The Badge Archive

---

A Lifetime of Leadership and Legacy

Brownie, 1950s • First Class & Curved Bar Award Recipient • Troop Leader • Council Trainer • Lifetime Member

“I remember every Christmas when it was time for me advance to the next level, my Christmas gift was that new level uniform from my Grandparents.”

Karen’s Girl Scout journey began in the 1950s as a Brownie, with her mother leading Troop 8 through 8th grade. She continued through 10th grade, earning both the First Class Award and the Curved Bar, the highest honors of her time. Her family lived and breathed scouting. Her father was an assistant Scoutmaster, her brother earned his Eagle, and they camped together at Higgins Lake in Michigan, where her dad taught swimming.

Traditions That Shaped a Lifetime

Karen remembers receiving her next-level uniform each Christmas from her grandparents, a cherished tradition that marked her growth in scouting. As a Junior, she sewed badges onto her uniform sleeves, and only later had a sash to put her badges on. Her dedication led her to represent her council at the National Convention in Chicago, traveling by train from Michigan. She was the youngest Senior Scout delegate for her council.

Leading the Next Generation

Karen became her daughter’s troop leader, graduating four girls as Senior Scouts before the Ambassador rank existed. She continued leading for 28 years, guiding four additional troops. She also served as a Council Trainer for 16 years and as a Neighborhood Service Unit Director for 12 years, following in her mother’s footsteps as a Day Camp Director and Neighborhood Director.

Still Going Strong

Now a Lifetime Member since 1992, Karen belongs to two alumni groups: Order of the Silver Trefoil and The Great Lakes Green Hats. She preserves uniforms and handbooks from three generations: hers, her mother’s, and her daughter’s. She remains deeply connected to her council, GSSEM, and its ever-evolving museum in White Lake, MI.

–

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!

–

• 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.
• See Multi-Level Themes

–

Back to the Across Generations Page →

–