OK, So everyone knows that I LOVE being a Girl Scout Leader. What only a few people know is that I do NOT LOVE the Daisy Girl Scout Program. It honestly makes me crazy. This last year they ( "they" being the U.S. Girl Scout Council) created some new books, and new curriculum for all levels of girl scouting. The idea behind these books is fantastic, but I think they just went to sleep when it came time to create a Daisy Program. I fully believe they are selling the Daisies short, and it really does get my panties in a bunch. ALL of the Daisy tasks to earn petals consist of reading a story, then doing some sort of activity. Some activities are crafty, some are more "talk about it" but ALL are LAME. ANNNND even if I did love the Daisy curriculum for earning petals, there are only 10 petals to earn. Granted they do have 3 additional Journeys Programs which have 3 badges each, and 4 "leaves" they can earn during cookie time....so grand total of earn able badges for the Daisy Program are:
1. Daisy Promise Badge
2. 10 petals
3. Journeys = 3 available, with 3 earned badges each = 9
4. Leaves to be earned during cookie time = 2 each Daisy year so a total of 4
Grand total = 24
Now I know that SOUNDS like a lot, but it really isn't when you meet once a week for 9 months, or 36 possible meeting dates per year, and Daisies is a 2 year program. SOOOO it is entirely possible to earn all of the badges during the first year. Now it is true that I try to spread everything out, and take 6 weeks per Journey, and only do one Journey per year, but my point is there are still not enough badges for a 2 year program. After a Daisy earns all of her petals the first year, what is there for her to do? HMMM???
So, in order to solve this problem, I have gone feral and have started creating my own badges and activities for 2nd year Daisies. Some of my leader friends have asked for copies. I am willing to share. I'm nice like that. So here is my first posting of a Daisy badge. When I create these badges, I usually try to tie it to a Brownie badge in the same theme. I usually make a worksheet that incorporates elements from both badges. This format works wonders when you are trying to combine both Daisies and Brownies in a mixed troop setting. I will also include the Daisy Petal in case you want to use this activity for first year Daisies as well. To make the badges I usually just print the badges page onto piece of iron on style printing paper, and iron it onto a piece of felt, then cut it out and sew it on to the vest. Please remember this is NOT AUTHORIZED by GSUSA, and technically these badges must be worn on the back of the vest as they are not USGSA approved and should be treated as "fun patches."
I am trying to use dropbox for the first time, so if it doesn't work, please let me know.
Daisy Badge: Family Traditions
Brownie: My Family Story and Daisy: Family Traditions Worksheet
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