In case you missed my last post on fun patches you didn’t know existed, I’m here to remind you why fun patches are the best! Don’t get me wrong, badges and official awards are awesome, but fun patches are limitless. Fun patches give you and your troop the freedom to get super creative and mix in some activities for service, for celebration, for troop bonding, or just for fun!

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I met a Senior Girl Scout a while back that had so many fun patches, that she added more fabric to her Girl Scout vest in order to fit them all. It was like an amazing Girl Scout vest and cape all in one. Girls love to collect these patches and their vests end up being a new age scrapbook for them. To help your girls add to their fun patch collections, here are a few new patches and a few all-time favorites.

1. Rock Painting

Have your girls gotten into this trend of using resources wisely? I’m constantly seeing friends painting rocks, hiding rocks, and finding rocks around their community on social media. It’s a fun way to get outdoors and to spread some kind words. Your troop could start a rock garden or hide them during a geocaching adventure, the possibilities are endless!

2. Arcade

Every kid loves an arcade but what if you put a spin on these blasts from the past? California is home to so many cool pinball museums, penny arcades, and vintage game rooms that will have your troop wondering how their parents survived without cell phone games. One of my absolute favorite vintage arcades is Musée Mécanique down at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California—it’s free and open 365 days a year.

3. First Overnight

Your girls’ first night away from home is definitely a milestone worth celebrating. Get everyone comfortable with overnights before spring and summer sleep-away camps kick off with a backyard camping trip or slumber party to give your girls a taste of independence.

4. G.I.R.L. Agenda

Encourage your girls to be a catalyst for change in their communities by checking out these awesome civic action program ideas curated for different age ranges. This is an exciting part of the Girl Scout leadership portfolio, making now the perfect time to talk to your girls about how they can make the world a better place.

5. World Thinking Day

Lastly, World Thinking Day! This is an amazing day that takes place every year on February 22, where Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all over the world take part in the same activities to think about what it means to make an impact on the world. This year the theme is “Impact” powered by the G.I.R.L. agenda, and even though this is actually a badge, not a fun patch, it deserves a spot on our list! After completing GSUSA’s award activities, your girls can wear this patch proudly alongside their badges on the front of their uniform. Don’t forget to check in with your service unit for World Thinking Day events in your community.

Pro Tip: Every year the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (aka WAGGGS) gives girls the opportunity to earn the World Thinking Day challenge badge. Download the activity pack, and get started today!

Remember there are no rules for fun patches, your troop or individual girls can earn them as they all see fit. And troop leaders, don’t feel left out, you can collect fun patches too! Since adult volunteers don’t have sashes or vests, my favorite placement is on one of our tote bags—this denim tote bag would be my pick! So help them earn away and watch the back of their vests (and the outside of your tote bag) fill up with the wide array of fun patches.

What to do next:

• Check out the infamous patch catalog to find hundreds of fun activities for troops and individuals. Our stores carry a portion of these and can always order you a specific one. Email us at shop@gsnorcal.org to place an order today. Want your patch to say Girl Scouts? Check out the newest Girl Scout fun patches here. 
• Browse the Badge Explorer—If you are on the hunt for badges instead of fun patches, this is a great place to start! 
• Interested in our exclusive GSNorCal Trailhead patch? Learn more about writing for The Trailhead.
• Don’t forget to share your favorite fun patch in the comments section below! 

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Cambria Griffin—Cambria is the Director of Retail and Office Operations at Girl Scouts of Northern California where she oversees six retail stores and offices plus one online store. She’s based in the East Bay, and is often out and about searching for the areas hidden gems. Cambria loves talking with volunteers to understand how she can best support their needs through the product carried in her stores. She especially loves helping girls budget wisely while shopping with their rewards cards.