gallery (listed by release date).
Short Link: https://thebadgearchive.com/gsu-30-pad/
