The Badge Archive

Because of this, our family has had to rethink the next couple of years. Ms. Tia’s new part‑time job is on hold, and she’ll be starting another round of physical therapy as she focuses on healing. Anyone who knows her knows she doesn’t do anything halfway (110% is her default setting) so we’ve asked her to step back from active scouting for the next two years. We’ll finish out the events already planned for this year, but after that, she’ll be taking a full break so her body can catch up with her spirit.

Earlier this fall, our team had already agreed it was time to pause active scouting and scale back commitments. Even so, Ms. Tia continued carrying The Badge Archive on her own for a while, simply because she loves the work so much. After her recent health scare, we met again as a family and put firmer boundaries in place. This two‑year break reflects that plan, and we’ve asked her to share this update so she can continue her archive work at a healthier, sustainable pace, with the team’s full support.

What does this mean for The Badge Archive?
Ms. Tia still loves scouting with her whole heart, and the archive is something she can continue working on at her own pace, even from bed rest. We’ve set aside funding for another year of hosting and Canva so she can keep the site running and make light updates when she’s able. That said, we know her “light updates” often turn into full‑blown projects.

If you noticed the announcement the day after Christmas, she released her new mini‑cookie boxes and finger puppets (all available as free downloads), which we tested with a few scouts who were excited to try them out. She truly loves watching others enjoy her creations and explore something new.

Our team has gently reminded her that testing every single idea with multiple groups isn’t sustainable for her health right now. She’s agreed (against her natural instincts) to release some resources without the extensive in‑person try‑outs she used to insist on. Rest assured, she’ll continue creating wonderful content, just with a lighter, healthier process behind the scenes.

Part of why we asked her to make this announcement is to help her set realistic expectations for herself AND because all of you have always been wonderfully supportive, patient, and appreciative of whatever she manages to create. You celebrate the big bursts of productivity, and you never complain during the quiet stretches (like these past few weeks). Thank you for that. Truly. Please keep being the amazing co‑contributors and cheerleaders you’ve always been.

Her current top three projects (slow and steady) are:

1. The Great Cookie Archive, currently focused on Junior‑level badges and activities.
2. The 1980 Retired Badges Project, where she’s been creating new images and pages with links to the original handbooks for Junior level.
3. Cub Scout Page Updates, adding activity lists (so far only Lion Bobcat). This one is moving slowly, especially since she had hoped to return to Cub Scout leadership. That, too, is on hold while we encourage her to fully rest.

Thank you to everyone who sent support and kind thoughts this December. Ms. Tia was able to enjoy Christmas with the family, and we’re all safe and doing well. We wish you a peaceful holiday season and a bright start to the new year. We hope you’ll continue following along as we take this two‑year “stay‑cation” and look forward to returning stronger than ever.

Thanks again!
– The Badge Archive Team (Tia K, John K, and Scout K)