I Never Earned A Girl Scout Badge
Posted by Melissa Carter at 1/27/2011 7:59 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Bert Show Melissa Girl Scouts Badge
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Bert Show Melissa Girl Scouts Badge
The Girl Scout Mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who will make the world a better place. I think that message was missed on me at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, Tennessee back in the 70's. That is the church that donated space for my Troop's meetings and where I donned a green uniform of a Girl Scout. But mine was missing something very important - a badge. Not a bunch of badges, I mean any badges. I had my wings from the ceremonial graduation from Brownie to the big girl status of Girl Scout. And my Troop number. But that was it. My field of green paled in comparison to LaRissa Parker's sash filled with crops of badges that told the world just how accomplished she was.
Upon telling this story to friends - who either laughed or stared in disbelief - I decided to purchase the Girl Scout Badge Book to take a closer look at all the opportunities I missed. Thumbing though the spiral-bound guide I find badges for discovering my Family's Heritage, learning how to give First Aid, Dancing, and of course selling the infamous Girl Scout cookies, plus scores of pages more.
Just because I was incredibly lazy and uninspired at the age of 8 doesn't mean I can never make up for it. So, I have decided to dedicate myself again to the Girl Scout code and earn my badges. That's right. I, as a 40-year-old, will fill my sash with those symbols of American youth and show my inner child it is never too late. Of course first I need to find a local Troop Leader willing to validate my work and award me these precious coins of stitched fabric.
My grand scout plan is to take on these badges one at a time during the year and blog my efforts in earning them. Maybe we can all learn something from the experience like, for instance as my Girl Scout Badge Book indicates, FUN is the most important part of earning a badge.
Good luck! I bet it could be fun. Definitely take pictures of your sash in progress!
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Melissa, I am so sorry that you were unable to fill your sash as a child, but good luck on filling it 30 years later!! Please keep us posted and good luck on the cooking badge..
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I'm not sure about Girl Scouts; I was a Boy Scout and a Boy Scout leader, you have to be under 18 to officially earn badges. Still, it would be fun. Go Melissa!!!
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Uh, Art. Don't I LOOK like I could pass for 18?
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Yes, yes, you do...
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Melissa,
2 Words....AWESOME IDEA.
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I want to do this too! I was a brownie but hated wearing the beanie cap...plus they did a lot of baking. I didn't like baking then. Would you like a 45 year old to join you for some healthy competition?!
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I lived outside the city, in the county as a girl and did not have the opportunity to do much badge work either. As an adult, I became a troop leader for seven years for Brownies & Juniors. It is great fun taking them to earn badges. As I participated in each group activity with them, I ordered a extra badge for me. Melissa, as an adult, you can pick up your earned badges at the local girl scout gift store in your area. Or your troop leader sister can check your work and obtain them for you at her Cumberland Valley Council Gift Store.
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Melissa, I think this is my favorite post so far! This is an awesome idea and I wish you all the luck.
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Hi Melissa!
I am a Instructor for the American Red Cross. I teach First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety. I would be honored to help you earn some of your badges!
- Sarah Smith
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