Girlguiding has just released a fantastic new set of 72 badges. These badges are specifically designed to get young girls involved and excited about modern interests and activities. This is the first time new badges have been introduced since 2018, showcasing the national organization’s efforts to remain relevant. Now boasting a rich history of almost 110 years, Girlguiding is still breaking new ground, keeping pace with the shifting hobbies of its youthful volunteers.
More than 20,000 girls and adult volunteers helped inform the design process of these STEM badges. Their radical imagination, artistic vision, and fresh perspectives helped make the badges a reality. On top of that, 11,000 girls tried out everything to make sure those badges were relevant to their peers. Those new offerings include everything from fun and playful themes to those addressing serious social challenges.
Rainbows, the youngest members aged four to seven, can now earn badges focused on laughter, grooving, courage, and even a “bee rescuer” badge. Brownies from ages seven through ten will experience thrilling new ways to earn badges. They’ll hike through folklore, learn how to bird watch, and raise their voices on issues that affect them. Girls aged ten to fourteen years old can get a brand new “thrift” badge! They can achieve this by becoming experts in the art of repurposing and upcycling worn, old goods.
Girlguiding’s acting CEO, Amanda Azeez, called the launch a “huge moment” for the organization. She emphasized the importance of adapting to the interests of younger generations by “staying relevant to girls’ wants and needs.”
High-level players in Girlguiding are aware of the importance of this work too. Girlguiding ambassador Angellica Bell, who praised the new badges influence, said. They motivate other girls to be at the forefront of addressing important matters such as online abuse, sexism, and misogyny.
“whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny” – Angellica Bell
To prove that intent, the organization set up a youth development steering group, which has been central to designing and developing the work it’s doing. Fatima, a member of this group, highlights the importance of giving young girls a platform to express their interests and concerns.
Girlguiding has a wonderful tradition. Its most famous recent member was the late Queen Elizabeth II, who joined at the age of eleven in 1937. The organization is always adjusting and pushing the envelope. It is committed to developing the leadership skills of girls, including providing unique activities that empower young girls in all spaces.
