The Badge Archive

Across Generations: GSUSA 1970s

⚠️ This page is under construction

The 1970s marked a turning point in Girl Scouting. Troops still gathered in church basements and school cafeterias, sang around campfires, and earned classic badges, but change was in the air. In 1977, Worlds to Explore reorganized badgework into five broad themes: My Home, My Community, My World, The Arts, and The Out-of-Doors. This shift encouraged girls to think more globally, creatively, and independently, while still honoring the hands-on traditions of earlier decades.

What’s Different

What Was Different from Earlier Decades

  • Badgework was still based on the 1963 handbooks: Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors followed the Proficiency Badge system introduced in the early ’60s, with color-coded borders and level-specific requirements.
  • Troop government became more structured: Girl-led planning and patrol systems were emphasized more than in the 1950s and ’60s, laying the groundwork for future girl-led models.
  • Uniforms began to modernize: In 1973, GSUSA introduced mix-and-match uniform options for Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes—including pants for the first time.
  • Environmentalism took center stage: The Eco-Action program launched nationally in 1972, encouraging girls to take action on conservation and environmental issues.
  • Daisy level didn’t exist yet: The youngest official level was Brownies (ages 7–8); Daisies wouldn’t be introduced until 1984.

What’s Different from Today’s Girl Scouts

  • No Journeys or Take Action Projects: The 1970s program focused on individual 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 level-specific and more formal: Each level had its own distinct uniform pieces, including ties, hats, and dresses. Today’s uniforms are simplified to a sash or vest with khaki bottoms.
  • No Daisy level: Kindergarten-aged girls weren’t part of the program yet, so the entry point was typically 2nd grade.
  • Badges were not grouped by theme: The Worlds to Explore structure didn’t arrive until 1980. In the 1970s, badges were listed individually by topic in each handbook.

What’s the Same

  • Singing around a fire
  • Friendship that lasts decades
  • The drive to take the lead and make a difference
  • The Girl Scout Law and Promise (the Law was updated in 1972)

Featured Profiles

Gretchen S.
Gretchen attended Camp Kenneydell in Washington State for seven consecutive summers (“every year of eligibility”) as part of the Tall Timbers Girl Scout Council. Her memories include hiking with #10 cans of vegetables for conditioning and singing camp songs on the lodge porches.

Read Gretchen’s full profile →

Memory Snapshots

  • Sylvia S. — Cadette in the 1970s
    As a Cadette, she completed a multi-day canoe trip through Ohio and later returned to camp as a CIT.
  • Kitsy A.-H. — Girl Scout through the 1970s
    Her memories span Iowa woods, New England camps, and the slow modernization of uniforms, including pants, patch blankets, and shifting badge designs.
  • Grandma Elliott — Girl Scout Leader in the 1970s
    A troop grandmother who had been a Girl Scout leader for more than 50 years.

Suggested Resources

Have a photo from the 1970s?

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 1970s 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