Proficiency Badge – Pen Pal (International Friendship)

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Ages 10-14 can earn:

Pen Pal (International Friendship) – In 1953 Girl Scout Handbook (Page 426)

Note – two versions of Pen Pal (with the same badge image) were offered in 1953. The Community Life version was carried on in 1963 while the International Friendship version was retired.

Our Summary of the 1953 GSUSA handbook activity choices:

You must do the two following activities:

Correspond internationally with a pen pal.
Follow current events in the country your pen pal is in.

Pick eight of the following activities:

Keep all letters received in the order they are received.
Learn the following about your pen pal’s country: Government, Capital, Occupations of the people, landscape, and notable people.
In the language of your pen pal, learn the Girl Scout Promise, Motto, and Slogan.
Learn hobbies & main interests of your pen pal and send info you learn about them.
Exchange safe pictures of yourself, you country, a Girl Scout activity, your town, and family/friends.
Send an American or homemade gift on a birthday or a holiday.
Tell what GSUSA scouts do and find out what Girl Guides or their equivalent do in their country.
Share letters you receive with friends.
Teach other scouts about how they can be an international pen pal.
Find your pen pal’s approximate location on a map.

Retired in 1963.

No version was included in the 1980 Program.

No version was included in the 2011 Program.