Girlguiding is overhauling its badge programme, replacing traditional badges like Homemaker and Hostess with modern alternatives such as App Design, Vlogging, and Upcycling. The changes come after 15,000 girls submitted ideas for new badges, aiming to equip members with skills for the modern world.
Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle has proposed a Resilience badge, saying it would 'give girls the chance to build their mental wellbeing' and help tackle the stigma around mental health from a young age. Other suggestions include a Chemist badge from 17-year-old Elena, a Zip Line badge from eight-year-old Mihika, and a Video Journalist badge from 20-year-old Sophie.
Girlguiding, which has over 500,000 members aged five to 25, says the new programme starting next year will be 'the biggest investment in girls' futures outside the school system in the UK'. The organisation is also inviting parents and the public to contribute ideas via social media using the hashtag #BadgeGoals.
The overhaul follows a similar move by the Scout Association in 2014, which introduced 19 new badges after a consultation with its scouts. Girlguiding's new badges aim to help girls 'thrive, succeed, make change and be happy in the modern world'.
