Modern Girl Scouts often express that badgework “feels too much like school.” However, the reality is that modern-day educational methods now incorporate techniques that past Scouts used to make learning enjoyable and engaging.
In the 1980s, badges frequently required Junior level Scouts to “show, describe, design, create, make, construct, or keep a record” of their ideas and projects. These activities, once innovative in Scouting, are now widely adopted in schools, which may contribute to the sense that badgework resembles classroom assignments.
Today’s leaders can still utilize these techniques effectively but should focus on presenting them in creative and engaging ways to ensure they don’t “feel like school” for Scouts.
Check out the full list of activities 1980 Scouts used to complete badges.
The Badge Archive 