The Badge Archive

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, in the United States, spearheaded by Senator Gaylord Nelson to spotlight environmental issues. It marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement, and its success inspired countries globally to participate in this important day. 🌍🌱

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Official GSUSA Badges

These activities tie Earth Day actions to badge requirements, encouraging Scouts to earn awards while making a positive impact.🌎✨🌳

• Animal Themed Badges: Scouts could work on badges like the Animal Helpers Badge (Juniors) by learning how to support wildlife or building birdhouses, or the Voice for Animals Badge (Seniors) by exploring how to advocate for animal welfare.
• Nature Themed Badges: Scouts can earn badges like the Eco Learner Badge (Daisies) by focusing on simple ways to protect nature, or the Trees Badge (Cadettes) by identifying trees, planting saplings, and learning about their benefits.
• Art Themed Badges: Scouts could pursue the Outdoor Art Badge (available at all levels), using Earth Day as inspiration for creating nature-themed art such as leaf rubbings, landscape sketches, or upcycled crafts.
• Camp Themed Badge: Use Earth Day as an opportunity to explore the outdoors, go on a nature hike, or practice eco-friendly camping skills.

Earth Day Activities for Citizen Scientist Journey:

• Choose a Bird Centered Project.
• There are a lot of SciStarter Environmental projects to choose from.

Fun Patches

Patch Programs:

• Try a Council Patch Program the focuses on the Environment, Animals, or Outdoors
• Animal Advocate Patch Series from Making Friends
• Aquaculture from Create with DI
• Australia and Habitats from Create with DI
• Big Cats from Girls Love Scouting _{(Girls Love Scouting announced on 05-08-2025 that production of artistry badges were going to be halted due to GSUSA legal actions.)}
• Birds from Girls Love Scouting _{(Girls Love Scouting announced on 05-08-2025 that production of artistry badges were going to be halted due to GSUSA legal actions.)}
• Earth Day from Create with DI
• Earth Day Groceries Project from Patchwork Designs
• Gardening Fun from Stemily Studios
• I Love Animals from Create with DI
• Marine Life from Create with DI
• Recycler from Stemily Studios

Make your own requirements! Possible Fun Patches:

• Discovering the Rainforest from Create with DI
• Earth Day with Booklet from Create with DI
• Earth Day (Various) from Advantage Emblem
• Earth Day (Various) from GSUSA
• Earth Day (Various) from GS News and Activities
• Earth Day (Various) from Making Friends
• Earth Theme (Various) from E-Patches and Crests
• Earth Theme (Various) from The Patch Corner
• Earth Theme (Various) from Snappy Logos

Activities to Earn Fun Patches

Our Scouts can roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty (literally!) to make a positive impact this Earth Day.

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Elementary Scouts:

• Tree Planting: Scouts plant small saplings in community spaces to encourage care for nature.
• Park Clean-Up: Organize a litter-collecting event in local parks to teach Scouts about the importance of keeping nature clean.
• Upcycled Art Projects: Scouts create fun crafts using items like tin cans, bottle caps, and cereal boxes.
• Pollinator Gardens: Plant flowers or shrubs to attract pollinators, explaining their importance to the ecosystem.
• Storytime with Nature: Scouts listen to nature-themed books or share their own poems about the planet.
• Eco-Friendly Transport: Encourage Scouts to walk or bike to nearby destinations with their families.
• Recycling Relay Races: Introduce an exciting game where Scouts sort recyclables into the correct bins at speed.
• Composting Basics: Teach Scouts simple ways to compost food scraps to create nutrient-rich soil.
• Pledge Wall: Have Scouts draw or write pledges like “I will conserve water!” and display them on a group wall.
• Leaf Imprints Craft: Scouts collect fallen leaves and use them to create imprints or rubbings for nature-inspired artwork.

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Teen Scouts:

• Tree Planting Campaign: Teens organize larger-scale tree planting initiatives and learn about long-term care.
• Park Clean-Up and Data Collection: Scouts clean up parks while documenting types of trash to analyze waste patterns.
• DIY Recycling Stations: Build recycling centers from upcycled materials and host mini workshops for the community.
• Upcycled Art Exhibit: Create detailed eco-themed masterpieces to showcase or auction for charity.
• Pollinator Habitat Construction: Build pollinator hotels using wood and recycled items to support bees and butterflies.
• Eco-Friendly Transport Challenge: Plan a day where Scouts track carbon savings by walking, biking, or carpooling.
• Composting Workshop Leader: Teach others how to compost effectively, sharing tips for community use.
• Earth Day Photography Walk: Capture photos that showcase environmental issues or beauty in nature.
• Recycling Relay Tournament: Organize a tournament-level event for sorting recyclables with competitive teams.
• Sustainability Project Pitch: Scouts brainstorm and propose larger community projects, like solar panel installations or water conservation programs.

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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 GSUSA Holiday List
• Return to the Small Acts Patch Program

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