Girlguiding looks back to the future with a new series of badges

Seventy-two new badges will be available for girls ages 4-18, including a modernized, modernized version of the discontinued “Host” badge in 2018.

Girlguiding underwent a huge rebranding last year, and by adding even more badges of interest, the organization continues its commitment to evolve as girls’ lives and needs change.

The development of new badges and the evolution of old ones has been in response to requests from girls to add more, given the popularity of the first wave of badges launched in 2018, with a phenomenal 1,336,656 completed across all four Girlguiding sections since then1 .

The old favorite Brownie “Host” badge has been given a new twist and transformed into the new “Holidays” badge. The former badge, first popularized in the 1960s, could once be awarded for playing ‘host’ by inviting a friend over and making them a cup of tea, before activities for earning the badge were expanded in 2009 to include planning parties so girls can learn event planning skills. With the new ‘Celebrations’ badge, Brownies will not only learn valuable event planning skills, but also explore how people around the world celebrate special occasions before planning their own.

Girlguiding consults with members and to date has heard from over 20,000 girls, volunteers and parents about what they wanted to see added to the range of badges of interest. Until November 30, 2024, anyone, including members of the public, can still submit ideas that will be used to complete the projects and activities that make up the badges.

As well as the new ‘Celebration’ badge for Brownies (ages 7-10), a ‘Bee Saver’ badge for Rainbows (ages 4-7) will also be released, challenging girls to get to know this special insect with bug investigation activities and bees. , when making a bee rescue kit.

A “Thrift” badge will be added for Guides (ages 10-14), encouraging girls to channel their inner eco-warrior and learn how to customize, reuse and recycle. Both badges were inspired by the girls’ passion for living sustainably and learning to help the natural world. 84% of girls told Girlguiding that it was important for them to do something about climate change1.

A ‘Nostalgia’ badge for Rangers (ages 14-18) will also be released. This new badge will not only see the girls reflect on their past, but will also provide an opportunity to speak to someone older than them and hear stories from someone at a different stage of life.

Girlguiding hopes this badge will help tackle intergenerational loneliness, with over half (59%) of girls and young women aged 7-21 reporting feelings of loneliness in Girlguiding’s latest survey of girls’ attitudes and 3 in 4 of they believe that younger and older people spending time together is a good way to tackle loneliness2. Rangers will also benefit from learning valuable relationship building skills and gain a better understanding of different perspectives.

Sofia, 6, a Rainbow with a passion for the environment, said: “I loved learning about beekeeping at my local beekeepers association and I’m really happy that Girlguiding is making a badge so more girls can get involved in saving and protecting bees. We need to help protect bees because our environment needs them!”

Sally Kettle, Deputy Head Guide at Girlguiding said: “I’m so excited about the new badges of interest and it’s been inspiring to see the wave of ideas coming from girls and leaders! I have to admit it got my own creative juices flowing and I submitted an idea for a sports badge.

“It’s so important that it’s the girls themselves who put forward their ideas, because it really reflects their changing interests and shows us what skills they value and maybe need a little help to achieve. It’s such an exciting time in Girlguiding and I really can’t wait to see the launch of the new range next year. I have no doubt that social media feeds will be full of stories of girls earning their new badges!”

Among the badges of interest most frequently completed in the program since its first release in 2018 were “Drawing” for Rainbows, “Aviation” for Brownies, “Mixology” for Guides and “Self-Care” for Rangers. The popularity of all types of badges highlights the diversity of interests and aspirations among Girlguiding members.

The Girlguiding program gives girls and young women the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in the welcoming, fun and supportive environment that Girlguiding provides. All girls in Girlguiding are encouraged and empowered to know that they can do anything and become future leaders and change-makers in their communities.

For more information on how to get involved with Girlguiding, the UK’s largest all-girls youth organisation, visit girlguiding.org.uk.