Girl Scout News

Explore the World Of Animals with the New Badges

Girl Scouts are good at so many things, from learning new skills to spreading joy and giving back to their communities. One thing that unites Girl Scouts is their desire to create positive change and help others. With their boundless curiosity, Girl Scouts have the power to make a difference in the world, not only in the lives of people, but also in the lives of every creature we share the planet with: animals!

Animals close to home can provide companionship and support, or make our lives easier. Animals far away can spark a new interest or teach us more about the world. But some animals face danger every day. Because they can't speak up when they need help, it’s our job to protect them. When your Daisy, Junior, or Cadette starts earning one of the new Girl Scout Animal Badges, they’ll embark on a fun journey into the world of animals.

Unlock a NEW badge by downloading one of our free, fun activities! Animal Habitats and Animal Helpers badge—made possible thanks to The Elliott Wildlife Values Project. 

Animal Observer–Daisy (K-1)

Girl Scouts are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. With the new Animal Observer badge, Daisy Girl Scouts will hone in on their observation skills to discover more about animals, near and far. They’ll start by using their senses to identify animal sounds, prints, and behaviors and take notes like an animal scientist. Then they’ll play games to solidify their knowledge and have the chance to visit one of their favorite animals in real life!

Animal Habitats–Junior (4-5)

Animals live in all types of homes—in trees, underground, underwater, and even on glaciers! With the Animal Habitats badge, Junior Girl Scouts can investigate different animal habitats at home and around the world. They’ll use their curiosity to explore animal homes and try their hand at building one. Then they’ll learn about endangered animals and the importance of protecting their habitats to benefit the planet.

Animal Helpers–Cadettes (6-8)

The connection between humans and animals has always existed. Whether animals are serving to protect or provide comfort in difficult times, the animal-human connection is an essential part of human history. With the Animal Helpers badge, Cadette Girl Scouts will learn about this connection and its mutual benefits. They will learn to translate knowledge into action and become advocates for animals by actively participating in organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

The Girl Scout Animal badges not only teach Girl Scouts about their favorite animals, they also help them discover more about the world around them and how to use what they learn to create positive change.
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Explore the World Of Animals with the New Badges

An Important Update for Our Members and Supporters


For over 100 years, Girl Scouts of the USA has been dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. An important part of this mission is the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program, which is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. The cookie program teaches valuable life skills like goal setting, decision making, people skills, money management, and business ethics ensuring that girls can become leaders in their communities.

The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority. Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.

A recent report claimed that our Girl Scout Cookies contain certain levels of glyphosate and heavy metals. We want to address these allegations and share the facts:

Girl Scout Cookies are made with ingredients that adhere to food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities.
  • Our trusted bakers remain committed to compliance with all food safety standards and regulations set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant health authorities.
  • These standards ensure that food products are safe for consumption.
  • As a result, Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations.
To further put the coverage in proper context:
  • Environmental contaminants—which can include heavy metals— can occur naturally in soil. This means that nearly all foods using plant-based ingredients, including organic foods, may contain trace amounts. This does not mean that these foods are harmful to consume.
  • Glyphosate is widely used in agriculture in accordance with established EPA standards and is found nearly everywhere in the food chain. Trace amounts of glyphosate can be found in fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, baked goods, and other food and beverage commodities.
  • Similarly, small amounts of heavy metals can be found naturally in the environment, including in food products, due to air, water, and soil exposure.
  • These metals are not added to our Girl Scout Cookies.
  • While such occurrences are not unique to Girl Scout Cookies, our trusted baking partners continue to ensure the integrity of our recipes and the safety of all Girl Scout Cookie products in accordance with federal regulations and Global Food Safety initiative standards.
  • Our bakers have confirmed that the levels reported do not pose a food safety concern to our customers.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is about more than a sweet treat. It teaches Girl Scouts to think critically, build confidence, and use the skills of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business ethics in the real world. And remember: every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies powers life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts right in your local community. Visit girlscoutcookies.org to support a troop in your area.
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An Important Update for Our Members and Supporters

United Airlines Looks to Offset Travel Costs for Girl Scouts

United Airlines Looks to Offset Travel Costs for Girl Scouts® * United Raises Miles for Girls Scouts of the USA®*  to Help Inspire the Next Generation of Leaders United will match the first one million miles raised for Girl Scouts of the USA* through Miles on [...]

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United Airlines Looks to Offset Travel Costs for Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Daisy Valentine’s Day Meeting

*This post contains affiliate links.

Here is a fun and easy Girl Scout Valentine’s Day meeting that uses Conversation Hearts.

Do you need a break during cookie season and just want to meet with your troop for fun? Selling cookies is intense, no doubt about it.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity have a non-cookie centered meeting.

Girl Scout Daisy Valentine's Day Meeting

Available on TpT

This meeting works well for multi-level troops.
Included in this resource are:

  • 10 activities using Conversation Hearts and items you already have around the house or in your leader bag
  • Activities cover different areas, including movement, crafts, and science
  • You select the ones that will work with your troop dynamics and the length of your meeting

Bulk Conversation Hearts


You will need a lot of conversation hearts for this meeting. You can buy them in bulk. If you have any extras, have the girls put them in cellophane bags and hand out to classmates, neighbors, and anyone else they can think of.

These come in a package of 200.


Girl Scout Daisy Valentine's Day Meeting


200 Plastic Valentine's Day Bags Available on Amazon


Girl Scout Daisy Valentine's Day Meeting


Two Pounds of Conversation Hearts

Available on Amazon

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Girl Scout Daisy Valentine’s Day Meeting

The New Girl Scout Leadership Awards Explained


Girl Scouts’ leadership pathway just got a major glow-up and a few things are changing:

  • Leadership Awards are now the official prerequisites for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
  • One Leadership Award earned at your program level fulfills the prerequisite for each of the Highest Awards.
  • Additionally, the Bronze Award is now a prerequisite option for the Silver Award, and the Silver Award is a prerequisite option for the Gold Award.
  • One Journey may still be used to meet the Highest Award prerequisite requirements through October 1, 2026.


Why Were the Awards Refreshed?

Inspired by Juliette Gordon Low’s courage and character, the refreshed awards create a clearer, more modern path to leadership. They focus on long-lasting skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence.

What Are the New Leadership Awards?
The Leadership Awards are a new set of skill-building experiences for Girl Scouts in grades 4–12. They focus on four areas of leadership: personal, peer, teaching, and community advocacy, and they are designed to be flexible.

Each award is designed to help Girl Scouts explore their interests, build practical skills, and focus on things that matter to them. And the best part? Earning one Leadership Award at your program level now fulfills the prerequisite for the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award. Girl Scouts can earn them during troop meetings, at camp, at events, or individually.


Which Awards Are Retired?

Leader in Action (LiA) are retired as of July 2025. Cadettes can still get hands-on experience with younger Girl Scouts through the refreshed Program Aide award.

The previous Silver and Gold Torch award (based on holding a leadership position for a term )is also retired. Updated Torch awards now focus on teamwork and leading peers in more flexible, accessible ways.

Journeys will officially be retired on October 1, 2026. In their place, Juniors through Ambassadors can now earn the Leadership Awards.

The current Global Action award will also retire in 2026. Juniors – Ambassadors can earn the new Global Action Award, and Daisies and Brownies will have other opportunities to explore global themes, like through World Thinking Day and the Democracy badges.



My Girl Scout already started on one of the Journeys and/or a Leadership Award using retired guidelines. Now What?

Starting in October 2026, Journeys will be retired. Until then, Girl Scouts may continue completing Journeys, and any finished Journey will remain valid and will continue to count toward the Highest Awards.

Girl Scouts can apply the Leadership Awards as a prerequisite regardless of whether they were earned using the retired or new guidelines.



A Closer Look at the New Leadership Awards

Below is a quick guide to each award category to help you understand what each award is all about!




Personal Leadership

True North Award

Available for Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors

This brand-new award helps Girl Scouts discover their values, build confidence, and understand what matters to them. It’s all about staying true to yourself and taking courageous steps to make a meaningful impact.

Prerequisite for the Highest Awards when earned at your level.






Peer Leadership

Silver Torch Award

Available for Cadettes
Learn how to shine as part of a team. Cadettes build teamwork skills, support group goals, and explore how to motivate and inspire others.


Gold Torch Award

Available for Senior/Ambassador
Grow into a leader who guides with purpose and heart. Girl Scouts practice bringing people together, collaborating, and turning ideas into real impact.

The Silver Torch counts as a prerequisite for the Silver Award—and the Gold Torch for the Gold Award.



Teaching Leadership Awards

Junior Aide

Available for Juniors

Plan and lead one fun, inclusive activity for younger kids. This award builds confidence and helps Girl Scouts discover their unique leadership style.


Program Aide

Available for Cadettes

Lead multiple activities—including a full meeting—for younger Girl Scouts. Cadettes practice being thoughtful role models while building real planning and leadership skills.


Volunteer in Training (VIT)

Available for Senior/Ambassador

Guide younger Girl Scouts by leading two full meetings. Teens learn how to create meaningful experiences, support growth, and make younger kids feel included.


Counselor in Training I (CITI)

Available for Senior/Ambassador

Learn the basics of camp leadership by supporting campers, assisting staff, and leading songs, games, and activities. It’s all about growing confidence and becoming a role model at camp. Contact your local council to locate CIT programs.


Counselor in Training II (CITII)

Available for Ambassador

Take leadership at camp to the next level by planning activities, supporting staff, and practicing real-world leadership skills like schedule management and conflict resolution.

Contact your local council to locate CIT programs.


The Junior Aid counts as a prerequisite for the Bronze Award, the Program Aide as a prerequisite for the Silver Award, and the VIT, CIT, and CITII as prerequisite options for the Gold Award.

 

Community Advocacy Awards

Take Action Award

Available for Junior–Ambassador

Work as a team to identify a local issue, understand what’s behind it, and develop a long-lasting solution that creates real change.


Global Action Award

Available for Junior–Ambassador

Learn how different communities around the world experience similar issues. Then create a project that makes a meaningful, globally connected impact.

Either award fulfills the prerequisite for the Highest Awards when earned at your level.

The Leadership Awards help Girl Scouts grow into confident, capable leaders, whether they love creativity, teamwork, teaching younger kids, or making change in their community. Along the way, they build skills like communication, planning, collaboration, and decision-making that last far beyond Girl Scouts.

With these awards now serving as the official prerequisites for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, they create a clear, connected leadership pathway where earning the Bronze Award can count toward Silver, and Silver can count toward Gold. That means each step builds on the last as Girl Scouts earn each of Girl Scouting’s highest honors.


If you want to learn more or explore which award is right for your Girl Scout, you can find additional details on the Leadership Awards landing page and in the full FAQs. These resources offer clear guidance, step-by-step information, and support to help every Girl Scout get started with confidence. If you have more individualized questions, reach out to your council staff.
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The New Girl Scout Leadership Awards Explained

Limited-Edition Native Collection Inspired By Girl Scout Cookies®

Limited-Edition Native Collection Inspired By Girl Scout Cookies® Inspired By Some Of The Most Popular Girl Scout Cookies®, Native Announces New Limited-Edition Collection Native’s latest limited-edition collection energizes you to take on the day—in and out of the shower. Photo: [...]

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Limited-Edition Native Collection Inspired By Girl Scout Cookies®

Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources

If you need help planning, here are free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 resources for leaders to use.


World Thinking Day is an annual celebration that takes place on February 22nd by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all around the world. The day is a reminder of the impact that young girls and women can have on their communities and the world as a whole. In 2024, the theme for World Thinking Day is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty” .”

Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from different countries use this day to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of their fellow members. They also take this opportunity to learn about global issues and take action to make the world a better place.


Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources

One way that Girl Scouts can participate in World Thinking Day is by earning the World Thinking Day award. This award encourages girls to learn about different cultures and traditions, as well as take action to make a positive impact in their communities. Another way to celebrate this day is by organizing cultural events, such as food festivals, dances, and performances, that showcase the diversity of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world.

What is the Theme for Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024?

The theme for Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty” ” explores the link between poverty and the environment and find out how these problems are even more challenging for girls and women in your community and around the world.


Girl Scout World Thinking Day Planner


Free WTD Planner Available on TpT

Does My Troop Have to Celebrate World Thinking Day 2024 on February 22nd?

This question was raised in one of the Facebook groups that I belong to. After reading the responses from other leaders, I did my own research just to be sure what was posted was correct.

The answer is no, you do not have to celebrate World Thinking Day 2024 on the exact day, or even in February. Fit it in when it works for your troop.

From the GSUSA website:

“Making the world a better place is Girl Scout Law, so it’s no surprise we have a holiday dedicated to doing just that. Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It’s a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. And while the holiday itself comes in February, the World Thinking Day Award can be earned at any time of year.“

This news will be a welcome bit of information, as so many are knee deep into cookies sales and earning cookie badges.

Free Girl Scout Thinking Day 2024 Resources for Leaders

WAGGS and the Girl Scout of the USA website have you covered with free World Thinking Day resources for leaders.

The Girl Scout Shop has the patch for the girls’ uniform, as well as two PDFs for you to use. Look under the patch description and click on the correct link.

Daisy, Brownie and Junior requirements can be found here.

Cadette, Senior and Ambassador requirements can be found here.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts website has a downloadable activity packet here.


Girl Scout World Thinking Day Passport

Free WTD Passport Available on TpT

Do Troops Still Learn About Girl Scouts in Different Countries for World Thinking Day 2024?

In the past, learning about other countries was the focus of World Thinking Day. Now the focus is on the how sisters in scouting around the world can help our planet.

If you decide that you want to focus on one country, you can read this blog post and get your free printable passports.

Here is a free printable planner that you can use to organize your World Thinking Day 2024 meeting. I also have a free printable passport to use atyour meeting.

If you wish to play games from other countries, check out this blog post with games from around the world.

When does your troop plan to celebrate Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024?


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Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources