We are so excited to announce the release of 42 new badges and one new Journey exclusively for girls in grades K-12!
These new badges give girls the opportunity to influence and experience the world in their own unique way. From snow mountain adventures to coding lessons to space science, the new Girl Scout badges help girls move beyond their comfort zones, make their own choices, and build their confidence!
Among these new badges are the Outdoor High Adventure badges that feature, for the first time in Girl Scouts’ history, two different activity options, letting girls choose how they want to earn each badge!
Giving girls choices is important for developing a sense of self. Research from the World Bank Group shows decision-making abilities are key to improving women’s lives and communities. And research shows Girl Scouts are more likely than other girls to take an active role in decision making (80% vs. 51%)!
Every badge is an opportunity to discover something new and become inspired. We are so happy to share these new badges that let girls build new skills, make choices, positively impact their communities, and have a good time while they’re at it!
The Brand-New Badges
New for girls in grades K-12:
With the new programming release, all Girl Scouts in grades K–12 will have the opportunity to earn their Cybersecurity and Space Science badges, as well as complete the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey.
Eighteen Coding for Good Badges
Funded by AT&T and Dell Technologies
Girls in grades K-12 can learn the basics of coding, algorithms, game design, and app development. Every Coding for Good badge includes a plugged-in and unplugged version, so all girls can learn regardless of their access to technology.
Twelve Outdoor High Adventure Badges
Funded by The North Face
The new Outdoor High Adventure badges are designed for girls K-12 to explore adventures like backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing, rock and tree climbing. These are the first Girl Scout badges that members can earn by choosing one of two self-directed paths.
New for Girls in Grades 6-12:
Nine Cybersecurity Badges
Funded by Palo Alto Networks
Through earning the new Cybersecurity badges, girls in grades 6-12 can learn about the inner workings of computer technology and cybersecurity, and apply concepts of safety and protection to the technology they use every day. Activities include decryption and encryption, proper protection methods for devices, and real-world hacking scenarios.
Three Space Science Badges
Funded by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and led by the SETI Institute*
The new Space Science badges give girls in grades 6-12 the opportunity to explore the universe and their place in it, properties of light, and careers in space science.
Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey
Funded by Johnson & Johnson and the Coca-Cola Foundation
In the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey, girls participate in interactive activities to practice observation techniques, collect data, and share their findings with real-world scientists through an online network. As with all of Girl Scouts’ Leadership Journeys, girls use their newly honed skills to take action on a community issue of their choosing.
Cyber Challenge
Funded by Raytheon
To prepare girls in grades 6–12 to pursue computer science careers, Girl Scouts will launch the organization’s first Cyber Challenge events in select areas this fall. At these events, taking place October 19, girls will learn crucial cybersecurity skills by completing challenges, such as running trace routes and identifying phishing schemes.
From the CEOs
“Girl Scouts continues to be at the forefront of innovative programs for the girls of today who will soon be the leaders of tomorrow,” said GSGCNWI CEO, Nancy Wright. “Our council is proud to be able to bring these unique badges and activity opportunities to the girls in our region as they work to build their own courage, confidence, and character at their own pace, in a safe and welcoming space.”
“Girl Scouts has ignited the power and potential of girls for over a century, and we are committed to ensuring that today’s girls are the future of American leadership,” said GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo. “Girl Scouts is where girls can explore new subjects, discover their passions, learn to take smart risks, and become their best, most confident selves—whether they want to become a NASA astronaut, an entrepreneur, a rock climber, a coder, or a cybersecurity agent.”
At Girl Scouts, girls discover their passions and what they want to achieve, both today and in the future. These 42 new badges aim to help them learn, grow, and lead!
Getting Started!
You can find requirements and instructions for earning these new badges in the Volunteer Toolkit.
Keep your eyes peeled this fall for GSGCNWI programs where girls can earn the new badges!
Visit our Girl Scout shop to purchase the new badges.
Learn about every badge Girl Scouts can earn with the Girl Scouts Award and Badge Explorer!
To share your badge-earning stories, fill out this form and you might be featured on our social media or in a publication!
Not a Girl Scout yet? No problem! Troops are forming now—join Girl Scouts today.
* “Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts” is based upon work supported by NASA Science under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AB90A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
GSUSA partnered with GoldieBlox to offer custom kits that troops could use to earn their Mechanical Engineering badges. Each kit contains all of the materials necessary to earn any of the three Daisy Mechanical Engineering badges and the three Brownie Mechanical Engineering badges. The kit contains pieces that snap, click, or link together that girls use to create innovative new designs.