Girl Scouts Revamps Badges to Include Science, Technology and Faith Based Merits
The Girl Scouts of America is commemorating its 100-year anniversary by revamping its badge merit system to be more in touch with modern times.
A number of badges have been added and updated to reflect various science and technology merits.
Tech website Engadget reports that badges such as "Computer Expert" and "Digital Movie Maker" have been added to the merit repertoire.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The Fashion, Fitness and Makeup badge in particular has been updated and is now called the "Science of Style" badge.
Under the badge, Scouts learn a number of skills, from making their own perfumes to how sunscreen works.
The Girl Scouts' executive editor of program resources, Alisha Niehaus told The Christian Post that the badges have been updated "in response to what the girls said they needed and wanted."
"The girls really wanted to have fun but with a purpose. Every badge helps girls build skills," she told CP.
Niehaus detailed that a number of badges now reflect modern technological times.
The Innovation badge particular teaches Scouts about "the design process and how it intersects with business."
Under this badge, girls can learn how to make a “better backpack” or a “cooler water bottle” and also learn about “how those products are brought to market, in an entrepreneurial fashion,” Niehaus said.
The "Digital Arts" badge allows Scouts to learn about things such as website design and digital photography.
"This is what girls were asking for; relevant and modern skills," Niehaus told CP.
The Girl Scouts have also introduced a new award this year.
The "My Promise, My Faith" award, which is a pin instead of a badge, teaches Scouts about "how their faith connects to the Girl Scout law."
"It’s a really good way to tie girl scouting and their faith together," Niehaus said.
