Step Four: Make a plan
Turn your project idea into a measurable plan by setting a clear goal, organizing tasks and roles around your group’s strengths, identifying needed supplies and resources, and sharing the plan with trusted adults and community partners for feedback and support.
If the scouts liked this one the best from the brainstorming list: Start a Peer Buddy Program – Pair students to promote friendship, understanding, and support across neurotypes…… this would be a sample project.
Project Title: Side by Side — A Peer Buddy Program for Inclusion and Friendship
Project Goal
Create a buddy program that pairs students across neurotypes to build friendships, increase understanding, and offer support during school or troop activities. The program will help students feel seen, valued, and connected—and will continue with adult and peer support after launch.
What I Want My Project to Accomplish
- Help neurodivergent and neurotypical students build meaningful friendships.
- Create a safe, structured way for students to support each other during school or troop activities.
- Raise awareness about inclusion and neurodiversity.
- Leave behind a system that can be repeated and expanded by future leaders.
How I’ll Measure Success
- Match at least 5 buddy pairs and complete one shared activity together.
- Ask buddies to share what they learned or enjoyed about the experience.
- Create a simple guide or toolkit so others can continue the program.
- Optional: Host a celebration or reflection event to share stories and feedback.
Timeline & Task Plan
| Date | Action | Who Will Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Research buddy programs and talk to a teacher or troop leader about starting one. Ask for permission and support. | Me |
| Week 2 | Create a flyer or sign-up form for students who want to join. Include questions about interests, strengths, and support needs. | Me |
| Week 3 | Match buddy pairs based on shared interests or complementary strengths. Ask an adult to help review matches. | Me |
| Week 4 | Plan a shared activity for buddy pairs (games, crafts, reading, recess, etc.). Provide instructions and optional conversation starters. | Me |
| Week 5 | Run the activity and observe how buddies interact. Ask for feedback from students and adults. | Me |
| Week 6 | Create a simple guide with tips for matching buddies, planning activities, and keeping the program going. Share it with leaders. | Me |
Materials & Budget
| Item | Estimated Cost | Sourcing |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up forms or flyers | Free–$3 | Printed at school or handmade |
| Activity supplies (games, crafts) | $5–$10 | Troop box, classroom, or donations |
| Buddy badges or name tags | $3–$5 | Dollar store or printed |
| Reflection sheets or journals | Free–$5 | Printed at school or home |
| Celebration snacks or certificates (optional) | $5–$10 | Troop or family support |
Resources, Support & Experts
- Teacher, Troop Leader, or Counselor: Help with permission, matching, and supervision
- Autism & Neurodiversity Advocacy Sources:
- Scouting Guides: GSUSA Ability Awareness materials and Leadership badge resources
Sustainability Plan
- Leave behind a matching form, activity ideas, and a buddy guide for future leaders
- Suggest making the program part of troop meetings or classroom routines
- Offer to train a peer or adult on how to run the program next year
- Optional: Create a buddy club or monthly meet-up to keep connections going
Optional Sharing
If I feel comfortable, I will:
- Share my project in a troop meeting or school newsletter
- Create a short video or photo collage showing buddy pairs in action
- Submit the 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
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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- 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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