Whether your scout is just starting out or you’re a parent trying to understand how it all works, this page is here to help.

What Are the Girl Scout Promise & Law?

The Girl Scout Promise is a pledge each scout makes to live by the values of Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Law outlines those values: like honesty, helpfulness, and respect. It guides how scouts treat others and themselves.

These are introduced early, often memorized, and revisited throughout a scout’s journey. They are a way of life.

Printable Resources from GSUSA

Below are links to official Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) materials you can print and use at home. These are perfect for hanging on the fridge, adding to a binder, or using in troop activities.

• Daisy Girl Scout Promise and Law Printable from GSUSA
• Girl Scout Promise and Law Printable from GSUSA

Note: These links go directly to GSUSA’s website. If these links don’t work, please Contact Us so we can update this page to point you to the latest version.

Why Print It Out?

Having a visual reminder of the Promise and Law at home helps scouts:

• Learn and remember the values they’re building
• Spark conversations with family about what it means to be a Girl Scout
• Feel proud of their role in the troop and community

Even a simple printout can make a big difference in helping your scout feel connected and confident.

Explore More

Want to dive deeper? Check out these related pages:

• Girl Scout Law Activities & Crafts – Fun ways to explore each line of the Law
• Girl Scout Promise Activities – Games, songs, and reflection ideas
• Origin of the Oath – A fun look at the history of scouting promises across organizations

Girl Scout Badges

Badges are a big part of the Girl Scout experience. Each badge represents a skill learned, a challenge met, or a goal achieved. Scouts earn them through hands-on activities, service projects, and personal growth.

Whether your scout is a Daisy just starting out or a teen exploring entrepreneurship, badges help them discover new interests and build confidence along the way.

What Are Badges?

Badges are earned by completing a set of activities related to a specific topic: like first aid, coding, outdoor skills, or art. Some badges are earned as a troop, others can be completed individually at home or in the community.

They’re grouped by level (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, etc.), and GSUSA only allows scouts to display badges from their current level on the front of the official uniform. If a scout earns a badge from another level (or completes a patch program that isn’t part of the official badge program) they can still purchase it and wear it on the back of the uniform as a Fun Patch.

In Girl Scouts, badges refer to official GSUSA awards that go on the front of the uniform. Patches (including fun patches and unofficial programs) go on the back. This helps keep the uniform organized and shows which achievements are part of the national badge program.

Earning Badges Outside of Meetings

Did you know scouts can earn badges on their own? Many families don’t realize that badge work doesn’t have to happen during troop time. Scouts can:

• Complete badge steps at home
• Work on badges with friends or siblings
• Use community resources like libraries, parks, or museums
• Explore badge ideas during school breaks or weekends
• Use experiences in school or other extra-curricular events

How Do Badge Requirements Work?

Each badge has three-five steps listed by GSUSA, and you can find them using the Badge Explorer. These steps are intentionally broad to allow flexibility. Troops and families can interpret them in ways that fit their interests, resources, and age level.

But sometimes, the wording can feel vague. For example:

• “Have fun with trees” (Cadette Tree badge)
• “Explore art and design” (Art and Design badges)

These sound simple, but they leave a lot of room for interpretation. Do you climb a tree? Use tree parts in a craft? Study tree biology? Similarly, with art: do you look at it, analyze it, or create your own?

This flexibility is part of what makes Girl Scouts unique, but it can also lead to confusion or a sense of unfairness. Some scouts may spend hours on structured activities from the official badge booklets or VTK meeting plans, while others might complete a step with a quick activity that technically “counts.”

Both are allowed. Badges are earned on your honor. Each scout must make their own choice on what their honor means.

What’s the Best Approach?

There’s no single right way to earn a badge, but having a reliable starting point makes a big difference. That’s why The Badge Archive was created: to help families and leaders quickly understand what GSUSA’s booklets and VTK plans actually ask scouts to do.

• A clear summary of the five official requirements
• Direct links to any available meeting plans or at-home resources
• A quick way to see what’s already out there, without needing to buy every booklet or decode VTK

You’re always welcome to search the internet for more ideas, but The Badge Archive is designed to be your first stop: fast, clear, and user-friendly.

Whether your scout prefers structure or creativity, remember that badges are earned on your honor, and each scout must decide what their honor means.

For Leaders & Volunteers

If you’re a troop leader or volunteer, feel free to share this page with families in your welcome packets, emails, or printed handouts. This page is designed to be a one-stop resource for new families that is simple, helpful, and easy to share.

Download the single page printable PDF version!

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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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