Girlguiding Launches 72 New Badges, Shaped by Girls

Girlguiding has launched 72 brand new interest badges, giving girls aged 4–18 even more opportunities to explore their interests, try something completely new and dive deeper into the things they love. Deputy Chief Guide, Sally Kettle joined Girlguiding Advocate Hannah on the BBC Breakfast red sofa to celebrate the launch and talk about why giving girls the freedom to choose what they want to learn matters.

The new badges are particularly special because they have been shaped by the girls and volunteers who will actually use them. More than 20,000 Girlguiding members shared their views during the development process, with more than 15,000 girls contributing ideas. Over 4,000 badge designs were submitted, and 11,000 girls from units across the UK helped test the activities before launch. From Laughter and Courage for Rainbows, to Food Critic and Interior Designer for Guides, and Fandoms and Calm Spaces for Rangers, the new badges reflect the wonderfully varied interests of girls today.

For Sally, appearing on BBC Breakfast alongside Hannah was a brilliant opportunity to showcase both the breadth of the new programme and the voices behind it.

As Deputy Chief Guide, she sees the organisation from a leadership perspective; as a volunteer, she also understands the magic that happens in local units every week. Hannah brought the perspective of a young person who is helping to shape Girlguiding from the inside.

Interest badges are much more than something to sew onto a blanket or sash. They give girls the chance to take the lead, build independence, develop confidence and discover something they might never otherwise have tried. And with the number of interest badges now doubled across every Girlguiding section, there are plenty of new adventures waiting to be had.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the launch is what it says about Girlguiding itself. The organisation is listening to girls, responding to what they tell it and continuing to evolve with them. The result is 72 new ways for girls to have fun, learn something new, follow a passion and, ultimately, discover that they can do anything.

For more information:

www.girlguiding.org.uk