Badge Program larajla.

com
The Enrichment Project
Girl Scout Traditions:
Girl Scout Volunteers / Adults
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their rst centennial, looking back to where we have been
gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one persons vision
Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only
each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by
Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to com-
plete this badge program. Check SUPP_GirlScouts_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout
supplements, including the Traditions set. If you need resources beyond what is provided,
check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for
assistance with acquiring materials.
__________________________________________________________________________
Steps
Exploring the past
1. Captain, leader, facilitator.
When volunteering with Girl Scouts began, captains lead their girls. Weve also been called
leaders and facilitators. As you look through the history of Girl Scouts, pay attention to the
changing titles and responsibilities for adults who work with the girls.
2. Looking to the past.
Review the various leaders guides provided as supplements to this badge program.
Note items you think the girls might like to try that have been removed from the latest
materials provided by GSUSA. Present them at a special meeting for your troop, a service
unit event or make a training of your own to share with others.
3. Customizing your materials.
If youve looked through the level badges, youll see that it was not unusual to have a lack
of formal materials or badge requirements. It took imagination and resourcefulness to
provide programming for girls. Customize activities to compare our current program with
that of the past.
4. Learning to step back.
When girls rst become Girl Scouts as Daisies, it is up to the adult volunteer to provide
programming for the girls. As the girls move up in levels, the girls slowly take over the
programming and the volunteer becomes an advisor. This progression is evident in other
areas in addition to programming. Review how adults allow the girls to become leaders
through taking charge of their own activities.
Girl Scout
Traditions:
Girl Scout
Volunteers /
Adults
Girl Scout volun-
teers have had many
titles and positions
over the years. Lets
explore their devel-
opment and expec-
tations of GSUSA.
Enrichment
Project
larajla.com
5. Online resources.
The Web has opened up a way for creative adults to nd, make and share materials
with each other. This reduces the pressure of leading girls. It also allows you to expand
programming in ways you may not be familiar with, but you can acquire enough
information to start the girls on the path. Find something your girls are interested in
pursuing and learn how other volunteers have presented the same information, somewhere
the girls can go to nd the information or the resources so you / your girls can create new
programming.
6. Other adult volunteer positions.
As an adult, you can volunteer for many positions that do not interact directly with the
girls. From volunteering to put on a specic program to training other adults, there are
many volunteer positions that are available. Review your councils Web site or contact
someone above you within the Girl Scout organization and learn about additional
volunteering roles you might choose to participate in. Find out what you need to do
to ll the volunteer roles.
7. Training for adults.
GSUSA provides online training for basic information. After that councils and volunteers
provide training for new adults. Find out what training is required for the level where you
currently volunteer. If youve not taken required training, schedule and take it.
In addition, supplemental training can be found with additional classes to learn songs,
games, ceremonies and more. Find out if your council has supplemental trainings, whether
ofered individually or as a leaders day or leaders weekend event. Choose one and
attend to nd out more about trainings available to support you in your volunteer eforts.
8. Girl Scout Leaders Day.
In 1982, Girl Scout Leaders Day was celebrated for the rst time on April 22nd. While you
may feel that you shouldnt point out to your girls that it is a day honoring you and the
work you do, share this with your girls. Plan a special meeting doing something you enjoy
and share your enthusiasm with your girls.
9. Girl Scout adult insignia.
www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/where_to_place
Like the girls they work with, adults also have items they can wear to show their support
of Girl Scouts. Find the image of adult insignia on the link above and research those items.
Acquire those items that reect your work as a volunteer with Girl Scouts.
10. GSUSA recognitions.
GSUSA has adult recognitions. While some may be earned such as leaves for training you
take above that required, some are given to you for service. There are recognitions from
other adults who feel youre going beyond the eforts required of your volunteer post.
Investigate adult awards and how to get them for yourself or recommend someone else.
11. Fun patches.
Girls love fun patches. Everything you do may not go toward earned insignia. Many times,
adult volunteers purchase an additional patch for themselves so they can remember the
fun too. Explore ways you can collect fun patches and display them.
12. Girl Scout Alumnae.
If youve been a Girl Scout or volunteer, you are a Girl Scout Alumnae. From current
estimates, there are 50 million of us. Find a Girl Scout Alumnae organization within
your council or online and see what they do. Determine if this is something youd like
to participate in.

Enrichment
Project
larajla.com
Non-Girl Scout support
13. Training outside Girl Scouts.
Training for adults is not limited to the classes and weekends provided by council and
volunteers. From PBS and their science workshops for Zoom!, Fetch! and Design Squad to
local classes anything you learn that you can share with your Girl Scouts can be counted
for training hours. Look for local or online classes. Participate in one that you feel you can
use with your Girl Scouts.
14. Enrichment Project.
The Enrichment Project provides badge programs to give you even more support. You
can learn at your own pace. Often, support materials can be taken back to trainings and
meetings to share with other Girl Scouts. Find a badge program you feel goes beyond your
comfort zone and try it. The Enrichment Project is a great way bring new ideas and skills
into your programming.
15. Community and organizations.
You can nd support in your local community and organizations. This might be
programming that others are willing to do for you, eld trips they provide, experts
to come into the meeting and more. Explore what local groups and individuals can do
your volunteer eforts.
Supplements
AEP_STEM via PBS.pdf
Enrichment Project badge program focusing on science oferings from PBS
SUPP_GirlScouts_Glance.pdf
Listing of all supplements available with the Girl Scout Traditions and general Girl Scouts
badge sets as of July 2014, it stood at XXX supplements for all Girl Scout badge programs
Sites to Explore
www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/traditionsgirl.aspx
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/default.aspx
www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/guiding/guidinghistory
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.scouter.com/compass/Scouting_History
www.youtube.com/user/girlscoutvideos
Check out larajlas Enrichment Project
to start your own adventure.