The esteemed organization of Girlguiding has recently unveiled a captivating array of 72 new badges, expanding its celebrated offerings to include themes such as “fandoms,” “laughter,” and other engaging activities that resonate with contemporary youth interests. This launch marks only the second significant introduction of new badges in the entire history of Girlguiding, which has been empowering girls since its inception over 116 years ago in 1909, founded by the visionary Agnes Baden-Powell. The evolution of badge offerings reflects the organization’s dedication to relevance and responsiveness to the voices of its members.
The new badges were introduced as a direct response to the expressed desires and preferences of young girls, aiming to enrich their experiences with activities related to environmental conservation, personal confidence, and cultural interests. Amanda Azeez, the acting CEO of Girlguiding, emphasized the importance of this launch, describing it as a “huge moment” that underlines the pursuit of keeping the organization aligned with the needs and aspirations of modern girls.
Each badge is tailored specifically for different age groups within the Girlguiding framework. The youngest group, known as Rainbows, encompassing girls aged four to seven, can earn badges that celebrate laughter, creativity in movement, courage, and even their efforts in bee conservation. An example from a recent activity highlighted how one young girl engaged the group with animal sounds as part of the laughter badge, fostering both fun and engagement among peers.
As the girls progress into the Brownies social strata, which includes ages seven to ten, they encounter opportunities for achievement related to folklore, birdwatching, and amplifying their voices on issues that matter to them. Similarly, older girls in the Guides category, aged ten to fourteen, will have chances to earn badges based on resourcefulness and creativity, such as the “thrift” badge, which encourages them to repurpose and upcycle old items rather than contributing to waste.
Rangers, the eldest group comprising girls aged fourteen to eighteen, can now indulge their passions through badges that reflect their enthusiasms, such as “fandoms,” which encompasses platforms like Harry Potter and Taylor Swift. Alongside this, they also have the opportunity to become “booktivists,” empowering themselves through the civic virtues of reading and literature.
The badge offerings encompass varied themes, including codebreaking, friendship, history, and even disciplines such as interior design. This variety showcases Girlguiding’s proactive approach to encapsulating diverse interests while fostering skills applicable to modern society.
More than 20,000 girls and volunteers played a vital role in designing the new badges, with about 11,000 girls testing the activities involved in earning them. Prominent figures, like the Girlguiding ambassador and television presenter Angellica Bell, have noted the significance of these badges in helping girls build confidence while tackling pressing social issues like online safety and gender equality. She stressed the necessity for educational and enjoyable activities outside the classroom, recognizing the value they hold in girls’ development.
Reflecting on the organization’s historical significance, the last set of new badges was introduced in 2019, exactly a century after the foundation of Girlguiding. Notable personalities like the late Queen Elizabeth II have joined in the movement, becoming a Girl Guide as early as 1937.
Fatima, a member of the Girlguiding youth steering group, encapsulated the sentiment shared among the girls, stating that the new badges demonstrate how the program continually evolves alongside their experiences. This perspective underscores how the organization seeks to amplify girls’ voices in shaping future initiatives.
In summary, Girlguiding’s introduction of 72 new badges represents a thoughtful and strategic response to the changing interests of young girls. With its extensive history, the organization embraces innovation while honoring its foundational values, proving to be a nurturing ground for empowering girls to grow, learn, and lead in a supportive and engaging environment.
