The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts brainstorm book ideas that could solve a problem, help others, or inspire change.

• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Daisy Create and Innovate badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Brownie Create and Innovate badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Junior Create and Innovate badge requirements.

Info Needed: Books can be used to teach, share stories, or offer solutions. Imagine a book or tool that could help a problem.

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Items Needed:

• Half-sheet of paper or sticky note per scout
• Pencil or pen
• (Optional) Extra paper for sketching or expanding ideas

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 10 min):

1. Set up the brainstorm activity (2 min)
   • Give each scout a half-sheet or sticky note and a pencil.
   • Explain that they will come up with a book idea that helps someone or solves a problem.
2. Spark ideas (3 min)
   • Scouts choose one starting point:
     • A problem they face or see in the world
     • Something they use every day that could be improved
     • Something that inspires them to create or help others
   • Scouts write or sketch:
     • A book idea that could help
     • OR a tool or invention they’d include in a book to solve that problem
3. Expand the idea (3 min)
   • Scouts choose one format:
     • Make a problem list and jot down 1–2 ideas for each
     • Pick one problem and brainstorm multiple solutions
     • Think of something they use often and sketch a way to improve it
4. (Optional) Share with the group (2 min)
   • Scouts can briefly describe their book idea or invention to others.