The Badge Archive

Voting for Activities and Badges

Leaders introduce decision-making in stages, adapting to each age level:

• Daisies start by voting on activities for the next one or two meetings. Leaders usually present three options, and scouts pick the one they want to do next.
• Brownies progress to choosing activities for an entire year instead of voting each meeting. Since there are nearly 100 badges plus other activities to choose from, leaders narrow down the selection to make voting manageable. Scouts then vote on a set number of badges and activities to create the year’s plan.
• Juniors and above may take on more ownership by bringing their own choices to vote on. Some troops allow scouts to research and suggest a handful of badges, while others prefer leaders to continue curating options before the troop votes. If scouts prefer smaller, simpler choices, that decision itself is scout-led. Troops can vote to let leaders continue to narrow down the voting list while still adding their own suggestions.

The key principle is that leaders facilitate, but scouts shape the experience by making real decisions about their troop’s direction. Taking suggestions from scouts ensures their voices are heard while maintaining a structured approach to keep things organized.

• For more ideas on how to hold a troop vote – see D/B/J Voting or Teen Voting.
• For help on how to create a Year Plan – See Tips and Tricks for Year Planning.

Scout-Led Meetings

Scout-led meetings evolve based on age, ability, and interest. While progression is encouraged, some troops adapt their approach based on what works best for their scouts.

Some teen scout troops may prefer Brownie- or Junior-style meetings with leaders running the structure and scouts assisting as helpers. Meanwhile, some Junior-aged troops may take full ownership and lead their meetings like the C/S/A troops would do.

Support from families or one-on-one leader guidance helping scouts plan, prepare, and run meetings effectively. It can depend on how much support the scouts have on how much they can run meetings.

Daisies: Building Decision-Making Skills

At this level, scouts begin by making small choices:

• Voting on snacks or supplies (paints vs. markers).
• Selecting between two activity options.
• Completing simple helper roles through a Kaper chart (snack helper, supply helper, activity leader).

This introduces decision-making without overwhelming scouts, building confidence in leading small tasks.

Brownies: Taking on More Responsibility

Scouts progress by becoming helpers with greater leadership roles:

• Before meetings, assigned activity leaders can receive a quick prep session (at least 10 minutes) to understand their role.
• When the meeting starts, leaders hand off the activity, letting scouts run it.
• Scouts learn how to lead, with support from leaders if needed.
• Failures, whether from lack of preparation or disinterest, become learning moments, helping scouts discover their strengths.

By the end of Brownies, many scouts recognize whether they enjoy leading or supporting. Both are valid, and leadership should never be forced.

Before assigning scouts as activity leaders, hold a dedicated troop meeting to teach leadership basics. Scouts should have clear guidance on how to present information, give instructions, and keep their peers engaged. Throwing them into leadership roles without preparation can lead to frustration and discouragement. Taking time to equip them with skills in communication and leadership ensures they feel confident when stepping into these roles.

Juniors: Running Individual Meetings

Many troops shift to assigning specific meetings to scouts:

• Each scout leads one meeting, not an entire badge series.
• Leaders guide them on which requirements need to be met, while scouts choose the activities.
• If using Volunteer Tool-Kit (VTK) plans, leaders help break down tasks instead of just handing over a full printout.
• Scouts gradually take ownership but still receive guidance.

At this level, preparation matters, and leaders should avoid backup plans—allowing scouts to experience consequences when they don’t follow through encourages accountability.

Remember that many Junior-level badges are best spread across multiple meetings. Expecting a scout, new to planning and prepping, to complete all five requirements in a single meeting can be overwhelming. Instead, assign 2-3 requirements per meeting, ensuring scouts know which ones they are responsible for. Additionally, avoid assigning a full badge to a single scout for multiple consecutive meetings. Split responsibilities between two different scouts to allow them to tackle different aspects of the badge without feeling overloaded

Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors: Choosing Their Leadership Style

By the teen levels, scouts take one of two approaches, depending on their interest and available time:

1. Full Scout-Led Troops
   • Scouts take greater control, running meetings, planning the year, organizing events, tracking finances, and making troop-wide decisions.
   • Often structured through patrol systems or elected leadership positions.
   • Leaders gradually step back, providing guidance as needed.
   • Leadership progression expands over time, starting with running individual meetings, then moving into planning full troop activities like field trips, events, and campouts. As scouts gain confidence, they begin tracking finances, helping with spreadsheets, and contributing to the annual report to council, ensuring they understand the financial side of troop management
2. Leader-Supported Troops
   • Scouts, often busy with school, sports, and jobs, vote to let leaders handle troop planning while they focus on participation rather than preparation.
   • Scout-led decision-making is still present. Leaders gather input and ensure activities align with the scouts’ interests. Leaders should be very pro-active to keep the scouts engaged as much as possible, even if their time does not allow for any planning and prep outside of meeting time.
   • This approach allows teens to stay engaged in scouting without additional stress.

Both methods are valid. The goal is to listen to scouts and adapt based on what keeps them engaged. Troops may evolve over time, shifting between leader-supported and fully scout-led depending on what works best.

Finding the Balance in Scout-Led Troops

Scout-led troops thrive when progression is thoughtfully introduced, allowing scouts to take ownership of their experience at a pace that suits their abilities and interests. Whether it’s voting on activities and badges or leading meetings, the process evolves naturally, shaped by the scouts’ engagement and comfort level.

Some troops embrace full scout-led planning, with scouts taking charge of meetings, yearly schedules, and even finances. Others prefer leader-supported structures, where scouts influence decisions but rely on leaders for organization. Both approaches are valid, and the most effective model is the one that keeps scouts engaged and excited to participate.

Ultimately, the goal of a scout-led troop isn’t to force leadership, but to create an environment where scouts feel empowered to contribute in ways that align with their interests. Some will thrive as leaders, while others will find joy in teamwork and participation. That diversity strengthens the troop.

By offering choices, guidance, and opportunities, leaders cultivate independence while ensuring scouting remains accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for every scout.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

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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.

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• Return to the Daisy Badge List.
• Return to the Brownie Badge List.
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• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.

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