Girl guides launch new badges including mindfulness, vlogging and human rights

'We want girls to feel equipped to take on the world'

In what it describes as the biggest overhaul in its 110-year history, Girlguiding UK has introduced 800 new badges and activities to “reflect the diversity of girls and modern life in the 21st Century”.

While generations of Girl Guides have historically earned patches for hostessing, operating radios and making cups of tea, the new programme is ditching these traditional badges.

They will be replaced with skills seen as more relevant to young women today.

Over the past 18 months, more than 50,000 members of the Guides put together the new programme, which includes 100 new badges and 700 new activities.

Falling under six themes – express myself, be well, know myself, skills for my future, have adventures and take action – the new scheme includes badges such as mixology, vlogging and human rights for Guides – girls aged 10 to 14.

Meanwhile, Brownies – girls aged seven to 10 – can pick up badges for zero waste, mindfulness, baking and archaeology.

The youngest Girlguiding group, Rainbows – which is made up of five to seven-year-olds – are also encouraged to earn badges in healthy minds and recycling.

The eldest group, Rangers – girls aged 14 to 18 – can study for badges in women’s rights, festivalgoer and entrepreneur.

Girlguiding UK has introduced 800 new badges and activities (PA)

As part of the revamp, traditional badges such as hostess are being retired, however others including grow your own, exploring nature and first aid remain.

“We’ve really listened to what girls have told us they’d like to see and incorporated their suggestions, creating new badges and activities and updating others so they’re relevant now and in the future,” said Girlguiding UK volunteer Jess Bond.

“We’ve always moved with the times and we hope to welcome even more members to Girlguiding with this diverse range of activities as there really is something for every girl. Our ambition is to give girls the opportunity to discover and develop their interests, skills and confidence, take on new challenges and have fun and adventure with their friends.

The change hopes to reflect the diversity of girls and modern life in the 21st Century (PA)

“We want girls to feel equipped to take on the world.”

The new programme is being phased in over the next 12 months and will be fully rolled out by September 2019.