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Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts!
On March 12, 2012, Juliette Low started Girl Scouting in the United States.
In 100 years, this organization has impacted millions of girls and adults in our country. It has stood to protect each girl . . . not only physically but morally. You may not agree with the idea of accepting everyone and not imposing religious or cultural norms. You might not agree how national directs the program. Girl Scouting gives girls the courage, confidence and character to take control of their own lives and future.
If you see anyone wearing the ribbon, uniform or identifying themselves as a Girl Scout / alumnae today, please think of the girls working to make our world a better place.
Move Nearly Complete
All of the badge programs have been moved here from Blogger.
So, I will be spending the weekend checking links and making sure everything works. 
Afterwards, I’ll start uploading additional supplements for Girl Scout Traditions and Printables: Girl Scouts.
Watch for new badges coming soon!
Badge: DNR – Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree is an environmental education program for kids from preschool through grade 12. It is from the American Forest Foundation.
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Steps
1. Project Learning Tree (PLT).
Project Learning Tree is designed to get kids outside. The purpose is to teach kids HOW to think about the environment. Explore the Web site to learn more.
2. GreenWorks!
GreenWorks! provides the framework for service learning in cooperation with businesses, non-profits, etc. Review the guidelines and brainstorm ways you can incorporate PLT activities / service into your current programming.
3. GreenSchools!
GreenSchools! encourages positive environmental action of schools and communities. Review this program and decide if you want to reduce your school’s ecological footprint. These activities can be incorporated into normal school days. How much can you do to help the environment?
4. Try an activity.
Free activities are available online. Try one or more to see how the program works. Is this something you can use with your youth troop / group?
5. Take a PLT workshop.
Search for your state coordinator and / or events to find out when workshops are being offered. Sign up and take one.
6. Earth and Sky radio show.
www2.plt.org/flash/PLT_EarthSky_2009.html
Earth and Sky is a daily radio show that highlights a range of environmental topics. Go to the Earth and Sky Web site and look through some of their offerings. Do a tutorial if you are interested in this resource.
7. Focus on forests.
Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests module is now available. Learn about forestry. Explore the links and resources to find activities you can use with your youth.
8. Look through the curriculum.
Review the curriculum to find other items not specifically called out in the steps of this badge program. Are there more areas you’re interested in learning about? If so, find out more.
9. Additional resources of PLT activities.
Under “Curriculum”, explore the additional activity resources for both PreK-8 and Secondary.
10. Incorporating PLT with Girl Scouts.
PLT has activities that work with all levels of Girl Scouts. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.
11. Incorporating PLT with Boy Scouts.
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate PLT activities with Boy Scout activities.
12. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project Learning Tree. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
13. Environmental education.
connect.plt.org/app/render/go.aspx?xsl=tp_community.xslt
PLT provides even more educational support. Check out their site where they encourage others to share their PLT materials.
14. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project Learning Tree.
15. Explore ways to share PLT.
Find ways to share Project Learning Tree with others beyond Step 14.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: DNR – Flying Wild (revised)
Flying WILD deals with migratory birds – conservation and environmental awareness. Flying WILD is a part of Project WILD.
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Steps
1. Flying WILD.
Flying WILD has 43 activities focused on birds. They explore conservation and environmental issues through contests, quizzes and hands-on projects. Review the table of contents to see what this program has to offer.
2. The Birding Beat.
www.flyingwild.org/guide/TheBirdingBeat.pdf
Review “The Birding Beat” activity available online. Is this something you can incorporate into your programming?
3. Gulf Oil Spill resources.
www.flyingwild.org/resources/gulfoilspillresources.htm
Review the materials for the Gulf Oil Spill resources.
4. Explore birding links.
www.flyingwild.org/resources/links.htm
Explore the extensive list of links to additional birding resources.
5. Participate in a Flying WILD workshop.
Find and participate in a Flying WILD workshop. Review all of the materials you receive free at the end of this workshop. Explore one or two activities that you can use with others.
6. Incorporating Flying WILD with Girl Scouts.
www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/GSALinks.pdf
Look through the provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.
7. Incorporating Flying WILD with Boy Scouts.
www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/BSALinks.pdf
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Flying WILD with Boy Scout activities.
8. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Flying Wild. Include instructions on how the activity works and where the adult can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
9. Service.
Explore how you can do a service project with a group or individually-based on Flying WILD. Plan and do your project.
10. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer, coordinator or volunteer for Flying WILD.
11. Explore ways to share Flying WILD.
Find ways to share Flying WILD with others beyond those in Step 10.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: DNR – Project WILD
Project WILD deals with conservation and environmental science through wildlife. It is designed for kids from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
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Steps
1. Project WILD.
www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDK-12CurriculumandActivityGuide.htm
Project WILD deals with wildlife and habitats. Review the table of contents and other information available on the Web.
2. Project WILD Aquatic.
www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDK-12AquaticCurriculumandActivityGuide.htm
Project WILD Aquatic deals with wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Review the information available on the Web.
3. Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife
www.projectwild.org/ScienceandCivics.htm
Designed for high school students, this program serves as a guide for environmental action projects that benefit local wildlife. Review the information available on the Web.
4. Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children.
www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm
This program provides wildlife learning for young children. Review the information available on the Web.
5. Coordinators in your state.
www.projectwild.org/statesponsoringagenciesandorganizations.htm
Find coordinators for Project WILD in your state. Review other state offerings as well that go with the Project WILD program. Find out when classes are available.
6. Project WILD sponsors and partners.
www.projectwild.org/sponsors.htm
Explore sites of the sponsors and partners of Project WILD. See how Project WILD has expanded to other countries.
7. Participate in a Project WILD workshop.
The Project WILD workshops not only allow you to try sample activities, upon completion of the workshop you’ll receive the materials free of charge. Sign up and participate in a workshop for one or more projects of Project WILD.
8. Explore other Project WILD offerings.
Find other offerings available from Project WILD starting with “WILD about Elk” and “Taking Action.”
9. Incorporating Project WILD into Girl Scout activities.
www.projectwild.org/documents/GirlScoutsandProjectWILD.doc
Review the list of Girl Scout Try-Its, Badges and Interest Projects to find out how Project WILD can help girls earn insignia.
10. Incorporating Project WILD with Boy Scouts.
www.projectwild.org/documents/NCBoyScoutCorrelations-1994.pdf
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Project WILD with Boy Scout activities.
11. Check out Project WILD in other states.
Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?
12. Share with youth.
Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.
13. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WILD. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
14. Service.
Project WILD works with service learning. Review the service learning resources to do more. Participate in a service project that utilizes Project WILD.
15. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WILD.
16. Explore ways to share Project WILD.
Find ways to share Project WILD with others beyond Step 14.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: DNR – Project WET
Project WET deals with water issues from healthy drinking water to conservation. It is designed for kids aged 5-18.
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Steps
1. DNR in your state.
Find the Web site of the Department of Natural Resources in your state. Explore the educational offerings specific to your state. Locate your state’s Project WET materials.
2. Project WET online.
Review the Project Wet site. Learn about its history, goals and how it works.
3. Project WET materials.
Some materials come free with training. Some you can purchase. Review the materials available on the Web site and store.
NOTE: Some materials in the store are free.
4. Participate in a Project WET workshop.
Project WET is a free six-hour workshop that gives educators tools to teach water resources. Upon completion of the workshop, participants receive a 516-page curriculum and activity guide at no charge. Though the workshops are designed for teachers to incorporate environmental science into their curriculum, many adults find these materials are also beneficial for working with youth groups. Review the materials you receive after the workshop and find some you would like to do.
5. Incorporating science into other subjects.
Materials in Project WET reach beyond environmental science. The concepts are designed to be used with health, language arts, history, math and more. Find ways of incorporating Project WET materials into other areas.
6. Beyond Project WET.
Explore other water science programming / educator guides also offered by the DNR. If you find any that interest you, explore those as well. Remember to look beyond “teacher” offerings. See what Project WET has to offer parents, corporations, aquariums, etc.
- WOW! Wonders of Wetlands
- Healthy Water, Healthy People
- Conserve Water
- Discover Floods
7. Check out Project WET in other states.
Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?
8. Incorporating Project WET with Girl Scouts.
www.uni.edu/~iowawet/G_Scout.html
Project WET has activities that work with Girl Scout badges and patches. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout meetings / events.
9. Incorporating Project WET with Boy Scouts.
Compare the offerings of Project WET with individual merit badge books to find activities to incorporate Project WET with Boy Scout awards.
10. Share with youth.
Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.
11. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WET. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
12. Service.
Design a service project with Project WET in mind. Run it yourself or ask others to help. Ask participants to evaluate the program after it has completed and offer creative criticism to improve your service project.
13. Become a trainer / coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WET.
14. Explore ways to share Project WET.
Find ways to share Project WET with others beyond Step 13.
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Sites to Explore
www.butlerwebs.com/hunting/statelist.htm
www.projectwet.org
www.watereducation.org/doc.asp?id=1012
www.nationalwatercenter.org
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters
Badge: STEM via PBS (revised)
You can get great information from PBS on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM. They offer workshops, experiments and lesson plans as well as exceptional shows to help you explore your world in these areas. Many of the shows are available for viewing on the Web. This badge program focuses on items you can take back to use with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other youth groups.
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Steps
1. Zoom! Girl Scouts® recommended science training.
pbskids.org/zoom/grownups/scitraining
Zoom helps kids understands science. As part of their offerings, they have an adult training. This one is recommended by GSUSA. Start with this training to see how easy it is to lead science activities. Feel free to save the materials and resources for use at a later date. Suggested age for this show / materials is 9 and older.
2. Middle Level STEM Education with “Design Squad,” “Fetch,” and “DragonflyTV”.
www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html
Find out about a few more STEM education shows on PBS. The link will take you to the archives of webinars. Watch the one with the title of this step. Look through the other webinar offerings and see if anything else looks interesting to you that you might want to come back and check later.
For now, let’s see what’s available from these three shows.
3. Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman.
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
Fetch! Is another show featuring science for kids. The training and activities are different from Zoom! Suggested age for this show / materials is 6-10. It also has science training to help you get started.
NOTE: There is a Girl Scout patch for 6-10 year olds featuring science and engineering activities. The requirements will be available with the PDF of this badge program. The badge does not say “Girl Scouts”, so it can be earned by others as well.
4. Design Squad.
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
Design Squad deals with engineering. There is a workshop for educators/adults at the link in this step. In addition, there are numerous guides and activities you can do with kids. Activities are designed for kids from Kindergarten (K) through grade 12.
NOTE: There is a Girl Scout patch for Juniors through Ambassadors. The requirements will be available with the PDF of this badge program. The badge does not say “Girl Scouts”, so it can be earned by others as well.
5. Dragonfly TV!
www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/index.html
While this show does not have workshops for adults, it does have numerous educator’s guides. It also has numerous scientific activities for kids. Activities are available for preschoolers through teenagers.
6. NOVA.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers
The best science show on television, Nova has 37 seasons to show for it. This link is to the education site. The materials you can use are numerous, so it’s easier to explore for yourself. You can find science, technology, engineering and math for grades 6-12. In addition, the digital libraries are free.
7. For teachers.
Feeling adventurous? PBS has a site just for teachers. You can select the grade level you’re looking for and general subject matter. In addition, PBS does free online webinars, discussions and more. You might not be specifically a “teacher”, but the materials they provide for free to help children are extensive.
8. Explore on your own.
PBS science shows are for everyone. Check out these additional PBS sites. The URLs are in the “Sites to Explore” section.
- Nature — For grades 6-12, explores the natural world.
- Secrets of the Dead — For grades 6-12, introduces science through investigation into ancient mysteries.
- Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures — For grades 6-12, covers themes of adaptations, ecosystems and human impact through ocean studies.
- NOVAscienceNOW — For grades 6-12, covers the developments and people in science and technology today.
- Wired Science — For grades 6-12, explores the cutting-edge topics in science and technology.
- E2 — For grades 6-12, explores environmental and social challenges.
- Mathline — For grades K-12, includes over 100 free lesson plans and video lessons.
- NewsHour Extra: Science resources for teachers and students — For grades 6-12, features many teaching resources.
- Scientific American Frontiers — For grades 5-12, explores the latest trends in science, medicine, technology and the environment.
- The Ascent of Money — For grades 6-12, examines the economic system.
- Curious George — For grades PreK-5, extends learning opportunities of the show.
- Sid the Science Kid — For PreK-5, helps to develop natural wonder and build a foundation for early science exploration.
- EekoWorld — For K-4, teaches environmental science.
- Kratts’ Creatures — For PreK-5, explores wildlife and habitats in an online world.
- Cyberchase — For PreK-5, teaches core math and science concepts.
- The Democracy Project — For grades 3-6, find out about the American democratic process.
- Misunderstood Minds — For anyone, learn about how to help understand and overcome learning disabilities.
- SciGirls — SciGirls features tween girls using science and engineering in everyday situations. It even encourages science clubs.
PBS is continually coming out with thought-provoking and educational programming. Don’t stop exploring just because you’ve hit the end of this list. Continue looking through their site for more and share your findings.
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Supplements
FOUND_DS_GirlScout_Patch_Web.pdf
. Design Squad (engineering) patch program, activity sheets are available in English and Spanish.
FOUND_FETCH_GirlScoutPatch.pdf
. FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman patch program features science and engineering activities.
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Sites to Explore
pbskids.org/zoom/grownups/scitraining
www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/index.html
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers
www.pbs.org/teachers
www.pbs.org/wnet/nature
www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets
www.pbs.org/kqed/oceanadventures/educators
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow
www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/education
www.pbs.org/e2/index.html
www.pbs.org/teachers/math
www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/science
www.pbs.org/saf/educators.htm
www.pbs.org/wnet/ascentofmoney/lessons
pbskids.org/curiousgeorge
pbskids.org/sid
pbskids.org/eekoworld
pbskids.org/krattscreatures
pbskids.org/cyberchase
pbskids.org/democracy/educators/index.html
www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/math.html
pbskids.org/scigirls
www.pbs.org/parents/catinthehat/explorer_guide_topten_tips.html
Badge: Girl Scouts — Surf the Web (revised)
There are many materials on the Web that you can use for your Girl Scouts. This badge program is specifically designed to target materials for Girl Scout leaders. Others may find it beneficial too if they work with youth groups. Half the battle is knowing what is available.
Note: Some of the below mentioned items have applications that run on smart phones.
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Steps
Before you start
1. Your own records.
The Web is in a constant state of change. What you found yesterday may be gone today. If you find something you think you might need, save a copy. You can always destroy the copy later if you don’t need it, but trying to recreate something from memory takes a lot of effort. You can save:
- HTML pages — make sure to include graphics
- PDFs — free PDF creators such as doPDF allow you to “print” to a PDF
- Print — only print the pages and information you need, storage may become an issue
2. Going “wayback” — www.archive.org/web/web.php
Use the Wayback Machine to find Web sites that have been removed back to 1996. You must know the URL to get to the site. I have gotten information from my legacy council, SWAP information and more.
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Official Sites from GSUSA
3. Girl Scouts of the USA — www.girlscouts.org
This is the main site for GSUSA. You’ll find links to the other sites in this section within these pages. Items you can find on this site include:
- Information about Girl Scouts
- History of Girl Scouts and Juliette Low
- News for the Girl Scouts
- Program information for higher awards
- Cookie pin requirements (current year)
- Full list of items girls can earn per level
- Images of where items go on uniforms
- Studies and publications for the Girl Scout Research Institute
- LEADER magazine
- Training at Edith Macy
- Girl Scout Shop
4. Girl Scout Central — www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central
Girl Scout Central is the place for girls’ programming, activities and more. If you just want what is happening now, this is the place to start.
5. Girl-specific site — forgirls.girlscouts.org
This site features all the new programming for each level, designed for the girls themselves. Areas include:
- Girls 5-9
- Girls 10-12
- Teens 13-17
- Blogs by Journey
- Travel (destinations)
- Badges (with statement of what the girls will have done)
6. lmk Life Online — lmk.girlscouts.org
Items you can find on this site include:
- Online safety topics
- Online issues for girls / parents
7. Imagine Engineering — www.girlscouts.org/imagineengineering
From the LEGO League to running a workshop, girls and adults can learn more about engineering. There are many links to additional information. Definitely a great place for learning more and even finding a mentor.
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Moving away from GSUSA, but still official
8. Your council.
Each Girl Scout in the United States belongs to a council. One of the first things you should get is your council’s site address. Here you’ll find information that will affect you and your girls the most. Items you might find on the council’s site include:
- Camp information
- Council-sponsored events
- Girl events
- Adult learning
- Community opportunities
- PDFs of all print publications
- VERB (Volunteer Essentials Resource Book)
- Staff directory
- Council own programs
9. Other councils — www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder
Just because you don’t belong to a council doesn’t mean they don’t share. While some items are not accessible without a password, a large number are. You can find a full listing of the councils in the USA at the above URL.
10. World’s Strongest Girl — www.worldsstrongestgirl.org
Started by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, this site has taken hold across the country. This site is for girls only. For each girl, the world’s strongest girl is herself. They can learn through the stories they share with others.
11. WAGGGS — www.wagggs.org
WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) is a site for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. All Girl Scouts are automatically part of WAGGGS. This site will give you a world view of the scouting movement. Items you might find on this site include:
- Thinking Day activities
- Worldwide activities
- Patch programs
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Other sites, not Girl Scout specific
12. Patchwork Designs — www.patchworkdesigns.net
Patchwork Designs provides embroidery, silkscreening, patches and programs for kids of any age. The basic requirements are available for free. Books are great if you’re unfamiliar with a topic. Items you can find on this site include:
- Pictures of the patches they have available
- Requirements lists for the patches
- Books you can purchase to make earning the patches easy
- Service project ideas / patches
- Thinking Day ideas / patches
13. Making Friends — www.makingfriends.com
While mainly selling craft supplies, Making Friends also has thousands of craft project sheets, recycled ideas and free printables. Items you can find on this site include:
- Craft projects searchable by type, materials, occasion, theme and holidays
- Kit programs for various levels (sets of 12)
- Paper doll Girl Scouts
- SWAP ideas and instructions
- Girl Scout-specific crafts
14. Scouting Web — www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb
Scouting Web hosts a huge set of links to sites on the Web to find information you need for your troop, self and “just because.” Be warned, you can lose hours on this site. Items you can find on this site include:
- Links for awards and badges
- Links for activities and events
- Links for levels and rank
- Links for troop resources
15. YouTube — www.youtube.com
YouTube is a site that hosts video clips. Some are only a minute long. Some are in pieces because of the length. There’s a little bit of everything for you here. Items you can find on this site include:
- Vintage videos such as “The Golden Eaglet”
- Discussions of various people from GSUSA
- Craft instruction
- Songs and actions
Note: You can save the videos from YouTube for future reference. Follow the directions online.
16. Wikipedia — www.wikipedia.org
Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia with content gathered from experts (and sometimes not-so-experts) on the Internet. In other words, anyone who logs in can make adjustments to it. For this reason, the content on Wikipedia changes daily. Items you can find on this site include:
- Information and history of Girl Scouts
- Information for Thinking Day (countries)
- Information on WAGGGS
17. Facebook — www.facebook.com
Facebook is a social networking site that allows you to connect and share with people in your life. Many organizations have pages to connect with volunteers and supporters. Things you can do on this site include:
- Keep track of people
- Post notes on your “wall” for your friends
- Follow groups you’re interested in, such as Girl Scouts
- Share photos
- Play games
- Create a fan page for your troop
18. Twitter — twitter.com
What’s happening right now? If you must know, twitter. Twitter limits each post to 140 characters, including spaces. Items you can do on this site include:
- Follow groups who interest you
- Share short messages about specific topics
- Notify your girls / parents of meetings, events, etc.
19. Yahoo! Groups — groups.yahoo.com
Yahoo! Groups has a variety of groups for everything from general Girl Scout information to specific level information and more. Here are a couple groups you might want to check out. Make sure you search the groups to find more specific groups.
- greenbloodnews
- AllGirlScouts
- Girl-Scout-Swaps
- greenbloodtraditions
- Scouting Links Newsletter
20. Adult Enrichment Project — larajla.com/adult-enrichment-project
Designed to help adults learn more than they can then share with the youth they work with, learning is broken into badge programs. Categories include:
- Communication
- Crafts
- Games and Sports
- Groups (items specific to organizations or groups)
- Hobbies and Recreation
- Outdoors
- Personal and Health
- Recipes and Nutrition
- STEM
- Web
The site is currently being moved to the new blog, so not all links are active. Plans are that the move will be completed by January 2012.
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Sites to Explore
www.leaderlobby.net
www.bellaonline.com/Site/GirlScouts
gsleaders.org
www.volunteermatch.org
www.praypub.org
www.callingpost.com
www.fieldtripfactory.com
www.worldthinkingday.org/en/home
www.gsswaps.net
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.dosomething.org
Badge: Girl Scouts — Creative Awards (revised)
A Court of Awards is a visual way for girls to receive their insignia. Unfortunately, many leaders throw all the patches, pins, badges, etc. into a Ziploc® bag and hand it to the girls. This negates the hard work the girls have done in the program and the importance of its rewards from that effort.
This badge program allows you to explore a variety of ways to present awards to your girls and will, hopefully, spark your own creativity.
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Steps
1. Start with the list.
The worst thing you can do is to forget an award. Create your list for each girl from your planning notes, forms and other documentation you have. Review it with another adult or girl in your group. Make sure they have a way to contact you in case they remember something after you review the list.
2. Sort your list.
Sort your list into types of awards. For Girl Scouts, sort official badges from patches so you can see the size range you are working with. Do you need a way to present pins so parents can see them from the back of the room? Are items small and you’re afraid the girls will lose them? Do any of these need their own treatment to emphasize extra effort on the part of the girls? Make sure you keep notes as you look through your list.
3. Including the girls.
During the planning stages, you may give as much or little responsibility to the girls to plan and execute the Court of Awards as you feel appropriate. New girls will not know what to do, so you may find yourself doing most of the work. You can have experienced girls mentor them – from within your troop or from another. This may include anything from crafting items to use in the ceremony to running the ceremony themselves.
They can be a great help with creating the way you hand out badges. For example, you can purchase a small terra cotta pot for each girl for their badges. Instead of giving away blank pots, let the girls decorate them. This saves you a lot of time. They will feel like they contributed and will be more excited about their awards.
Explore ways for girls of any level to help with their Court of Awards.
4. Theme.
Sometimes, the nature of the awards themselves will give you a theme. This can be the awards earned, a favorite field trip, a party or service project the girls especially enjoyed. You can let the girls choose as well. This theme will influence the awards you give and how you present them.
Example: My Brownies chose to earn a lot of “nature” Try-Its one year. For their final Court of Awards, the bridging Brownies wanted an animal / zoo theme to fit what we’d been doing. They had each girl use headbands and make “ears” of their favorite animals. They chose animal, bird and insect songs to sing. Instead of “bridging” to Juniors, they “broke out of Brownies” complete with a simulated cage.
5. Search the Web.
Has someone done awards similar to the theme you’ve chosen? This will help your planning go smoother. Search the Web for items you can incorporate. If you can’t find something similar, make a list of the items you want to include from our possible delivery methods below and incorporate those into your theme.
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Delivery methods
6. Opaque containers.
Opaque containers may be boxes, baskets, bags, water bottles or more! Choose one of the following or a similar opaque container and brainstorm how you could incorporate this delivery method into a Court of Awards.
- Boxes — Boxes don’t need to be purchased. You can use a template and make your own. Don’t stick with the square box. Chinese take-out boxes, pyramid boxes for an Egypt theme, a paper purse or even mail tubes designed as firecrackers can add to your awards ceremony. You can even have each girl bring in a box from their favorite Girl Scout cookies.
- Baskets — You can get cheap ones at dollar stores and have the girls decorate them with paper flowers. They can weave their own baskets from paper. They may even be able to crochet small baskets.
- Bags — Drawstring bags are easy to sew. You can use color schemes or even get blank ones and let the girls tie-dye them.
- Bottles — A water bottle would not only be a different way to give out awards, but the girls would have a keepsake after the event. You could even place additional items in the bottle like candy, confetti, SWAPs, etc.
7. Faux vest or sash.
You can use a real vest or sash if the girls do not already have one. You can also make a faux one out of the listed materials in a flat or three-dimensional version.
- Paper bags
- Duct tape
- Heavy paper
- Ribbon
Depending on your parents, you may find it easier for your first Court of Awards to provide the vest or sash (depending on what each girl has) so the parents know where the awards should be placed. Search the Web for samples to give you inspiration.
8. Using flowers and nature.
Even girls who are not “girly” love flowers. A short list below gives you ideas to start. Search the Web to find out what other leaders have done. Remember, you can make extra flowers so girls who have earned less are not so obvious during the ceremony.
- Stem (pencil, pipe cleaner, floral wire, skewer, etc.) with award as the flower
- Add awards with wire to a pre-existing stem with silk flowers, foliage, leaves, etc.
- One large focal flower with streamers, attach awards to streamers
- Let girls color cardstock flowers, attaching the awards to the flowers as petals or leaves
- Cut circles (or buy cake circles) and use awards as petals
- Hershey kiss roses with awards attached to ribbons
- Glue cupcake liners onto popsicle sticks and put award inside the liner
- Foam flowers
- Ribbon rosettes or yo-yos as flowers
- Paper punched flowers
- Origami flowers
Presenting flowers and nature items can be done in a variety of ways as well.
- Pots with “flowers” stuck into foam or through glass stones
- Vases with “flowers” arranged
- Wreath with flowers attached, woven or hanging from ribbon or bow
- Pre-assembled bouquets
- Foam blocks with “flowers” placed randomly and the girls “pick” their own bouquet
9. Playing with sticks.
As you figured out under flowers, you can do a lot with a stem and something to represent the flower itself. Why not use something other than flowers? Here are some stick ideas. What else can you come up with?
- Pinwheel
- Wand
- Lollipop
- Chocolate trefoil sucker
- Marshmallow stick for roasting
10. Books and cards.
For a low cost delivery method, you can’t beat paper. From books to cards, you can purchase or make your own
- Program books — Within the book, place a special sheet for each girl with the awards she has earned.
- Photo albums— You can purchase small photo albums and make cards for inside to attach badges to with information about placement, the award itself, date it was earned, etc. You can also put photos of the girl earning her awards.
- Cards — Use the cards mentioned in “photo albums” as a stand-alone item.
- Hand-made book — Cut standard sheets of paper to create a book and let each girl decorate it.
11. Holiday specific.
If you have a holiday close to your Court of Awards, use it for your theme! You can often find small baskets, boxes, etc. at the store. Here are a few holiday ideas for you.
Christmas
- Inside stockings
- Inside plastic ball ornaments
- Stand-alone ornaments
- Attached to candy cane
- Attach to wrapping ribbon of a girl’s gift
- Decorating a miniature tree
Halloween
- Inside jack-o-lanterns
- Wrapped with cellophane to “hand out” as treats
- Lunch bags cut as you would a jack-o-lantern with faux tea light inside
Valentine’s Day
- Inside a “valentine”
- Inside a valentine mailbox
- Attach to paper heart doilies
- Die cut a heart multiple times, fold in half and glue to make an “accordion book” and place awards on pages
- Heart shaped box or basket
Other holidays
The holidays you celebrate do not have to be national ones. Look for Girl Scout holidays or even fun ones that are started by organizations or online e-mail greeting card companies.
12. Seasonal ideas.
When you’re planning your Court of Awards, ask yourself what the season is known for? Pull ideas for activities from your brainstorming list. You can start with these ideas.
Fall
- Rakes with popsicle sticks and wire with awards between the tines
- Attach to leaves
- Attach to a branch or drawn picture of a branch
- Color tags the colors of fall leaves and attach awards
Winter
- Snowflakes
- Snowmen from pre-cut circles, paper plates, etc.
- Sleds
Spring
- Spring flowers
- Watering pot with awards attached to fishing line
Summer
- Beach buckets
- Seashells with awards hidden inside
- Awards attached to flowers of leis
13. Adding to your possibilities.
You’ve been thinking of all sorts of ideas that fit within the groups above. Now, try to brainstorm delivery methods that do not fit into any of the above. Here’s some to start your session.
- Use awards as Olympic medals and put on ribbons to place around each girl’s neck
- Attach to simple die cut shapes that fit your theme
- Fold paper plates in half and color a rainbow on one side with the awards inside or attached to the back
- Place awards in balloons and have the girls pop their awards out
- Ribbons on helium balloons (make sure they’re securely tied off)
- Kites with awards for “ribbon” or attached to the kite itself
- Paper fan with ribbons and awards
- Paper fish with awards as scales
- Attach magnets and stick them to a piece of metal decorated as a bulletin board, refrigerator, etc.
- String of paper dolls with an award on each doll
- Shooting stars with awards attached to streamers
- SWAP hat – use the awards as “SWAPs”
14. Attaching awards.
If your head isn’t spinning enough, you need to think about attaching the awards to paper, ribbon, wire, pipe cleaners and more. You can staple, glue, tie, pin, clip or find another way to attach your insignia. Research ways you can attach awards and the advantages / disadvantages of each. Keep your notes for future reference.
15. Handing out awards.
Break the monotony of handing out awards yourself. Here are a few ideas to start with. Read through them and then come up with a few of your own.
When a girl comes to get her award, have her randomly pick the next girl and let her do the announcement
As mentioned above, have the girls choose their own whether it’s “picking flowers” or “pulling lollipops from a tree”
Create a treasure hunt with clues to follow to their treasure (awards)
16. Special awards.
Sometimes you want to recognize a job well done, a special service a girl or adult did, parent volunteers . . . the list goes on and on. Here are a few ideas for you. Feel free to research and add more for others to share.
- You’re special — Highlight why the person is special. Ask your girls and parents for help.
- Certificates — You can purchase certificates from Girl Scouts or your local discount store. You can create and print them from the Web. Perhaps you’d like to create your own. Special pins or patches can be attached to a certificate to help show how important the award is.
- Bookmarks — Bookmarks or other small printable items are good to hand out and can be personalized to an event, award or girl.
- Ribbons — Ribbons can be purchased with pre-printed sayings like “Good Job.” You can also create your own.
- Personal awards — Make your own laminated pins, charms, SWAPs or whatever you feel like personalized for your theme or the award itself.
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Sites to Explore
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/ceremoniesgirl.aspx
www.dltk-cards.com/award
www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/certificates
www.ehow.com/list_6874303_crazy-ideas-girl-scout-awards.html
www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm
www.brownielocks.com/month2.html
impressionsbyrochelle.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html
www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm
www.stampington.com/html/tempting_template_index.html
www.mardarsprintables.com
Badge: Girl Scouts — Cookies (revised)
NOTE: This badge program is not meant to replace cookie training. Cookie training is essential to learn information specific to your council.
This badge program contains supplemental information to give you more to share with your girls and their parents.
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Steps
1. Original recipe.
allrecipes.com//Recipe/the-original-home-baked-girl-scout-cookie/Detail.aspx
Try making the original Girl Scout cookie from 1922.
2. Recipes to use with current cookie offerings.
Try one or more of the links listed below to make items with Girl Scout cookies as one of the ingredients.
3. Recipes for Girl Scout cookies.
www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/girl-scout-cookies-recipes
Try making your own versions of Girl Scout cookies during the “off-season.” If you don’t like the recipes at the listed link, search the Web for a version you like better or create your own.
4. Little Brownie Bakers.
Little Brownie Bakers is one of two bakeries that makes Girl Scout cookies. Review the materials here to help you plan events and / or meetings with your girls (parents).
5. ABC Bakery.
ABC Bakery also makes Girl Scout cookies. Review the materials here to help you plan events and / or meetings with your girls (parents).
6. Taste test.
Explore the cookies with a taste test. Describe the flavor, texture and rate them on a scale from one to ten. Help the girls come up with words to explain the cookies to their customers.
7. Level insignia from GSUSA.
Each level for girls has insignia / badges to earn. Review the badges specifically designed for your level(s). Are there additional badges that could be used to improve sales? Do one or more of the badges with your troop / group.
8. Cookie pins.
GSUSA offers cookie pins for participating in the cookie sale. These pins have their own requirements. GSUSA also provides supplemental materials to help you with this. Review the requirements and find out if your troop / group is interested in earning the cookie pin as a group or individually.
NOTE: The requirements can change each year, so be sure you look at the latest.
9. Cookie rally.
Many councils and service units have a cookie rally to launch their sales. Attend or volunteer at a cookie rally. If you can’t get to one, make a small one for your troop / group. You can find information on the bakery sites or search the Web to create your own rally.
10. Selling cookies.
You can sell cookies by contacting friends and family directly, door-to-door sales, booth sales and even online. Make sure you know the rules for selling at each of these venues as set forth by your council. You can also check the main Girl Scout site for additional information.
11. Safety issues.
Safety is our number one concern. Review the Internet Safety Pledge for online safety. Also review safety issues for the other venues such as door-to-door and booth sales. Make sure your girls and their families understand how to be safe during the cookie season.
12. Choice of prizes versus extra cash.
Older girls may be given the choice of not receiving prizes so they can earn additional cash for trips. If your council offers this to your girls, discuss this with them. Let them make the choice and determine what they will do with the money if they chose that path.
13. Gift of caring.
Girl Scouts can offer customers the option of purchasing cookies for donation. The troop / group decide what organization the cookies will go to . . . local organizations, soldiers or anywhere else they choose. Make sure you advertise this if you are planning to participate. These “zero calorie cookies” are good for those people who wish to support Girl Scouts but may have dietary issues.
14. Be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Be courteous to each other. I have heard many stories of Girl Scouts crossing into other councils and service units so they can get a larger sales area. Before you do this, check to see if the area you are going into is selling cookies at the same time. You don’t want to take sales away from them.
Even worse, some leaders have been so rude, there are stores that will not allow Girl Scouts to sell there any longer. Remember that not only the girls, but adults must follow the Girl Scout Law. If you have a problem with another Girl Scout, do not take it out on someone outside of the organization. Keep your documentation and turn it into your council.
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Sites to Explore: Recipes Only
www.kyanags.org/about/cookierecipes.aspx
www.littlebrowniebakers.com/cookies/cookies_recipes.html
www.abcsmartcookies.com/cookies_recipes.asp
baking.about.com/od/leftovergscookierecipes/Recipes_for_Leftover_Girl_Scout_Cookies.htm
www.tasteofhome.com/Girl-Scout-Cookie-Recipes
www.myrecipes.com/course/cookie-recipes/girl-scout-cookie-recipes-10000001967071
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