The Badge Archive

To help spark inspiration, we’ve gathered ideas directly from experienced leaders of teen scouts. These are activities they’ve tried and recommend, reflecting their success in keeping scouts engaged, excited, and connected.

We’ve organized their suggestions into four main categories: Activities, Skills and Fun, Exploring, and Service. Whether you’re planning a single event or an entire year, these ideas might be just what your troop needs!

Activities

Hands-On and Creative Challenges:

• Build telescopes: Combine learning and hands-on creativity with space exploration activities.
• Citizen Scientist projects: Try engaging experiments, like sourdough baking or ant picnics.
• Robotics projects: Team up to build and program robotics for fun, interactive experiences.
• Think Like an Engineer badge: Tackle exciting build projects, such as bridges or towers.

Practical Skills and Everyday Applications:

• Computer coding and game development: Design and create games tailored to the interests of teens.
• Design and measurement in clothing or cooking: Explore how precision and math influence creative industries.
• Library maker space: Utilize tools like 3D printers for unique projects and innovation.
• Theater lighting and color science: Understand the technical aspects behind stage production.

Social and Culinary Experiences:

• Bread-making with fun shapes: Experiment with quirky and amusing creations.
• Cake decorating session: Dive into frosting, fondant, and candy designs for a sweet treat.
• Chocolate mold painting: Create edible art using colorful chocolate.
• Snacking boards: Share snack-making responsibilities and build healthy boards together.

Crafting and Artisan Activities:

• Jewelry making or ceramics classes: Try crafting unique pieces with local artisans.
• Quilt-making project: Create beautiful designs while learning teamwork and sewing skills.
• Retro theater-themed crafts: Draw ideas from past projects for storytelling and creative expression.
• Sword-making workshops: Collaborate on crafting skills to design something impressive.
• Stained glass or woodworking classes: Explore intricate designs and build practical items.
• Tatting or crochet workshops: Learn traditional crafts like lace-making and knitting.
• Photography and printmaking: Capture moments and express creativity through prints and photos.

Skills and Fun

Personal Growth and Wellness:

• Health department program: Learn about wellness and self-care strategies.
• Learn CPR and first aid: Provide essential, real-world skills for emergencies.
• Local town passport adventure: Explore hidden gems in your town with a fun passport activity.
• Makeup workshop: Visit local shops or professionals for tips and tricks.
• Yoga session: Promote relaxation and mindfulness through guided practices.

Outdoor Exploration and Adventures:

• Aquatic center pizza party: Combine water activities with socializing for group bonding.
• Backpacking and advanced knots: Teach practical outdoor survival skills.
• Camping trips: Enjoy simplified outings focused on fun and bonding over badges.
• Farm life exploration: Tour a local farm to learn about agriculture and animals.
• Hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding: Explore nature and build teamwork through outdoor activities.
• Trailblazer group activities: Dive into specialized outdoor programs offered by your council.
• Zip lining and axe throwing: Encourage teamwork while providing thrilling outdoor experiences.

Skills and Creativity:

• Campfire cooking: Master outdoor cooking techniques over an open flame.
• Retro Interest Projects: Update older badge activities for modern relevance.
• Woodworker badge: Craft practical items or tree-related projects.

Social Bonding and Fun:

• End-of-scouting celebration: Organize memorable events like a graduation trip to Europe.
• Mall madness and camporee: Encourage group activities focused on social interaction and bonding.
• Mall scavenger hunt: Plan an exciting and interactive outing at a local shopping center.
• Overnight at GS facility: Provide unstructured downtime to foster social skills.
• Slime-making session: Bring laughter and creativity to an activity everyone can enjoy.
• Troop excursions: Plan thrilling trips, even if they don’t align directly with badge requirements.

Explore

Cultural Exploration:

• Cooking activities: Explore culinary delights like salsa-making or cultural dishes.
• Japanese tea house visit: Experience cultural rituals and tranquility.
• Museum overnight stay: Engage with exhibits like indigenous peoples’ history.
• Multi-cultural patches: Dive into diverse stories, mythology, and traditions.

Unique Local Experiences:

• Art museum activities: Look into interactive art exhibits designed for teens.
• Bonsai museum visit: Add a scavenger hunt and sketching activity for creativity and learning.
• Connect with women business owners: Explore their journeys and participate in hands-on workshops.
• iFly: Learn physics through hands-on flying simulations.
• K-9 unit visit: Tour a college’s canine unit to learn about working dogs.
• Plays or performances: Attend a live performance to explore arts and culture.
• Tour a theater: Learn about stagecraft, lighting, and backstage operations.

Travel and Event Planning:

• Explore GS World Centers: Research international centers like Our Chalet and Pax Lodge to plan future trips.
• Hotel camping: Combine the comforts of indoor living with elements of outdoor adventure.
• Trip to Savannah, GA: Visit the historic home of the Girl Scouts and explore local attractions.
• Weekend outings: Snow tubing, ice skating, fishing, or bike riding for quick getaways.

Service

Leadership Development:

• Older Scout brainstorming session: Use poster boards and markers to map out what Older Scouts can do that Elementary Scouts can’t. Let the scouts decide on their priorities.
• Outdoor Journey mentorship: Coach Brownies through cabin camping badge activities for leadership experience.
• Pathways to higher awards: Support Older Scouts in achieving Silver or Gold awards.
• Planning meetings: Gradually have scouts take over meetings to build leadership skills.
• Public speaking and instructional skills: Use activities like the “Muffin is Ready” game to build confidence and leadership abilities.
• Relay-style planning games: Turn skill-building exercises into engaging team activities for planning troop events.

Community Service and Outreach:

• Community volunteering: Ask scouts about causes they care about and find meaningful projects to support.
• Daisy Day or Journey in a Day event: Plan activities for younger scouts, tying in mentoring and leadership skills.
• Little free art or book library: Design and set up community boxes for sharing art supplies or banned books.
• Volunteer opportunities: Encourage involvement with community events or Daisy recruitment.

Creative and Inclusive Projects:

• Accessible painting challenge: Create art with innovative tools for differently-abled individuals.
• Candy bowl with affirmations: A fun, sweet activity that boosts positivity and self-esteem.
• Sidewalk chalk art: Spread positivity with uplifting messages for the community.
• Troop talent show: Organize a fun event where everyone can contribute, from performance to behind-the-scenes roles.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Return to the Cadette Badge List.
• Return to the Senior Badge List.
• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.

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