The Badge Archive

Here’s how to ease into the new Girl Scout year with confidence (and minimal chaos):

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Step 1: Reach Out Personally

Forget passive posts. Send individual texts to each family. Even if it’s copy/paste, keep it direct and conversational.

Sample Text:

“Hey families! School is starting back up and so is our troop! We meet [Day] at [Time] at [Location]. Our first meeting is just scouts. We’re getting back into the groove. But save the date for [Family Meeting Date] when everyone’s invited to vote, celebrate, and get this year’s forms. Will you guys make it to our first meeting of the year?”

Everything else (details, reminders, forms) can go in a follow-up email or a flyer handed out at that first meeting.

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Step 2: Keep the First Meeting Simple and Fun

Skip the badgework for now. Focus on reconnecting, regrouping, and reenergizing. Try:

• A high-energy game or relay (great even for older girls—frame it as “Let’s learn something to teach younger scouts”)
• A mini Q&A circle:
  • What do you hope we do this year?
  • What did you love last year?
  • What’s your favorite hobby?

These answers help you build your plan around what excites your scouts most. Keep supplies light and the mood fun. If you plan two short games, even better. It breaks up the meeting to keep attention flowing.

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Step 3: Plan Your Troop Year Framework

Badgework can’t happen until scouts vote, but you as the leader need the calendar ready. How many meetings you’ll lead, what weekends are free, and what field trip dates might fit the leader’s schedule.

Create a simple “Save the Date” quarter-sheet flyer:

• All troop meeting dates
• 1 potential weekend outing per month (optional, flexible)
• Highlight the upcoming Family Meeting/Ceremony

Hand this out at pickup and ask each caregiver, personally:

“Do you think you’ll be at the next meeting?”

That one ask gives clarity on attendance and helps build relationships.

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Step 4: Organize the Family Ceremony

Use your last September or first October meeting as your annual family night:

Include:

• Permission slips, health forms, and any other council required paperwork
• A rededication, bridging, or awards ceremony (even without badges, give them a fun patch for starting the new year!)
• Voting recap or live badge vote
• Light troop business (dues, fundraisers, open adult volunteer positions)

Divide the room for smoother flow:

• One leader leads scouts (and siblings) in a game
• One leader stays with families to answer questions and collect paperwork

Simple. Celebratory. Efficient. Families love the chance to clap and connect.

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Final Tip:

The hardest part is knowing who’s coming and what to plan for, everything else is just tightening the bolts. (Or as some say, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, but we prefer: setting the compass and following the trail. 😉)

You’ve done this before. You’ve got this. And your troop’s new year starts with your steady spark.

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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.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Go back to the Girl Scout Leader 101 page.
• Return to the Daisy Badge List.
• Return to the Brownie Badge List.
• Return to the Junior Badge List.
• Return to the Cadette Badge List.
• Return to the Senior Badge List.
• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.

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