Everyone faces their own struggles at some point. Whether it's navigating the ebbs and flows of challenging emotions or learning how to resolve conflicts with friends, life inevitably presents us with a variety of surprises.
The Girl Scouts' NEW Mental Wellness Patch Program provides tips and free activities to assist girls on their mental wellness journey, all while reminding them that it's okay to not be okay when confronted with life's hurdles. In an effort to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health, the Girl Scouts' new patch program reshapes our perspective on every emotion and the act of expressing how we feel, encouraging everyone to view it as a display of strength and a significant step in our personal self-discovery.
In this increasingly challenging world, the imperative to cultivate skills nurturing mental wellness has never been more pronounced, particularly among the younger generation. Equally vital is our role as champions, guiding them through the intricate landscape of their emotions. Introducing Girl Scouts Mental Wellness activities, which unveils a trio of new patches. Each of these patches is meticulously designed to equip girls with the tools to navigate the demands of school, the influence of social media, the flux of emotions, and beyond.
Knowing My Emotions (Girl Scout Juniors, Grades 4-5)
Naming our emotions makes them a lot easier to handle and through these activities kids will learn to do just that. Once they’ve put words to their emotions, Girl Scouts will discover ways to navigate through them, effectively communicate what they are feeling, and learn how to stay mindful as new feelings arise.
Finding My Voice (Girl Scout Cadettes, Grades 6-8)
It’s important for everyone to be able to advocate for themselves. These activities will help kids identify their own voice while also teaching them one of life’s most crucial skills: empathy. The activities offer insights into recognizing warning signs and providing support for friends who might be struggling. Additionally, they'll learn about mental health stigma, how to combat it, and to be more mindful when it comes to how screen time makes them feel.
Showing Up for Me and You (Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, Grades 9-12)
When teens understand the impact of mental wellness, it prepares and encourages them to not only advocate for themselves, but stand up for others, especially during tough times. With these activities, Girl Scouts learn ways to nurture themselves with self-care practices such as taking a moment to breathe and reset, or journaling about their emotions whenever a difficult situation comes up. They’ll also learn how to offer support to others when it’s needed most, through active listening, words of encouragement, and showing up with compassion. While everyone experiences struggles and we can’t predict what challenges may come our way, the activities in this patch program help Girl Scouts create a safe, supportive community where expressing emotions and advocating for each other is championed and encouraged. As Girl Scouts continue to navigate school, social media, changing emotions, friendships, and other pressures, they’ll carry the self-care and coping skills they learned with them, growing into themselves with strength and confidence.
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FREE Girl Scouts Mental Wellness activities and unlock a special patch today!
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling, text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 741741 or call 988 for support. You can also find other useful resources at girlscouts.org/mentalwellness.
This mental wellness program is made possible by HCA Healthcare Foundation and developed in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Please note that the content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or have concerns about your mental health, please seek immediate help by calling emergency services, a mental health crisis hotline in your area, or reaching out to a licensed mental health professional. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). These hotlines are available 24/7 and provide free, confidential support to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.
