What will you try next?

Build skills when you earn a badge or award

Excited to go camping for the first time? Want to try your hand at coding your first website? Ready to work towards climate justice? As a Girl Scout, there are so many ways to try something new or take a passion to the next level. Badges and awards will build your skills and show the world what you’re capable of accomplishing.

Start exploring a world of possibility.

Age Level Badge Charts, Pins and Additional Awards

See What's New

We add new badges, awards, and activities each year. There's always something new to discover.

Explore Your Interests

Earning badges is a great way to try a new skill or get better at one you love.

Meet the New Leadership Awards

These fresh ways to lead with confidence, mentor others, work as a team, & take action in your community, are a Highest Award prerequisite.

Patch Programs

_{What is a Girl Scout patch?}

A Girl Scout patch is a supplementary insignia that girls receive for participating in a special event or activity. They are worn on the back of their uniform.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois and GSUSA has several patch programs that Girl Scouts and volunteers can participate in by completing the requirements below!

GSNI Patch Programs

Camp Challenge Patch toggle arrow

Any GSNI family and Troop can participate in the Camp Challenge Patch Program. Girls can earn this unique fun patch and flames for spending at least one night camping at any of our three camps with her family or Troop at our Girl Scout Camp properties! Get started with the campfire base patch available at any of our GSNI resource centers.

During camp check-out, the Ranger or Program Staff will help any family purchase flame patches ($1.50 pay via check, cash, or credit card). Patch fees can be paid directly to the Ranger or Program Staff at the time of check-out. Complete the Flame Patch Order form for your patch order.

The troop camping flame patch is earned when girls camp outdoors at a non-GSNI property (such as a county campground, state park, etc.) with their troop. This patch can be earned in the same experience as earning a new Troop Camping badge. Troops can also qualify for the Lodge, Cabin, Tent, and Adventure flames. Troop camping, Lodge, Cabin, Tent and Adventure flames can be purchased at any local resource center.

The Service Rocker Patch is earned when girls complete a 12 hour service project at a GSNI property with the preapproval of a Ranger. Service rocker patches will be given free of charge once a girl completes all the hours of her property service project.

Find a Gnome at Camp McCormick! toggle arrow

Can you find all the gnomes at Camp McCormick? Go on a Gnome Hunt throughout the camp, and see if you can find all the colorful gnomes! There is even a special golden gnome to find!

Thanks to the help of Troops 1243, 190, and 1398, you can use the Gnome Hunt map to see if you can find all the gnomes hidden throughout Camp McCormick. And remember, the special golden gnome roams - that gnome just cannot stay in the same place!

Once you have completed the Gnome Hunt, you can purchase the patch at any Resource Center.

Troops must have a day use or overnight reservation in order to do the Gnome Hunt.

Gnome Information Packet

Find the Goats at Camp Dean! toggle arrow

All of our goats have escaped the pen! We need your help to round them up!

Thanks to the help of Troop 2053, you can use the Goat Hunt clues, and map to help us find all of the goats.

Troops must have a day use or overnight reservation in order to do the Goat Hunt.

Goat Hunt Information Packet

Find the Birds at Mary Ann Beebe Center! toggle arrow

Birds of a feather, hike together! Join us at Mary Ann Beebe Center and explore the prairie for local wild birds. 10 bird friends wait for you along the trails of Mary Ann Beebe Center. Can you find them all? After completing the bird hunt, you can purchase the new GSNI Bird Hunt patch at one of GSNI's Resource Centers!

MABC Bird Hunt Map

Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program (FARE) toggle arrow

Girl Scouts Northern Illinois has partnered with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to offer the Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program. FARE is the world’s leading food allergy advocacy organization and the largest private funder of food allergy research. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and health of individuals with food allergies and provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. The Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program requirements give Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn about life with food allergies, with an emphasis on raising awareness of the public health issue, which impacts 32 million children and adults in the United States.

Download the requirements document here.

After you complete the required number of activities please fill out this survey to request your free patches.

FARE Patch Request Survey toggle arrow

Thank you for completing the FARE Patch Program! Please fill out this request form to recieve your patches. Your patches will be sent to your local GSNI Resource Center within 2 to 3 weeks for pick up.

Troop Number 0/0

Troop Leader Name 0/0

Email 0/0

Number of Patches 0/0

Names of Girl Scouts receiving the patch Please lis the Girl Scouts who are receiving the patch 0/0

What was your Girl Scouts' favorite part of learning about Food Allergy Awareness? 0/0

Girl Scouts Love State Parks toggle arrow

Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. On September 13 and 14, 2025, Girl Scouts nationwide, along with their troops, friends, and family, will celebrate our shared love of the outdoors.

Grab your backpack and head out to your local state parks for self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing, special events, and more!

Get your Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors worksheet here!

Learn more about your local state parks here!

GSNI Outdoor Challenge Patch toggle arrow

The Outdoor Challenge Patch program is an exciting way Girl Scouts of all ages can have fun while learning more about the outdoors. The program runs throughout the year and has activities based on grade level and seasons. The season's challenge begins on the first day of the season based on calendar date.

Girls can participate individually, by troop or with her family to complete as many activities as possible from any one of our seasonal lists. Once your Girl Scout has finished the required amount of activities for their grade level, return the list to her troop leader or visit any Resource Center to purchase your patches!

Center patch cost is $2.00 Seasonal rocker patches cost $1.25.

Winter Outdoor Challenge - English | Winter Outdoor Challenge - Spanish

Spring Outdoor Challenge -English | ¡Desafío al aire libre! – Actividades de primavera

Fall Outdoor Challenge - English | Fall Outdoor Challenge - Spanish

Summer Outdoor Challenge - English | Summer Outdoor Challenge - Spanish

Outdoor Skills Patch and Charms toggle arrow

Our Outdoor Skills Patch Program is designed for troop leaders to teach Girl Scouts the 8 Basic Outdoor Skills!

In order to earn the Outdoor Skills Patch and Charms girls must complete the "basic 8" camp skills.

Charms and patches can be purchased at any resource center.

Patches are $2.00 each Charms are $1.25 each.

GSUSA Patch Programs

NEW! America250 Patch Program toggle arrow

On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Girl Scouts of the USA has partnered with America250.org to mark this milestone—and you can earn this special five-patch collection if you participate.

Guide - English

El 4 de julio de 2026, se cumplirán 250 años desde que se firmó la Declaración de Independencia. Girl Scouts of the USA se ha asociado con America250.org para conmemorar este aniversario, ¡y tú puedes ganar un parche para celebrarlo!

Descarga la guía

NEW! Be Internet Awesome! toggle arrow

Technology is part of our everyday lives. It brings us information, connects us with friends and loved ones, and broadens our world. It also impacts our happiness and well-being, so it’s important to be mindful of how we use it.

The Be Internet Awesome Family Challenge from Google and Girl Scouts guides youth in using technology more intentionally, on their own and together as a family. Whatever your age— whether you’re preparing to enter the online world in a few years, or you’re already an experienced pro with your own platform—there are ways to boost your savvy and make your digital world a better place. So let’s create a great digital experience for today AND tomorrow!

Check out the requirements for Be Internet Awesome Family Challenge.
For more information on GSUSA website click here.

Reto Be Internet Awesome Family con Google toggle arrow

La tecnología es parte de nuestra vida diaria. Nos brinda información, nos conecta con amigos y seres queridos, y amplía nuestro mundo. También influye en nuestra felicidad y bienestar, por lo que es importante ser conscientes de cómo la usamos.

El Desafío Familiar “Sé Genial en Internet” de Google y Girl Scouts ayuda a la juventud a usar la tecnología de manera más intencional, tanto de forma individual como en familia. No importa tu edad—ya sea que estés por comenzar a explorar el mundo digital o que ya seas una experta con tu propia plataforma—hay formas de mejorar tu conocimiento digital y hacer que tu mundo en línea sea un mejor lugar. ¡Así que vamos a crear una gran experiencia digital para hoy Y para el futuro!

Ayúdala a ser una fuerza del bien en el internet

Reto Be Internet Awesome Family con Google

Girl Scout Climate Challenge toggle arrow

As climate change affects our planet, it’s up to us to do what we can to protect our Earth. When you participate in the Girl Scout Climate Challenge, you’ll get outdoors to learn about climate science, connect with your community to understand how it is impacted by climate change and spread awareness of the issue to make a difference. Whether you learn about the effects of greenhouse gases, talk to local climate experts, or lead a sustainability project, your knowledge and involvement will help you be a climate advocate. Download your free activity guide and resources for grades K-5 or 6-12 to get out and get involved in taking climate action!

The Girl Scout Climate Challenge is made possible by SOLV Energy.

Click here to learn more!

Girl Scout Tree Promise toggle arrow

All over the world, deforestation and climate change are damaging the planet. Trees help cool communities, reducing the heat island effect created by buildings, machines, and pavement. They also provide habitat for wildlife, create shade on hot summer days, clean water, and remove asthma-causing air pollution.

Join Girl Scouts to make the world a better place as we plant, protect, and honor trees with the Girl Scout Tree Promise. Learn how to solve community problems and use team-building skills to sow seeds of change with family and friends today!

Click here to learn more!

Girl Scout Love the Outdoors! toggle arrow

You don’t need access to a national park or the woods to enjoy the outdoors! So put yourself out there with us and participate in our Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge.

Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with improved mood, focus, and confidence—whether you spend that time becoming a rockstar at rock climbing, making a splash in the puddles around your neighborhood, or watching wandering wildlife at a park.

Click here to learn more!

I Am a Girl Scout! toggle arrow

We’re stronger together. By acknowledging the diversity, heritage, and contributions of our multicultural communities, Girl Scouts can find new ways to make the world a better place for everyone.

Now, Girl Scouts of all levels, your friends, and your leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn each segment of this fun patch. Whether they choose to do one or all of them, you’ll discover interesting new things about your neighbors—and yourself.

Click here to learn more!

International Day of the Girl toggle arrow

Whether you decide to travel the world or participate in local activities with a worldwide impact, Global Girl Scout activities boost awareness of the world through cross-cultural learning opportunities. The best part? Gain the power, inspiration, and resources to make the world a better place.

Click here to learn more!

Mental Wellness toggle arrow

Becoming a Girl Scout means tapping into a supportive group of people who uplift you every step of the way. When it comes to caring for your mental wellness, the new Girl Scouts Mental Wellness patch program reminds you that you’re never alone in facing challenges and further invites you to dive into and understand your emotions. You can do this by participating in activities, such as making art or writing poetry, that foster resilience and help you to better understand your world. No matter the season, never doubt your ability to rise up, and remember—you got this.

The Mental Wellness patch program was made possible by the HCA Healthcare Foundation and developed in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Click here to learn more!

Resilient. Ready. Strong. toggle arrow

Life isn’t always easy, but dealing with tricky emotions doesn’t have to be so hard. Try activities from the Girl Scouts: Resilient. Ready. Strong. program to unlock a patch and strengthen your mental wellness. Nobody can snap their fingers and make the world all sunshine and lollipops, but you can take steps to be ready when things get tough. Go get ‘em, Girl Scout!

Click here to learn more!

Solutions Superstar toggle arrow

The world needs more creative problem-solvers—and this program helps Girl Scouts become just that. Solutions Superstar invites Girl Scouts of all grade levels (K–12) to tackle real-world challenges through six fun, hands-on activities.

From planning cookie delivery routes to inventing new gadgets, they’ll build key skills like creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills they can use in school, their communities, and beyond—while getting a peek into how logistics keeps the world moving.

The Future Focus section of each activity will also help girls connect what they’re learning to real-world careers, opening their eyes to exciting possibilities in fields like logistics—an industry where women currently make up just 41% of the workforce. Made possible by DHL Supply Chain.

Click here to learn more!

World Thinking Day toggle arrow

Join your fellow Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from over 150 countries around the world to celebrate World Thinking Day! The best part is, you don’t need to wait until February 22 to get started. Start learning about World Thinking Day and embracing perspectives outside your own.

We’re celebrating 100 years of World Thinking Day in 2026—what an exciting birthday! This year’s special theme is Our Friendship. We invite you to join in as we explore our worldwide Girl Scout/Girl Guide community and celebrate the friendships that connect us all around the globe.

Find Volunteer Toolkit Meeting plans for World Thinking Day for all Girl Scout levels in VTK.

Click here to learn more!

Meet the New Leadership Awards

Introducing fresh ways for Girl Scouts to lead with confidence, mentor others, work as a team, and take action in their communities. They're also a prerequisite for the Highest Awards.

LEARN MORE

Council Finder

Badges and Awards

What will you try next?

Build skills when you earn a badge or award

Age Level Badge Charts, Pins and Additional Awards

Patch Programs

_{What is a Girl Scout patch?}

GSNI Patch Programs

GSUSA Patch Programs