The Badge Archive

Scout Book Clubs

A Scouting Book Club encourages scouts to explore great books while fostering a love for reading and discussion! Whether reading solo or as a troop, it’s a fun way to inspire curiosity and conversation! 📚✨

Scouts receive a reading list featuring engaging and age-appropriate books, with a goal to read a set number within a chosen timeframe. At regular meetings, scouts can share their favorite moments, discuss themes, and connect the stories to scouting values.

Reading Lists

Note – Book choices on Printouts were picked from various Reading Lists of different Girl Scout Councils (see Reading Program section below).

Once leaders have selected the appropriate list for their troop, here are ideas to ensure a successful Scouting Book Club experience:

  • Set reading goals – Decide how many books scouts should aim to read within a set timeframe (e.g., 3-5 books per season).
  • Create a meeting schedule – Plan regular meetings where scouts can discuss what they’ve read, or just have a reading party at the end to celebrate whatever progress they made.
  • Encourage reflection – Have scouts jot down notes or favorite quotes to share with the group. Use discussion prompts to spark engagement.
  • Make it interactive – Incorporate activities like themed crafts, trivia, or book-related projects to keep discussions fun and engaging. If the group is highly interested in a specific book series, there can be a specific club just to read as many as they can in a certain time period and then themed activities around the series.
  • Allow book choices – While the provided lists are helpful, encourage scouts to add books of their own interest using the blank lines available.
  • Celebrate progress – Consider rewards or fun incentives, such as bookmarks, certificates, or a special patch for completing the reading challenge.
  • Tie into scouting values – Find connections between books and scouting principles like leadership, service, and resilience to make discussions meaningful.

Available Clubs

There are some actual council specific book clubs available, or you can find a fun patch to go with your own program.

Special Mention – GSUSA has partnered with Harper Collins for a new book line of Girl Scout themed books.

Other Reading Resources

Just the Fun Patches

See also the Summer Challenge page!

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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