The Badge Archive

Before Girl Scout TRAX ever existed, Audra Edmunds was a young scout in the early 1980s, learning the values of courage, confidence, and character—principles she still lives by today. “I still believe that girls do not have enough of these core values instilled in them,” Audra says. “And young girls need these to be able to stand on their own.”

Years later, as a troop leader to more than 40 girls across four levels, she brought those values full circle. She created practical tools to help leaders focus on growth, not paperwork.

A Leader’s Dedication to Troop Organization

Scouting is filled with growth, achievements, and leadership opportunities, but keeping track of badge progress, attendance, field trips, and troop management can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where Audra Edmunds steps in.

As a Scout leader and independent creator, Audra designed the Girl Scout TRAX series spreadsheets. These are a set of Excel-based tools developed specifically to help troop leaders track badges and awards efficiently. Despite not being affiliated with GSUSA, her work has become a widely trusted resource among scouting leaders seeking structured organization for their troops.

The Evolution of Girl Scout Trax – A Solution Born from Necessity

As her troop grew from six girls to over forty, Audra faced the challenge of managing multi-level badge tracking. Finding nothing that met her needs, and not wanting to purchase official tools from GSUSA, she adapted free tracking software originally built for Boy Scouts.

The creator was thrilled to collaborate, and that partnership laid the groundwork for what became the Girl Scout TRAX system. While the original site still exists, the most up-to-date versions now live in the file section of the Girl Scout TRAX Facebook Group, which Audra actively maintains.

On September 22, 2008, Audra released the first versions of Junior TRAX, marking the beginning of a long-standing effort to streamline scouting logistics. Each level was carefully developed and improved, leading to additional releases:

• Daisy and Brownie TRAX – September 22, 2008
• Cadette TRAX – December 15, 2008
• Senior TRAX – August 17, 2012
• Ambassador TRAX – July 31, 2012

Through continuous updates and user feedback, Audra has ensured that each version remains relevant and aligned with the latest badge offerings from GSUSA. Over the years, her spreadsheets have undergone multiple revisions, integrating new awards, improved automation, and enhanced functionality to meet the evolving needs of troop leaders nationwide.

What Makes Girl Scout TRAX Unique?

Unlike traditional paper-based tracking, TRAX automates the process with dynamic, easy-to-use spreadsheets.

• Auto-fills scout names across tabs for consistent record-keeping.
• Provides completion tracking so leaders can easily monitor achievements.
• Offers summary pages for quick badge review and distribution planning.
• Includes ordering sheets, ensuring leaders purchase only what their troop needs.

Each annual update integrates new GSUSA badges, ensuring leaders have the latest scouting information. While TRAX is troop-level tracking, Audra collaborated with Emilee Rea, who created Badgez spreadsheets, offering an alternative system for individual badge tracking.

A Commitment to Helping Leaders Stay Organized

Though TRAX has helped thousands of leaders, Audra has never profited personally from her work. In the early years, any donations were directed to her troop’s account. Today, when leaders ask how they can give back, she simply suggests donating to their local council in her name. “I don’t do this for the money or glory,” she says, “I do it for the girls.”

Audra actively maintains Girl Scout TRAX, providing leaders with support via:

• Instructions embedded in every spreadsheet, ensuring proper setup and use.
• A dedicated FAQ page, addressing common troubleshooting issues.
• A private Facebook Group, where troop leaders can download updated spreadsheets and share feedback.

Her years of dedication to improving scouting logistics have made TRAX a go-to tool for leaders. There is TRAX sheet website, but the most up to date versions are in the file section of the Girl Scout TRAX Facebook Group.

Honoring a Trailblazer in Scouting Organization

With support from behind-the-scenes contributors and fellow resource creators like Emilee Rea and Brittany Butler, Audra has continually refined the Girl Scout TRAX spreadsheets to better serve the scouting community. Her impact stems not just from smart systems, but from her unwavering belief that young girls need tools, and encouragement, to grow into strong, independent leaders.

Audra’s tools have become a lifeline for thousands of leaders navigating the busy world of troop management. Her generosity, ingenuity, and belief in empowering girls through structured support are evident in every spreadsheet update, tab formula, and FAQ reply. She reminds us that when scouting leaders support each other, the whole movement grows stronger.

For leaders looking for data-driven, user-friendly tools, her work remains a trusted resource, ensuring that scouting communities can focus on leadership and growth instead of logistical headaches.

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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.

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.

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