Here is information about the official GSUSA Dolly Parton Coat of Many Colors patch for Girl Scouts and how to earn it.
The world lost an amazing human-an icon of goodness-with the recent passing of Dolly Parton. Her influence reached far beyond country music.
She spent her life using her talents, success, and personal story to encourage people to be kind, proud of who they are, and willing to help others. Those qualities make her story a natural fit with the Girl Scout Law, and her connection to Girl Scouts makes her legacy especially meaningful for Girl Scouts today.
Dolly became a lifetime Girl Scout in 2007 during a special ceremony at Dollywood. She received her own Girl Scout sash and badges recognizing accomplishments in areas including community service, theater, art, literacy, songwriting, and environmental advocacy. Dolly said becoming a Girl Scout fulfilled a dream and allowed her to be part of an organization whose values were similar to her own.
Phot of Dolly Parton RCA Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Dolly Parton’s Life and The Girl Scout Law
Dolly’s life demonstrated many parts of the Girl Scout Law.
She was friendly and helpful through decades of charitable work. Her Imagination Library, founded in 1995 in honor of her father, provides free, high-quality books to young children. What began in her home county in Tennessee has grown into an international program serving children in multiple countries.
Dolly has also shown what it means to be considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what you say and do. She never hid the fact that she grew up with very little money. Instead, she turned those experiences into music, stories, and programs that encourage others to see their own worth.
One of the best examples is her song “Coat of Many Colors.” Inspired by a coat her mother made from fabric scraps, the song tells the story of a young Dolly being teased because she did not have the same clothing as the other children. Instead of being ashamed, Dolly recognized the love represented by every stitch. That message became the inspiration for the Coat of Many Colors Girl Scout Patch, created by the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians with Dolly’s permission.
The patch program is recommended for Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes. Girls complete activities based on the themes of Dolly’s song, including using resources wisely, sharing with others, inspiring people, appreciating differences, standing up to teasing, and recognizing the ways they are “rich in spirit.” Activities include creating a list of money-saving ideas, organizing a drop-and-swap event, planning an inspirational act, creating artwork or a presentation about differences, performing a skit about being a good friend, and designing their own “coat of many colors” representing their gifts and qualities.
Girl members can receive the patch requirements by contacting Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians.
Dolly’s life reminds girls that you do not have to come from a wealthy family or have everything handed to you to make a difference. You can use what you have—your creativity, your talents, your voice, and your compassion—to make someone else’s world a little better.
You can order the Dolly Parton Coat of Many Colors patch here.