The Badge Archive

Remember that every council has slightly different rules and regulations, and everything you read online that is general for all of USA should always be double checked with your local council rules and regulations.

Step 1: Determine Your Meeting Frequency

Start by figuring out how often your troop meets:

• Weekly? Every other week? Twice a month? Monthly?
• Will you have extra weekend events, like campouts or field trips?

Even if you don’t have exact dates, knowing your meeting structure helps with long-term planning.

Step 2: Add Core Troop Traditions & Special Events

Before filling in other details, start with troop traditions and events that happen every year. This might include:

• Kickoff Meeting (family gathering, troop traditions, paperwork collection)
• Traditions like World Thinking Day, Girl Scout Birthday, Cookie Kickoff & Wrap-Up
• Seasonal Activities or Holiday Celebrations
• Annual Campouts, Service Projects, or Weekend Adventures

Be sure to check out the Tips and Tricks article for details and suggestions on which traditions most troops add to their year plans.

Step 3: Outline Badge & Activity Meetings

After setting tradition-based events, earmark the remaining meetings for badge work or other activities. The specifics don’t need to be decided yet—just label them “Badge Meeting” or “Activity Meeting” until scouts vote on what they want to do.

Badges can be planned in different ways, such as:

• One badge per meeting (fast-paced) or two meetings per badge (balanced)
• Mixing badge work with themed troop activities
• Letting scouts vote on badges, then placing them into open slots based on timing

Step 4: Keep Room for Adjustments

A well-planned year should still be flexible. Sometimes meetings need to be swapped, unexpected opportunities arise, or scouts change their minds.

• Leaders often don’t share the full year plan with families to prevent frustration if things shift. Instead, families get the meeting schedule without set details.
• Announce the upcoming badge or activity at the previous meeting rather than committing months in advance.
• Keep extra activity options on hand—if a badge takes only one meeting instead of two, the troop can quickly pivot to another activity.

Step 5: Let Scouts Help Shape the Year

Every troop votes and plans differently! Some leaders choose activities themselves, while others let scouts vote on every detail. Finding the balance that works for your troop is key.

• Some troops set annual traditions, then hold a scout vote for additional badges and activities.
• Others select a shortlist of badge options to make voting easier.
• A few focus their entire year on one theme, selecting related badges throughout.

By keeping structure while allowing flexibility, your troop will have a well-balanced plan that feels organized but adaptable.

Other Resources:

• GSUSA also gives some advice on how to plan out the year.
• Some council have a year plan available – like GSNorCal.
• There are several yearly planners people have designed for Girl Scout Leaders you can purchase as well – like these available on Etsy.

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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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• Go back to the Girl Scout Leader 101 page.
• 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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