The Badge Archive

• Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Budget Builder badge requirements.

Items Needed:

• Paper
• Pencil, crayon, or marker
• Optional: Drawing supplies
• Optional: Calculator for basic adding (if appropriate)
• Optional: Brownie Budget Builder Wants of Needs? by GSUSA

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Instructions (Estimated Time: 25–40 minutes):

1. Start a Food List (10–15 minutes)
   • Scouts think about foods they might eat in a day or a week.
   • They write or draw the following sample items on paper (or use a printed list):
     • Bread
     • Milk
     • Cereal
     • Butter
     • Eggs
     • Fruit
     • Vegetables
     • Cookies
     • Water
     • Soda
     • Ice cream
     • Pretzels
   • Scouts can add more foods they like if they want.
2. Label Each Item (10–15 minutes)
   • Next to each food, scouts write:
     • N for a need — something their body needs to stay healthy and strong
     • W for a want — something fun or tasty, but not something their body needs every day
     • Leave it blank if they’re not sure
3. Talk About It (5–10 minutes)
   • Scouts share their lists in pairs or small groups. Encourage them to notice:
     • Did anyone make different choices?
     • Were some foods hard to decide on?
     • Did anyone change their mind?