Outdoors and Beyond ...
A Girl-Led Focus
Girl Scout activities are girl-led, which means girls shape their experiences by asking
questions, offering ideas and making decisions together based on the needs and interests
of the group. Part of this decision-making also includes which badges girls will work on
during the Girl Scout year.
Badges are a great way for a girl to explore her interests and learn new skills—and to
remember every adventure and show the world what she’s accomplished. Girl Scout
badges are earned, so each girl must complete certain steps before the badge can be worn
on her vest or sash.
In keeping with these important traditions, Girl Scouts offers a new series of outdoor
badges girls can earn, which were chosen by Girl Scouts themselves. In November 2014,
girls were invited to vote on several different outdoor badge themes. Once the themes
were decided, the next round of votes were cast to pick the activities and select the
designs for the badges.
“When girls choose the content of their own program, they are learning the importance of
having a voice and the power of the vote,” said Karla Schell, Director of Outdoor Experience
at GSWPA. “When girls’ voices are heard, they are more engaged, excited and enthusiastic
about taking on the new challenges these badges represent.”
Girls now have the chance to earn the unique badges they chose to represent their favorite
outdoor activities—including Outdoor Adventurer, Horseback Riding, Archery, Paddling and
Ultimate Recreation Challenge.
Girls had the chance to vote again in 2015, and as chosen