The Badge Archive

If the scouts liked this one the best from the brainstorming list: Host an Autism Acceptance Workshop – Lead a peer-to-peer session using games, roleplay, or videos to teach about neurodiversity and respectful communication….. there is a slight challenge to overcome.

When scouts ask others to show up and engage meaningfully, just making a workshop about their topic might not be enough. For a workshop like this to go beyond just friends and family that want to support the scout, it needs more than good intentions. It needs a draw, a reason for peers or younger kids to genuinely want to be there.

Here are a few ways the workshop could feel more appealing or exciting, while still keeping its core message intact:

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Add a Draw That Makes It Feel Special

1. Make It Interactive from the Start
Instead of a standard presentation, frame it as a “Sensory Discovery Lab” or “Empathy Game Hour.” Scouts can rotate through stations like:

• Sensory guessing games (wear earmuffs, play a video with captions, use textures)
• Roleplay challenges (social scenarios that test flexible communication)
• Myth-vs-Fact trivia with tiny prizes

2. Pair It with a Fun Theme
Give the workshop a “cool” identity:

• Superpower Differences: Understanding the Brain’s Unique Ways
• Puzzle Pieces & Kindness: Learning How We’re All Connected
• Include colorful branding, stickers, puzzle-piece crafts, or a coloring station for younger kids.

3. Offer a Small Takeaway
Participants could leave with something they made, like:

• A “Friendship First” badge or mini pledge card
• A bookmark with sensory tips or inclusion reminders
• A DIY fidget made during the session

4. Collaborate with a School Spirit Event or Badge Day
Piggyback on something that already has visibility—like a school kindness campaign, a troop badge workday, or a library mini fair—so the workshop becomes one exciting piece of something bigger.

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It doesn’t need to feel like a lecture. If it’s built with empathy and imagination, it can be fun and impactful. Even if attendance is small, the ripple effects from those few participants could be surprisingly meaningful.

Here’s a sample project using one of the draws:

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Project Title: Sensory Discovery Lab — Understanding Autism Through Experience

Project Goal

Host a hands-on workshop where participants explore sensory differences through games and activities, helping them understand autism and neurodiversity in a fun, memorable way.

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What I Want My Project to Accomplish

• Help peers understand how sensory sensitivities affect autistic individuals.
• Encourage empathy and respectful communication through interactive learning.
• Create a safe, inclusive space for questions and reflection.
• Leave behind materials so others can repeat the workshop in the future.

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How I’ll Measure Success

• Track how many students attend the workshop.
• Use a short reflection sheet or “exit ticket” to ask what participants learned.
• Ask a teacher or troop leader to observe and share feedback.
• Optional: Record how many participants say they’ll change how they treat others.

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Timeline & Task Plan

Date	Action	Who Will Do It
Week 1	Choose a date and location. Ask a teacher or troop leader for permission and support.	Me
Week 2	Research sensory sensitivities and autism facts. Watch videos and read stories from autistic individuals.	Me
Week 3	Plan activities: sensory guessing games, roleplay, and myth-vs-fact trivia.	Me
Week 4	Create materials: signs, handouts, reflection sheets, and station instructions.	Me
Week 5	Invite classmates or troop members. Practice leading each activity.	Me
Week 6	Host the workshop! Collect feedback and reflect on what went well and what could improve.	Me

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Materials & Budget

Item	Estimated Cost	Sourcing
Printed handouts and signs	$5–$10	School printer or home
Sensory items (earmuffs, textures, lights)	$10–$15	Dollar store, donations
Poster board and markers	$3–$5	Classroom supply or troop box
Small prizes for trivia winners	$5	Family or troop support
Snacks or water (optional)	$5–$10	Family or troop support

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Resources, Support & Experts

• Teacher or Troop Leader: Help with scheduling, space, and reviewing materials.
• Autism Advocacy Sources:
  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network
  • Beaming Health – Autism Myths
  • Autism Explained – Fast Facts for Kids
• Scouting Guides: GSUSA Ability Awareness materials and BSA Disabilities Awareness resources.

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Sustainability Plan

• Leave behind printed station instructions and a digital copy of the workshop plan.
• Encourage teachers or troop leaders to repeat the workshop annually or adapt it for other topics.
• Offer to help lead a future session or train another scout to do it next year.

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Optional Sharing

If I feel comfortable, I will:

• Share my experience with my troop or in a school newsletter.
• Create a short recap video or slideshow to inspire others.
• Submit my project to a local youth spotlight or community bulletin.

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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!

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• 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.

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Go back to the Action Plan – Autism Awareness page

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