Badges & Patches: What's the Difference?
Badges & Patches: What's the Difference?
A vest adorned with an array of badges and patches—it's an image that immediately brings to mind Girl Scouting!
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There are badges and patches for almost everything, and earning each one is both an achievement and a rewarding experience.
However, with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So let’s return to the basics: What exactly differentiates a badge from a patch? What's the difference?
Many of us have wondered about this at some point! Let’s break it down.
Asking about the difference between a badge and a patch is similar to asking about the difference between a square and a rectangle:
A badge is essentially a specialized type of patch.
BADGES
- Created by GSUSA with specific criteria to earn them.
- Each Girl Scout level has its own distinctive badge shape.
- Placed on the front of a vest/sash/tunic.
- Explore the Badge Explorer!
EARNING BADGES
- Guidelines for earning badges are available online and in your Girl Scout badge book. Start by reading through the badge requirements.
- Remember, you only need to choose one activity for each step. Consider combining multiple steps into a single activity.
- Think about going on a field trip to complete all or some of the requirements.
- Check our Community Opportunities page for organizations that offer badge workshops or discounts for Girl Scouts.
- Spend a meeting planning your badge work for the year and let your Girl Scouts choose which badges they want to work on. This reduces badge planning stress and empowers Girl Scouts to make their own choices!
PATCHES
- For everything else! There are Council's Own Patches and Fun Patches.
- Council-sponsored programs, Council Quests, troop activities—even a trip to the zoo can earn you a patch.
- Patches are placed on the back of your vest/sash/tunic.
- Running out of space? Try putting patches on bags, pillows, blankets, hats, or wherever else you like!
EARNING PATCHES
- Council's Own Patches are created by Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, each with its own list of requirements developed by our council or a partner organization. They’re great for planning troop meetings or excursions!
- These patches concentrate on various girl interests, including camping, sports, music, and the outdoors.
- You can find selections and guidelines here!
- Fun patches can be earned through any fun activities your troop or service unit completes together. Think camporees, pool parties, trips to the movies, or visits to museums. Significant experiences can be marked with a patch!
- Council's Own Patches and fun patches are available for purchase in The Cabin. Email nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org to check availability.
- Need a specialty patch for an event not in stock (like goat yoga)? We can order it for you at no additional cost.
- Many partner organizations offer opportunities for your troop to earn a patch through activities like visiting museums, attending workshops, or going to sports games. Check out our Community Opportunities page!
Your badges and patches chronicle your Girl Scout experiences! Each one is not just a keepsake, but also a mark of pride for what you've learned and achieved.
If you have any questions about patches or are seeking new ideas, our Volunteer Resources department is always here to help!
Pictured: Troop 1239 earned this year’s GSMIDTN Summit patch by attending the program together and working on several skills throughout the day!
A Quick Guide to Girl Scout Badges and Patches
By Meridith Orr, Program Executive
“The symbols which you wear on your sleeve mean that you have an intelligent interest in the subjects you have chosen, understand the principles of them, and can give reasonable, practical proof of this.” — Scouting for Girls, Official Handbook of the Girl Scouts, published by The Girl Scouts, Inc., 1920
The good news is, many new members join our movement every year. Any seasoned Girl Scout knows there’s a lot to explore—and learn—in Girl Scouts, particularly when it comes to the variety of badges and emblems that adorn sashes and vests.
So what’s it all about?
The key point is that all badges or patches earned in Girl Scouts serve to highlight a girl's achievements and are most meaningful when she can clearly explain what she has accomplished. For those unfamiliar with the distinctions, here’s a concise guide.
BADGES
Badges refer to Girl Scout’s National Proficiency Badges, worn on the front of the uniform. These badges have unique shapes and colors corresponding to each grade level. For example, Girl Scout Brownie badges are triangles, Junior badges are circles, and Cadette badges are diamond-shaped.
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Badges typically involve five steps with three different options for each step. Upon completion, a girl should be able to demonstrate proficiency in that topic. There’s a pull-out chart available for all badges, including the Skill-Building badges, in The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting.
An exciting development is our very own “Council’s Own Badge” program, offering girls unique local opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Designed per national Girl Scout Leadership Experience guidelines, these badges can be worn on the front of the uniform. Only Girl Scouts from NC Coastal Pines can earn one of our 10 Council’s Own badges. Stay tuned for more updates on our refreshed council badge program!
Girl Scouts can also create a “Make Your Own” badge! Girl Scout Brownies through Ambassadors have the option to develop a badge once a year, following specified guidelines.
What about the youngest Girl Scouts? Our Daisies (grades K-1) earn “Petals” representing the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law. These petals surround a daisy center on the front of their smock or vest. Additionally, Daisies can earn Financial Literacy “leaves” and Journey award patches.
PATCHES
Patches are enjoyable ways to commemorate council or local events. These are always worn on the back of the uniform. All patch programs incorporate content from the National Leadership Journeys, providing girls with meaningful leadership experiences. Unique patches to our council include the Hurricane Awareness patch introduced as a “Patch of the Month” this summer. Moving forward, our council will feature one Council Patch per month, encouraging girls across our 41 counties to explore and learn together.
Final thoughts on badges and patches: “Educate, don’t decorate.” It's not about competition to have the most patches but about discovering new things, building skills, fostering leadership, and having fun!
Girl Scouts, which badges or patches resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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