The Badge Archive

Automotive and Car Badges

For scouts who love car-building activities, there’s a fantastic variety of badges to explore. However, many troop leaders struggle to avoid repeating the same type of vehicle build over and over.

In 2017, the Mechanical Engineering booklet introduced Daisy, Brownie, and Junior scouts to an exciting car-building challenge. Each level included a car building badge: Model, Race Car, and Balloon Car.

In 2020, the Automotive Progressive Set debuted for all three levels. This sponsored badge set required scouts to follow a specific sequence: Design, Engineer, and Manufacture. Unlike the earlier booklet, these badges were designed to be completed in order, offering a step-by-step approach to car building.

The Badge Archive has carefully reviewed all the official badge booklets and developed a plan to help troops complete all four car-related badges at each level without duplicating any projects.

For troops only interested in one badge, we encourage you to dive in and enjoy it without stressing about the rest. But for car enthusiasts, this approach lets you collect all the badges while ensuring every project feels fresh and fun!

Automotive Design and Manufacturing

The Badge Archive suggests a different approach from the traditional GSUSA order.

We recommend completing the Automotive Design and Manufacturing badges together. This method works well because the simple build created for the Design badge can be reused when scouts practice creating their own assembly line for the Manufacturing badge. This streamlines the process and enhances the learning experience.

Automotive Engineering

Many troops may not realize that the Automotive Engineering badge includes a unique challenge for each level. For Daisies, the task is to simply build a car. Brownies are challenged to design a safe car, while Juniors are tasked with creating a car that uses an alternative fuel source.

Car Challenges

The Mechanical Engineering badges offer unique challenges for each level. Daisies are tasked with building a model car. Brownies take it a step further by racing their cars. Juniors are challenged to design a car powered by a balloon. While Daisies and Brownies can use other car designs, here are our suggestions to help avoid repeating the same car builds.

Multi Levels

Learn about the Automotive Multi-level GSUSA 2011 badges.

For Daisy/Brownie multi-level troops, the best option is to follow a Brownie level plan. This plan covers everything required for Daisies and adds more complexity for Brownies.

For Daisy/Junior multi-level troops, use a Junior level plan. This covers all Daisy requirements while including Junior-level challenges. Daisies may need some assistance with Junior tasks.

For Brownie/Junior multi-level troops, the Automotive Engineering badges cannot technically be done together because each level has a unique challenge. Some troops choose one level’s challenge and stick with it. As long as the engineering aspect and a challenge are included, this approach aligns with the Spirit of the Badge philosophy.

However, Automotive Design and Manufacturing badges, can easily be done together for Brownie and Junior scouts. Juniors might enjoy the Cardboard Cars more, but they can also participate in the Paper Cars activity recommended for Brownies. If Daisies are included, stick with the Paper Cars from the Brownie level Basic Plan, as Cardboard Cars may require skills beyond a Daisy’s abilities.

Balloon Cars can be used to fulfill the Brownie level Race Car badge. These cars also meet the Daisy level Model Car requirements, but the skills needed to make them may be challenging for Daisies. Pairing Daisies with Junior scouts can help them complete this activity successfully.