Troop's Own Awards

Troop's Own Awards require prior approval from your Membership and Program Manager. Who is my VISTA Membership and Program Manager? 

There are many Try-its, Badges, and Interest Projects to choose from, but girls may have an interest for which no recognition is listed. As a Girl Scout Troop, girls can pick a topic, name the recognition, come up with the activities needed, and design what it will look like.

How do we start?

    1. Check that the subject is not the same as any other earned award.
    2.  Make sure the topic is in keeping with the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
    3.  Find out if the topic can support the right number of activities for the program age level you are in.
    4.  Make sure all the girls in the Girl Scout Troop/Group want to explore this topic.

How should we structure the requirements?

Look at the contents and anatomy of a Try-it, Badge, or Interest Project Award. A Troop's Own Award should follow the same guidelines.

Do we need approval?

Yes. Contact your Membership and Program Manager at the Girl Scout Council Office for topic approval.

How do we create the activities?

Girls in the Girl Scout Troop and the Girl Scout Troop Leader brainstorm a list of possible activities. Then review the list and ask:

    1. Are the activities safe?
    2. Are the activities original?
    3. Can all the girls in the Girl Scout Troop do the activities? If not, can they be adapted?
    4. Are there people in the community who can help with the activities?
    5. Are the activities fun and interesting?
    6. Are there enough options so that everyone’s interests and talents can be explored?
    7. Are the activities easily affordable or free?
    8. Are the activities challenging?
    9. Will all of the girls have enough time to complete them?
    10. Do the activities show respect for all kinds of people?
    11. Will the girls learn or do something new?
    12. Is a community service activity included?

How do we get the "patch"?

Contact the Membership and Program Manager you received approval from, who will let the Girl Scout Store know that you are ready to create your Troop’s Own Try-it, Badge, or Interest Project Award. The Girl Scout Store staff can help you get in touch with a patch company that is an approved Girl Scout vendor. Then you can design your badge and have them made! Having a small quantity embroidered can be quite expensive, so consider ordering blanks and creating your own design with fabric paint.  

More questions? Contact Lauren Shapiro at (503) 977-6823.