Daisies and Brownies

When a Daisy troop evolves to include both Daisy and Brownie scouts, it marks an exciting new chapter. This shift introduces new dynamics, as the troop now spans two levels with different needs and badge requirements.

For new leaders navigating this transition, here’s some ideas on how to handle meetings and balancing activities for both age groups.

Understanding the Multi-Level Dynamic

Daisies and Brownies are at distinct stages of development, with different abilities, interests, and badge requirements.

Daisies (Kindergarten to 1st Grade): These younger scouts thrive on shorter, simpler activities that focus on creativity, exploration, and foundational skills.
Brownies (2nd to 3rd Grade): Older scouts in this group are ready for more independence, leadership opportunities, and activities requiring greater complexity.

Balancing the needs of both levels is key to keeping everyone engaged and ensuring that meetings run smoothly.

Options for Structuring Meetings

When managing both Daisies and Brownies, leaders have several options for structuring troop meetings. The right choice depends on troop size, the number of volunteers available, and your meeting space.

1. Combined Meetings for Shared Activities

One option is to keep both levels together for the majority of the meeting, focusing on shared activities that can be adjusted for different ages.

Badge Work Together: Choose badges with overlapping themes. For example, both Daisies and Brownies can work on outdoor skills or community service projects, with tasks tailored to each level’s abilities.
- Daisies might focus on learning basic skills, while Brownies handle slightly more advanced requirements.
- Check out the D/B/J Quick Guide for a quick glance at what lines up in each theme for the youngest three levels. Daisy/Brownie Level Match Ups by Troop Leader Mom, or the Petal Project (A work in progress) by the Badge Archive.
Fun Patches: Incorporate Fun Patches for activities that don’t align with badgework, such as holiday celebrations or troop-wide crafts. Fun patches are an excellent way to bring the levels together without the need for separate requirements.
- Also use Fun Patches to award the Daisy level when doing a Brownie level badge with no correlating Daisy level badge, or the Brownies when doing a Daisy level badge that doesn’t have a comparable.

Want to just do the Petals and not worry about combining?
No problem. Brownies don’t earn anything without adding extra activities to meet Brownie level requirements, but they often enjoy doing them too. For scouts that really want badges, find a fun patch for the different petals. There are some sets that work well with the petals as well.

Making Friends Character Building Patch Program
Advantage Emblem Fairy Patches (Honest and Fair, Friendly and Helpful, Considerate and Caring, Courageous and Strong, Responsible for What I Say and Do, Respect Myself and Others, Respect Authority, Use Resources Wisely, Make the World a Better Place, and Be a Sister to Every Girl)

Combined meetings work well if you have limited volunteers or prefer to keep things simple.

2. Split Meetings for Level-Specific Activities

For larger troops or when levels have distinct goals, consider splitting meetings into separate sessions for Daisies and Brownies.

Separate Badge Work: Dedicate time for each level to work on their unique badges. For example, Daisies might focus on the “Good Neighbor,” while Brownies work on the “Celebrating Community” badge. Both have similar themes, but very different requirements.
Shared Opening and Closing: Start and end meetings as a whole group to build camaraderie, then split into smaller groups for level-specific activities.
Space and Volunteers: Ensure enough space and adult volunteers to supervise each group. If splitting into separate rooms, meet GSUSA safety ratios for each level.

Splitting meetings allows each level to focus fully on age-appropriate activities without compromising on quality.

3. Hybrid Approach: A Blend of Both

Many troops find success with a hybrid approach, combining shared activities with level-specific breakout sessions.

Begin meetings with group activities like songs, games, or troop planning.
Transition into separate groups for level-specific badgework, then come back together for closing activities or announcements.
This method fosters unity while addressing the unique needs of each level.

Tips for Success

Recruit Volunteers: Multi-level troops run more smoothly with additional adult support. Aim for 1-2 dedicated adults per level whenever possible.
Adapt Activities: Simplify tasks for Daisies and add complexity for Brownies to keep both levels engaged in the same activity.
Prioritize Communication: Keep parents informed about meeting plans, badgework, and any changes as you adjust to the new dynamic.
Stay Organized: Use detailed agendas and pre-prepared supplies to streamline meetings and reduce downtime.
Celebrate Together: Highlight achievements for both levels at troop events or ceremonies to foster unity and recognition.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a troop with both Daisies and Brownies offers exciting opportunities for growth, mentorship, and creativity. Whether you choose to keep meetings combined, split by level, or adopt a hybrid approach, the key is finding a structure that works for your troop’s unique needs. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and flexibility, you can create a rewarding experience for every scout in your multi-level troop.