The Badge Archive

Holiday – Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice, occurring around June 20th or 21st, marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time to celebrate sunlight, nature, and seasonal change, making it a perfect opportunity for scouts to engage in outdoor adventures, science experiments, and cultural traditions.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, has been celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years. The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, meaning “sun stands still,” referring to the point when the sun appears to pause in its path before reversing direction.

The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere typically falls on June 20 or 21, though it can occasionally occur on June 22. The exact date and time vary slightly each year due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit and the leap year cycle.

Ancient civilizations used the solstice to mark time, guide agriculture, and honor the sun’s power.

  • In Ancient Egypt, the solstice aligned with the rising of the Nile, signaling the start of the growing season.
  • Stonehenge in England is famously aligned with the sunrise on the solstice, suggesting it may have been a site of ritual celebration.
  • The Greeks and Romans held festivals like Kronia and Vestalia, celebrating agriculture, family, and the sun’s life-giving force.
  • In Northern Europe, Midsummer festivals featured bonfires, dancing, and folklore to honor the sun and ensure a bountiful harvest.
  • Many Native American tribes, including the Sioux, held solstice ceremonies such as the Sun Dance, celebrating renewal and connection to nature.

Today, the solstice is still observed in many cultures through festivals, nature-based rituals, and community gatherings—a beautiful blend of science, tradition, and seasonal joy.

🔗 Learn more from these trusted sources:

GSUSA Badges That Tie into the Summer Solstice

Scouts can earn badges that align with nature, science, and creativity, including:

  • Daisy Space Science Explorer – Learn about the sun’s role in our solar system.
  • Brownie Outdoor Adventurer – Explore nature and outdoor skills.
  • Junior Animal Habitats – Theme this one and discover how wildlife adapts to seasonal changes.
  • Cadette Trees – Study tree growth and how sunlight affects ecosystems.
  • Senior Sky – Investigate astronomy, weather, and the science of daylight.
  • Ambassador Water – Explore how sunlight impacts water cycles and conservation.

Activities to Earn Fun Patches

Elementary Scouts: Hands-On Exploration

  • Solar Art – Create sun prints using natural materials and UV-sensitive paper.
  • Sundial Craft – Build a simple sundial to track the movement of the sun.
  • Nature Walk & Sunlight Study – Observe how plants and animals respond to sunlight.
  • Sun Safety Awareness – Learn about UV protection and the importance of sunscreen.
  • Seasonal Storytelling – Read or write stories about summer traditions from different cultures.

Teen Scouts: Leadership & Science-Based Activities

  • Host a Summer Solstice Celebration – Organize a troop gathering with outdoor games and reflection.
  • Solar Cooking Experiment – Use a solar oven to cook snacks using the sun’s energy.
  • Astronomy Night – Study how daylight changes affect stargazing and constellations.
  • Environmental Action Project – Plan a sun-powered sustainability initiative like solar-powered crafts or energy conservation awareness.
  • Cultural Exploration – Research how different cultures celebrate the solstice and share findings with the troop.

Summer Solstice Patch Programs

There aren’t any specific Patch Programs on the Summer Solstice, but there were two councils that had specific Events for Summer Solstice in 2025:

There are a few Patch Programs about Solar Power or Sun Safety you could earn to celebrate the Summer Solstice:

Fun Patch Ideas

Or make your own requirements and use a Summer Solstice themed fun patch like these:

Or just a Summer themed fun patch:

By embracing the energy of the sun, scouts can connect with nature, explore science, and celebrate seasonal traditions while earning badges and fun patches.

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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.

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Tia Kennard