Girl Scouts of the USA offers a wide range of official badges, each with clearly defined steps and learning goals. These are typically worn on the front of the uniform and represent skill-building, leadership, and progression.
In addition, fun patches (which can be worn on the back of the uniform) offer a more flexible way to celebrate participation, special events, or themed activities. While fun patches aren’t part of the official badge system, many troops use them creatively to:
- Reinforce badge topics in a lighter or more social format
- Recognize troop traditions, holidays, or community service
- Offer scouts a visual record of their experiences and adventures
Some troops choose to link fun patches to official badge work, either by:
- Completing both at the same time during a meeting or event
- Encouraging scouts to finish the badge steps independently at home and report back
- Using the fun patch as a “starter” or preview for a deeper badge activity later in the year
This approach allows leaders to adapt to different learning styles, schedules, and troop dynamics, especially when working with multi-level groups or limited meeting time.
Here are just a sample of possible year plans that use Fun Patches as the focus instead of official badges. For each possible focus use the Click to Expand feature and see more details and links for each.
Click to Expand → FunPatchPrograms & Scouting Adventures Facebook Group
This Year Plan is adapted from a resource shared in the Fun PatchPrograms & Scouting Adventures Facebook Group, which is run by Jen Wall and her troop. Their program focuses on Fun Patches they sell that are creatively linked to official Girl Scout badges. They also host Zoom meetings to help scouts engage with the patch themes and complete activities that can count toward partial or full badge requirements, depending on your troop’s goals.
The original plan emphasizes seasonal activities, cultural celebrations, and hands-on experiences that can be customized for different age levels. While it’s not an official GSUSA document, it’s a great inspiration for building a year that blends fun, learning, and progression, especially if your troop enjoys earning patches alongside badges.
You can find the full PDF Printable version in the Files section of the Facebook group, and it’s meant to be flexible. Feel free to adapt it to your troop’s interests, budget, and schedule.
Here’s a clean, copy-ready version of the Year Plan. It’s formatted for easy pasting into Microsoft Word and designed to fit on one to two pages.
Troop Year Plan At A Glance (Oct 2025–Sept 2026)
October
- Kick off the GS year (Oct 1) with a “Back to Troop” celebration
- Refresh scouting traditions (Friendship Circle, GS Law, etc.)
- Focus on Outdoor Progression: camping, hiking, skill-building
- Host a fall field trip (pumpkin patch or apple picking)
- Earn Girl Scout Way badge around Halloween (Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday)
- Optional: “Boo Your Neighbor” kindness activity
November
- Explore cultural traditions: Dia de los Muertos
- Celebrate Friendsgiving
- Plan a troop service project for the holidays
- Focus on Fall Product Sales
- Earn a badge: Democracy, Animal, or Engineering
- Discuss Travel Progression and set troop goals
- Participate in the Pringles Chip Challenge
- Visit veterans for Veterans Day
December
- Host a cookie decorating challenge
- Adopt a family for the holidays
- White Elephant gift exchange
- Attend a movie or live theater event
- Holiday potluck celebration
- Select a Journey to begin in January
- Go caroling at a senior living community
January
- Celebrate Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse)
- Attend a Cookie Rally and earn the Family Cookie Pin
- Set cookie sales goals (individual & troop)
- Begin and complete a Journey & Take Action Project
- Continue Outdoor Progression with winter activities
February
- Host a World Thinking Day celebration and earn the award
- Continue Cookie Sales
- Earn the Global Action Award
- Host a Galentine’s Slumber Party
March
- Celebrate Girl Scout Week
- Host a post-cookie season celebration
- Vote on next badge to earn
- Explore Girl Scout camp options
- Plan a summer adventure
- Earn the Self-Care badge
April
- Begin Rainbow Arc & Bridging Requirements
- Plan Cinco de Mayo activities
- Go on an outdoor adventure and earn a related badge
- Learn outdoor skills: fire building, outdoor cooking, water purification
May
- Host a Cinco de Mayo celebration
- Participate in Memorial Day activities (flags at cemetery or parade)
- Prepare for Bridging to next GS level
June / July
- Hold Bridging Ceremony
- Celebrate with an End-of-Year Party
- Practice outdoor skills
- Host a Backyard Sleepover & Cookout
- Attend Camp
- Earn Trail Adventure and Hiking badges
August
- Host a Mer-Mazing Swim Party (requires certified lifeguard)
- Complete Outdoor Journey badges during troop camping
- Participate in Community Service
- Explore Leadership Opportunities
- Host a Money-Earning Event (lemonade stand, garage sale, welcome event)
September
- Recruit new members and grow your troop
- Host a Welcome Back Party
- Prepare for Fall Product Sales
- Bridge if not already completed
- Include a Rededication Ceremony
- Make a troop recipe together
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Click to Expand → Holiday Service for A Year
The concept is to do a service project connected to a holiday each month. There are two ways to do this:
- Pick a Holiday for each Month
- Use the Holiday Service Patch Program
Click to Expand → Make an Eco-Difference Year
Pick one aspect of making a difference each month of the year.
- Look up possible choices in the Make an Eco-Difference Patch Program
Click to Expand → Small Acts of Service Year
Pick one way to serve each month of the year.
- Look up possible choices in the Small Acts of Service Patch Program
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts
Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
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
Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
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 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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The Badge Archive 
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