Girlguides announce 72 new badges in thrifting, rescuing bees and 'fandoms'

ITV News

21-07-2025

Girl guides will now be able to earn badges for getting a good night's sleep, sharing their "guiding sparkle" and being in a "fandom."
Girlguiding has unveiled 72 new badges its members can work towards, in one of the largest updates in the organisation's 115-year history.
The badges, which were co-designed by more than 20,000 girls and volunteers, will be rolled out to members aged four to 18, across Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups.
Different badges can be earned by different groups and range from skills-building challenges to encouraging wellness and knowing oneself.
Rainbows, who make up the youngest Girlguiding group, can earn a "Bee Rescuer" badge for helping the environment as well as a "My Thoughts" badge, which encourages children to share how they're feeling.
Brownies have reinvented the old "Hostess" badge, changing its name to "Celebrations", which is won by hosting a party and providing food and decorations.
While Guides are being encouraged to upcycle to earn a '"Thrift" badge and explore wellness through writing to earn the "Journaling" badge.
The new "Fandom" badge can be rewarded to Rangers who share their passion and connect with fellow fans of popstars like Taylor Swift or the Harry Potter series.
A youth panel made up of 30 girls aged between 12 to 18 and seven partners, including The Royal Horticultural Society and the Children's Book Project helped develop the ideas seen on the badges.
Amanda Azeez, acting chief executive of Girlguiding, said the launch of the new badges marked a "huge moment" for the orgaisation.
She added: "They've been designed by girls, for girls – which is so important to make sure we are staying relevant to girls' wants and needs.
"The response from girls and volunteers during the consultation process was incredible and really inspiring.
"There's something for everyone among the new badges and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact these activities have on girls, building their confidence and helping them know they can do anything."
Joining the organisation as ambassador to launch the project, broadcaster and presenter Angellica Bell said she wants to encourage girls to tackle the many challenges they face.
She said: "I know first-hand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun.
"Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls, and I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls' confidence and wellbeing, whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny.
"In a world where the voices of girls and young women are not always fairly heard, I am proud to stand alongside Girlguiding and will be using my voice to speak up for equality and to show that girls can do anything.'