In preparation for the retiring of badges and the introduction of new ones, the GSUSA debuted with new Girl Scout program themes.
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In the past few years, Girl Scout leaders have been on a roller coaster of changes. The organization has:
- Retired popular badges like Potter, My Best Self, Jeweler, Drawing, Staying Fit, and Eating for You
- Introduced new badges: Daisy Fun With Movement, Brownie Me Time, Junior Uniquely Us, and Cadette Outside the Mirror
- Retired the Journeys Program and added new Leadership Awards
- Increased Membership dues
- Introduced new uniforms for Senior and Ambassador Scouts
The reality is that the number of girls joining Girl Scouts has been in decline since Covid. Recruiting leaders is also a challenge. Big changes need to be made to turn this around.
What Are the Eight New Girl Scout Themes
According to GSUSA’s 2026 Badges and Awards guide, the eight themes are:
1. Animals and Nature
Girls explore wildlife, plants, ecosystems, and the natural world. Activities can include learning about animal habitats, observing nature, and discovering ways to protect the environment. Badges in this category include Animal Observer, Eco Friend, and Voice for Animals.
2. Art and Imagination
This theme encourages creativity through designing, crafting, storytelling, photography, and performance. Girls can experiment with different ways to express themselves while building confidence in their ideas.
3. Balanced Living
Balanced Living covers personal well-being, practical life skills, cooking, financial wellness, and healthy habits. Examples include the Brownie Me Time badge, Junior New Cuisines badge, and financial literacy badges for older girls.
4. Leadership and Your Future
Girls develop leadership skills while exploring entrepreneurship, careers, goal-setting, and their future possibilities. This category includes cookie business badges, Digital Leadership, and STEM Career Exploration.
5. Outdoor Adventure
This theme focuses on outdoor experiences, environmental stewardship, camping, hiking, and adventure. Troops can explore badges such as Eco Learner, Camper, Trail Adventure, and age-appropriate outdoor skill badges.
6. Sports and Recreation
Girls build teamwork, confidence, and physical skills through sports, games, and recreational activities. Depending on their level, badges include Fair Play, Good Sportsmanship, Archery, and Ultimate Recreation Challenge.
7. Technology and Innovation
This theme introduces girls to coding, robotics, cybersecurity, engineering, and digital creativity. Badge options include Coding Basics, Digital Game Design, App Development, and robotics badges.
8. Your World Near and Far
Girls explore their communities, government, cultures, and the wider world. This theme includes citizenship and civics opportunities, such as Democracy for Daisies, Finding Common Ground, and Public Policy.
How Will the New Themes Help Troop Leaders?
The themes provide a practical way to organize a troop’s annual program. Leaders can look at the interests of their girls and select activities from different categories throughout the year.
Where Can Leaders Find More Information?
GSUSA’s official Badges, Awards and Pins PDF includes descriptions of the themes and charts showing badge and award options across Girl Scout levels. Leaders can also visit the GSUSA Explore What’s Next page for additional information.
As you plan your next troop year, use these eight themes to explore new possibilities, build a balanced program, and give girls opportunities to discover interests they may not have considered before.
For ready-to-use badge activities, meeting plans, and printable resources, visit my shop Leadership Made Simple on Teachers Pay Teachers. Having your materials prepared in advance can help you spend less time planning and more time leading your troop.
In my next post, I will share which badges are being retired.