The Badge Archive

Across Generations: GSUSA 1960s

⚠️ This page is under construction

The 1960s were a golden era of tradition and transformation in Girl Scouting. A decade of civic action, outdoor adventure, and expanding roles for girls in a changing world. Troops met weekly in homes, churches, and schools, often led by mothers or teachers. Scouts wore crisp green uniforms, memorized the Promise and Law, and earned badges from handbooks that emphasized homemaking, citizenship, and outdoor skills.

But the world was changing, and so was Girl Scouting. Civil Rights, the Space Race, and second-wave feminism began to influence badge topics and troop discussions. Girls were encouraged to think critically, serve their communities, and explore leadership in new ways.

What’s Different

What Was Different from Earlier Decades

  • Cadette level was introduced: In 1963, GSUSA added the Cadette level for girls in grades 7–9, creating a clearer progression between Juniors and Seniors.
  • Color-coded badge borders began: Junior badges had green borders, and Cadette badges had yellow borders. This visual system helped distinguish levels and was a precursor to later badge redesigns.
  • Challenge pins were introduced: Cadettes could earn four Challenge pins in addition to badges, encouraging deeper exploration of topics.
  • Troop structure became more formalized: Patrol systems, troop government, and girl-led planning were emphasized more than in the 1940s–50s.
  • Uniforms remained formal but modernized slightly: Girls still wore level-specific dresses with ties and hats, but styles began to reflect 1960s fashion trends.

What’s Different from Today’s Girl Scouts

  • No Journeys or Take Action Projects: The 1960s program focused on individual Proficiency Badges and troop activities. Journeys and TAPs weren’t introduced until 2011.
  • Badges were earned from printed handbooks: Girls used physical books to track badge steps—there were no digital tools or online tracking systems.
  • Uniforms were more formal and required: Gloves, hats, and polished shoes were expected at meetings and ceremonies. Today’s uniforms are simplified and more flexible.
  • No Daisy level: The youngest official level was Brownies (ages 7–8); Daisies weren’t introduced until 1984.
  • Badges were not grouped by theme: Unlike today’s topic-based badge categories (e.g., STEM, Outdoors), 1960s badges were listed individually by skill or subject.

What’s the Same

  • Singing around a fire
  • Friendship that lasts decades
  • The drive to take the lead and make a difference
  • A love of badges, bridging, and belonging

Featured Profiles

Coming Soon
We’re actively collecting stories from Girl Scouts who served, camped, and led during the 1960s. If you have a memory or know someone from this era, we’d love to hear from you.

Memory Snapshots

  • Janet H. — Senior until 1963
    As a Senior Scout, she backpacked 150–200 miles through the Sierra Nevada Mountains each summer. Sixty years later, she’s still close with the friends who shared that trail.
  • Carolyn B. — Cadette starting in 1963
    In 1963, the Cadette level was introduced nationally, and Carolyn B. joined that first cohort. She still has her original handbooks and remembers.
  • Kitsy A.-H. — Brownie to Senior (1965–late ’70s)
    Earning yarn ties at day camp, selling cookie boxes for 25¢, and camping at Catron and Wabonsee were her memories. As a Cadette, she became a junior camp counselor and took part in a council-sponsored trip to Kansas. She later served on the Cornhusker Council’s Senior Board as a Lone Scout, promoting Girl Scouting independently without a troop. Her uniforms, badge sash, handbooks, and songbook are still part of her cherished collection.
  • Sylvia S. — Brownie through Senior in the 1960s
    A canoe trip through Ohio and camping adventures are fond memories. She visited Our Cabaña in Mexico as part of her Senior Scout experience, a program milestone launched in that era.

Suggested Resources

Have a photo from the 1960s?

We’d love to feature vintage snapshots! Submit your troop pics or camp memories here.

Browse More or Submit Yours

Looking for another decade? Back to the Across Generations Page →
Got a memory to share? Submit a 1960s story →

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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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Tia Kennard