The Badge Archive

If the scouts liked this one the best from the brainstorming list: Build a Sensory-Friendly Event Kit – Include noise-canceling headphones, visual schedules, and comfort items for use at troop or school events…… there is a problem with this project idea.

The sensory-friendly event kit, while thoughtful and helpful, tends to act more like a one-time resource or donation—which falls into the service category, not the standard required for a GSUSA award.

Take Action projects require that scouts do more than provide a solution—they need to:

• Identify a root cause or community gap
• Create a plan for addressing that gap
• Build partnerships or advocate for change
• Set the project up to continue without them

So while a kit could support a larger sustainable effort, it needs to be embedded in a long-term strategy. Here are some ideas to shift the kit from service to sustainability:

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💡 Elevate the Kit into a Take Action Project

Option 1: Institutional Integration

• Present the kit idea to event planners and propose making it part of the school’s or troop’s official event checklist.
• Write setup and usage instructions and train a student ambassador or troop peer to manage it at each future event.
• Leave behind a digital checklist, restock list, and signage template so it stays active after the scout’s involvement.

Option 2: System-Wide Awareness

• Combine the kit with a presentation or guide that helps event leaders understand why sensory-friendly tools matter.
• Survey peers on what sensory needs aren’t being met, then design kits that match actual gaps.
• Advocate for multiple kits across classrooms, clubs, or age levels—creating a network of access, not just one box.

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Here’s a sample plan using one of the ways to turn this idea sustainable:

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Project Title: Sensory Support Starter Kit — Helping Leaders Include Everyone

Project Goal

Create a sensory-friendly event kit and teach adults how to use it. Instead of tracking future use, the scout will focus on training others and leaving behind clear instructions so the kit becomes part of the troop or school’s culture.

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What I Want My Project to Accomplish

• Help students or troop members feel safe and included during loud or busy events.
• Teach leaders how to use sensory tools respectfully and effectively.
• Leave behind a ready-to-use kit with a guide so it can be used without me.
• Encourage future leaders to keep the kit going and add to it over time.

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How I’ll Measure Success

• Create and deliver a training session or guide for at least one adult leader.
• Leave behind a printed setup guide and restock checklist.
• Ask leaders to share one way they plan to use the kit in future events.
• Optional: Create a short feedback form for leaders to complete after the first use.

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Timeline & Task Plan

Date	Action	Who Will Do It
Week 1	Research sensory-friendly tools and ask peers what they’d find helpful at events.	Me
Week 2	Create a supply list and sketch a sample kit layout. Ask a teacher or troop leader for permission to present the idea.	Me
Week 3	Build the kit: gather supplies, label items, and create a setup guide.	Me
Week 4	Meet with leaders to explain how the kit works and why it matters. Share the guide and restock checklist.	Me
Week 5	Test the kit at one event. Ask leaders for feedback and make final updates.	Me
Week 6	Leave behind the kit and guide. Celebrate the project and share what I learned.	Me

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Materials & Budget

Item	Estimated Cost	Sourcing
Storage bin or backpack	$5–$10	Dollar store or donation
Noise-canceling headphones	$10–$20	Online or donated
Visual schedules or cue cards	Free–$5	Printed at school or handmade
Fidgets or comfort items	$5–$10	Dollar store or troop box
Setup guide and signage	Free–$5	Printed at school or home

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Resources, Support & Experts

• Teacher, Troop Leader, or Counselor: Help with approval, storage, and future use
• Autism Advocacy Sources:
  • 55+ Sensory Kit Ideas
  • MiEN Guide to Sensory Spaces
  • Sensory Processing Explained – Classroom Kit
• Scouting Guides: GSUSA Ability Awareness materials and BSA Disabilities Awareness resources

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Sustainability Plan

• Leave behind a printed guide and restock checklist for future leaders
• Offer to train a peer or adult on how to set it up and explain its purpose
• Suggest adding the kit to the troop or school’s event checklist
• Optional: Create a short video or slideshow explaining how the kit works

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Optional Sharing

If I feel comfortable, I will:

• Share my project in a troop meeting or school newsletter
• Create a short video or photo tour of the kit
• Submit the project to a local youth spotlight or community bulletin

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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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.

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