Earning Badges on Your Own

 Earning Brownie badges outside of the troop can be a fantastic and enjoyable way for young scouts to explore new interests and skills. Here's a guide on how Brownies can embark on badge-earning adventures for fun:

1. Choose a Badge of Interest:

   Encourage Brownies to explore the wide array of Brownie badges available. From outdoor activities to STEM projects, there's a badge for every interest. Let them choose something they're excited about.

2. Plan Badge Activities:

   Once a badge is selected, help Brownies plan activities related to the badge requirements. This could involve visiting local places, attending workshops, or organizing hands-on projects.

3. Connect with Local Experts:

   Reach out to local experts or professionals related to the chosen badge topic. Whether it's a scientist, artist, or community leader, having guest speakers can enhance the learning experience.

4. Explore Nature for Outdoor Badges:

   For outdoor badges, consider nature hikes, camping trips, or visits to botanical gardens. Engage Brownies in activities that connect them with the natural world while fulfilling badge requirements.

5. Creative Badge Workshops:

   Collaborate with local artists, crafters, or makers to organize creative workshops. This could include painting classes, DIY projects, or even a visit to a pottery studio for artistic badges.

6. Volunteer Opportunities:

   Look for local volunteer opportunities that align with badge requirements. This not only helps Brownies earn badges but also instills a sense of community service and empathy.

7. Cooking Adventures:

   For cooking-related badges, organize a fun cooking day where Brownies can learn and create together. Consider recipes that align with badge tasks and make it a tasty learning experience.

8. Science Experiments:

   Delve into STEM badges with engaging science experiments. Simple experiments at home or visits to science centers can make learning about STEM concepts enjoyable. Many science centers, zoos and children's museum have badge offerings that girls can do with or without their troop.

9. Virtual Badge Adventures:

   Explore virtual badge opportunities. Many organizations offer online workshops and activities that fulfill badge requirements, allowing flexibility for Brownies to earn badges at their own pace. The Eastern Missouri council often offers LIVE! Boxes for particular badges where they send boxes of supplies including a badge for girls to earn. We were able to do that a lot during COVID.

10. Retired Badges:

Sometimes we will find an interested retired badge. Some of our favorite Brownie retired badges include Painting, Pottery, Philanthropist, Cookie Counter Try It and Meet My Customers. It's easy to find the requirements and I work with my daughters to find fun activities to complete these badges.

By earning Brownie badges outside of the troop for fun, Brownies not only expand their knowledge and skills but also develop a sense of independence and curiosity. It's a chance for them to explore their passions while enjoying the rewarding journey of badge earning. Happy badging!