Badges, patches, and patch programs, oh my!

Author: Hou

May. 13, 2024

Badges, patches, and patch programs, oh my!

A sash filled with colorful badges and patches is a great visual reminder for your Girl Scout of all the wonderful experiences she’s had and the skills she’s honed. What an amazing way to show the world all she’s accomplished!

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Badges signify that a Girl Scout has mastered a particular set of skills, while patches indicate participation in a specific activity or event. Although often used interchangeably in conversation, the distinctions between them are meaningful and celebrate different aspects of a Girl Scout's journey.

So, what exactly sets badges apart from patches? Let’s delve into it.

Badges

The founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, defined the purpose of badges pretty well:

Every badge you earn is tied up to your motto. This badge is not a reward for something you have done once or for an examination you have passed. Badges are not medals to wear on your sleeve to show what a smart girl you are. A badge is a symbol that you have done the thing it stands for often enough, thoroughly enough, and well enough to be prepared to give service in it. You wear the badge to let people know that you are prepared and willing to be called on because you are a Girl Scout. And Girl Scouting is not just knowing, but doing. Not just doing, but being. – Juliette Gordon Low

Badges are designed to help girls explore their interests and learn new skills. They require girls to fulfill specific steps and are meant to be proudly displayed on the front of their uniform.

The steps to earn each badge are outlined in the badge descriptions, which are published in the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Girls must complete each step before they have earned the badge.

Need a complete listing of badges for every age level? Find it here!

Patches

Badges are awesome, but sometimes girls want to attend a fun activity or try something new that isn’t badge related. This is where patches come in handy!

Sometimes referred to as “fun patches,” these are embroidered symbols similar to badges, but they are considered “unofficial” and are commonly worn on the back of the vest or sash.

Girls can get a fun patch for any activity they participate in with Girl Scouts. From night hikes to corn mazes to museum visits, there’s no limit to the number of fun patches she can proudly display!

Troops can buy them from the Girl Scout shop or another patch vendor to remember a fun day or a special event they took part in. Some events or community partners even offer commemorative fun patches to Girl Scouts that are customized to their event, like the Juliette Gordon Low Trail patch that girls can wear after hiking the trail. Pretty cool, right?

Patch Programs

But wait, beyond badges and fun patches, girls can also earn patches by completing programs unique to individual councils or organizations! These are called patch programs, or council’s own, and the required activities to complete the patch program are generally found on the council or organization’s website.

For example, in Western Ohio girls can complete several patch programs offered by us and some awesome community partners like:

  • Get Outdoors! Patch Program (replacing Got Camp?; requirements coming in 2017)
  • GSWO Marathon Patch (track your miles from Jan- May, 2017)
  • Buckeye Trails Service Patch Program
  • Pantene Beautiful Lengths Patch Program
  • Ohio State Fair Earned Patch Program (updated requirements coming for 2017)
  • GRILL Patch Program (coding)

Contact a member of the program department for requirements of Western Ohio’s patch programs!

Further reading:
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And remember, you don’t have to be content with Ohio’s patch programs! Girls are welcome to complete a patch program from any council or organization across the US and purchase their patches from that individual council’s shop or the organization sponsoring the patch program.

Here’s a few fun ones to check out with your troop!

So now that you know the difference between a badge, a patch, and a patch program, get out there and start exploring and making memories with your girls! They’ll love learning new skills, trying new activities, and adding some colorful patches and badges to their sash!

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Badges and Patches

For over a century, Girl Scouts have proudly worn distinctive uniforms that symbolize the high ideals for which the organization stands. Our uniforms have changed over the years and are in step with today’s trends and active lifestyles.

Girl Scouts at each level now wear one required element (tunic, sash, or vest) to display official pins, badges, and awards. The Girl Scout experience can be marked by a series of smaller awards earned through badge work. Girls must complete a series of activities and programs to earn badges. There are many opportunities to earn badges depending on the path a troop chooses to follow.

 

Badges and Patches – What’s the Difference?

Badges and Pins are created by GSUSA as symbols to mark learning a new skill for a specific level of Girl Scouting. Topics of badges range from outdoor skills to civic engagement, and all GSUSA-approved badges and pins go on the front of your tunic, vest, or sash.

Council’s Own Patches are created by Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and go on the back of your tunic, vest, or sash. They each have their own list of requirements developed by our council or a partner organization. They are great options when planning troop meetings or excursions. Council’s Own patches focus on different areas of girl interest, including camping, sports, music, and the outdoors. Visit our Council’s Own Resources page for a list of GSMIDTN patches and requirements, and email nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org to check for patch availability.

Fun Patches can be earned for any number of fun activities your troop or service unit complete together — including camporees, pool parties, a trip to the movies, or a visit to a museum — and go on the back of your tunic, vest, or sash. Many fun patches are available for purchase in The Cabin. Email nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org to check availability. If you need a specialty patch for an event we do not keep in stock (like goat yoga), we can order them for you with no additional cost. Fun patches are a great way to commemorate fun experiences with your Girl Scouts.

SWAPS, short for Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere, have been an important part of Girl Scout tradition for over 50 years. They are small tokens of friendship to exchange with other Girl Scouts and can be traded at events like service unit camporees, Girl Scout programs, or any time you run into other Girl Scouts. SWAPS are normally small, homemade items girls can attach to the back of a tunic, vest, sash, or someplace special to keep track of Girl Scout memories.

Check Out Full List of Insignia and Awards by Grade Level

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