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Girl Scouts at Home

Girl Scouts at Home is here to keep you connected to your Girl Scout sisterhood no matter where you are. Below you’ll find events, activities and more that you can do at home with your family or on your own. Plus, for our volunteers, we have a whole list of resources to help you host successful virtual troop meetings.

How are you continuing the fun at home? Share your Girl Scouts at Home activities with us by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram.

COVID-19 Updates and Advisories

Getting Started

There are so many great ways to bring Girl Scouts to life at home for your girl! When she does Girl Scouts at home, she’ll develop the skills, curiosity and confidence she needs to take on the world’s biggest challenges.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Read Keep Girl Scouts Going. This primer introduces parents and caregivers to the Girl Scout program and helps you learn how to do activities “the Girl Scout way.”
  • Connect with your troop leader or service unit volunteers and let them know you want to support your girl’s Girl Scout experience at home. They may have tips or materials you can borrow!
  • Check out the resources on this page and let your girl take the lead! Does she want to do a science experiment? Go backyard camping? Earn an award? We’ve got you covered! Let her know what’s available then follow her lead.

Parent FAQs

Are troops meeting right now? If so, how?
Yes, Girl Scout troops across our council are meeting right now! Our troops have come up with safe and creative ways to meet during this time to keep Girl Scouts going. Some troops are meeting in person and some are meeting virtually using tools like Zoom. Some are also choosing to work on common activities at home on their own time, perhaps choosing to earn the same badge at home with their families while keeping in touch with each other via phone, email, etc.

To find a troop near you, contact us at info@girlscoutsdiamonds.org or give us a call at 800-632-6894.

Is there a virtual troop my daughter can join?
For girls in grades K-5, yes! We are offering short-term, staff-supported virtual troops. These troops offer the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to families looking to become more involved with Girl Scouts and will allow parents to learn what it’s like to be a part of a troop leadership team. Join Girl Scouts today and select Virtual Troops from our online opportunity catalog to join!

Are Girl Scout events still happening?
Yes! Safe in-person and virtual events are happening. Check with your troop leader or service unit volunteers to see what local events they are hosting this year. You can also check out our events calendar to register for our upcoming council events and visit GSUSA’s virtual event calendar.

How can I help my troop right now?
Troop leaders, like many of us, have experienced many rapid changes over this past year. Some may be able to continue to hold troop meetings and others may need more support. Consider reaching out to your troop leader and offering to lead a meeting or activity, bring snacks, plan a safe outdoor field trip or help with cookie sales. Or simply ask how you can help! Troop leadership is a team sport and the more adults you have on your team, the stronger your troop will be.

Can I be a Girl Scout without a troop?
Yes! We call girls who participate independently Juliettes (named after our founder, Juliette Gordon Low). Visit our Juliettes page to learn more. 

Finding Girl Scout Materials and Information

Here’s a quick guide to finding Girl Scout program materials and information:

Badges and Journeys: Use the badge explorer to learn what different badges and Journeys are all about. Once you decide which ones to do, head over to the shop to purchase program requirements and the badge or Journey awards. Or borrow from a friend!

Note: Requirements for the new 3-part badges including Automotive Engineering, Coding for Good, Cybersecurity, Mechanical Engineering and Robotics as well as the Outdoor STEM, Engineering and Computer Science Journey can only be found in the Volunteer Toolkit. Parents may email programs@girlscoutsdiamonds.org to request a copy.

Awards: Check out the awards chart to see what your girl is eligible to earn. Award requirements can be found in the “Earned Awards” section below or in the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting or Handbooks. Awards can be purchased from the shop.

Patch programs can be found in the “Patch Program” and “Girl Scouts Unplugged” sections below.

Events can be found on our event calendar or GSUSA’s virtual event calendar.

Prefer to shop in person? Come visit our Little Rock and Rogers locations during retail hours.

Staying Connected

Staying connected to what’s going on at Girl Scouts is one of the best ways to support your girl! Here are a few tips:


 

Virtual Events

Virtual Girl Scout events are a great way to make new friends and learn new skills!

Council: Check out our event calendar or search for events in the “virtual” region for a list of upcoming events with our community program partners. Stay tuned—new events are added regularly!

National: Check out the GSUSA Girl Scouts at Home event calendar for virtual events hosted by GSUSA and councils across the country!

Special event opportunity: Earn a chance to win free Girl Scout membership! Girl Scouts – Diamonds girls are invited to GSUSA’s Protect the Planet virtual event where you’ll hear from 3 women who use science to protect our environment and learn how you can take action to make the world a better place. Plus, once you complete the post-event survey, you’ll be eligible to win free 2021-2022 Girl Scout membership! 35 winners will be selected from the first 350 Diamonds girls to do so—a 1 in 10 chance to win! Event recordings can be viewed here:
Grades K–5: https://bit.ly/2IyVrxb
Grades 6–12: https://bit.ly/36EASHv

Earned Awards

Earned Awards
Now is the perfect time to add some new bling to the front of your vest! Check out these awards below and be sure to visit the Girl Scout shop to order your pin or badge. Want to earn a badge? Check out the badge explorer to see what’s available then order your badge and badge requirements through the online shop.

Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin
It’s never been easier to support your girl as she develops business skills, makes amazing memories, and earns a different pin for her uniform every cookie season. The simple, age-specific guidelines have been tailored for her developing skill set, making success a snap. Order your Cookie Family Entrepreneur Pin award now.

World Thinking Day Award
Backed by 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in locations worldwide, World Thinking Day 2021 celebrates what it means to be a peacebuilder, an important component of our global Movement. Check out the activity guides below to explore this theme—and celebrate being part of the diverse global sisterhood that is Girl Guides + Girl Scouts! Girls can earn this award at anytime throughout the year, not just around World Thinking Day! Order your World Thinking Day Award now.

2021 Activity Guide For Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors
2021 Activity Guide For Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors

Global Action Award
Girl Scouts’ Global Action award calls for girls to address the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, or SDGs for short, by discovering, connecting, and taking action in their communities and beyond. In 2021, girls will explore SDG #13 (climate action) to earn their Global Action award. Check out the activity guides below and order your Global Action Award now.

2021 Global Action Award Activity Guide For Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors
2021 Global Action Award Activity Guide For Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors

My Promise, My Faith
The Girl Scouts My Promise, My Faith pin invites girls in grades K-12 to experience a faith journey through exploration of the Girl Scout Law and teachings from their faith. Girls can earn this national pin each year. Order your My Promise, My Faith Award now.

Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) have developed resources to support youth in completing their religious emblems at home and fostering their faith formation during this time of social distancing including videos and other online resources. P.R.A.Y. Is also permitting students who are eligible for a program based on their current grade level in March 2020 to now be eligible to earn their award through December 31, 2020. GSUSA has approved these programs and allows the recognition to be worn on uniforms.

Program Aide
Become a Diamonds Program Aide! In this online course Cadettes learn how to work with younger Girl Scouts and explore your own talent as a leader. Upon completion of the training, girls will be awarded a certificate and T-shirt. You will then practice your Program Aide skills at six activity sessions and earn your Program Aide pin!

Complete your Highest Awards training online
Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors—are you ready to start earning your Bronze, Silver or Gold Award? Now is a great time to take our online training! Visit our Gold, Silver and Bronze Award webpages to learn more about these awards, watch the training webinars, and get started on your highest awards.

How are you continuing the fun at home? Share your Girl Scouts at Home activities with us by tagging us on Facebook or Insta and using the hashtag #GirlScoutsatHome.

Patch Programs

Patch Programs

National patch programs are available from GSUSA as well!

Featured: ABB Girls in STEM Patch – NEW!
ABB, a global technology leader, is partnering with Girl Scouts to inspire girls in STEM. Girl Scouts in the Diamonds council can earn a new ABB Girls in STEM patch by participating in STEM activities at home! Check out this video demonstration of the Marshmallow Puff Tube Activity! Patches may be requested here.

Free Being Me
A one-of-a-kind program! Through fun and interactive activities, children and young people learn that body confidence and self-esteem come from valuing their bodies, standing up to social pressures, and supporting others to be more body confident. By working together, leading others and speaking out, participants will be empowered to make a difference in their local and global communities. To request your patch, email programs@girlscoutsdiamonds.org.

"Smile Squad" Patch Program
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation
Use your creativity and Girl Scouting skills to learn how your mouth links to your overall health and well-being. Review good dental habits, try an oral health experiment, discover how hidden sugars can damage your teeth, and learn about the importance of brushing twice a day. Master the topics to earn your patch and join Delta Dental’s Smile Squad!

Penny the Pig
Earn a special “Penny the Pig” patch for the whole troop while they learn what it really means to “be a sister to every Girl Scout.” Complete the Penny the Pig patch program, where girls become philanthropists, learn what that means and how they play a part in making a big difference at Girl Scouts – Diamonds. 

Texas Women Vote
This patch program packet is designed to encourage Girl Scouts of all levels to learn and develop knowledge about the history of voting rights and why it is important for everyone to vote.

Okay to Say
Girls will learn about mental health issues and how it affects our community. This patch program is held in partnership with Okay to Say™. Complete this patch anytime this year. 

FARE Food Allergy Awareness Patch
Girl Scouts – Diamonds is partnering with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to spread awareness about food allergies. Through this program, girls will learn about food allergies and the people who live with them. Check out the requirements here. To request your patch, email programs@girlscoutsdiamonds.org. 

Science and Art Activities

STEAM Center at Home
Want to learn how to make your own bath bomb? What about slime, butter or rain clouds? Our STEAM Coordinator Brooke Bland has you covered! Check out the STEAM Center page for at-home science and art activity videos and instructions.

Girl Scouts + Discovery Education Family Science Activities (Grades K-5)
As more and more women enter STEM careers, increasing STEM interest and engagement among girls continues to be a significant focus. Use the resources here to empower your girl to see herself changing the world in new ways with at-home resources from Girls Get STEM.

Health and Wellness Activities

Health and Wellness
Learn about and practice ways to keep your mind, body and community healthy! Boost your nutrition, learn how to reduce the spread of germs, explore medical professions, learn about mental health and more.

Badge and Journey category suggestions: First Aid, Healthy Living, Safety Award

Resources:

Troop 6754 PSA
Learn how to wash your hands with Girl Scout CEO, Sylvia Acevedo
Exploratorium COVID-19 Science
GirlsHealth.gov
Mental Health Awareness Patch Program
Health Career Exploration
COVID Information Video
How to Make a Bandana Mask Video

Mental Health
Source: Jason Brooks, Mental Skills Trainer

What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and muscle function. It has been shown that 13 minutes of mindfulness per day increases brain activity by 16%. Mindfulness teaches people how to stay consistent by keeping people present. It also helps in emotional control.

To practice your awareness, picture this:

  • When your nose itches, what do you do? What body parts are used to scratch the itch?
  • When you hear a loud noise in the dark, what do you feel? What do you see?

Next, try these visualization activities to help you practice your breathing, focus and awareness.

Exercise 1: The Box Technique

  1. Close your eyes.
  2. Take deep breaths while drawing the lines of a box in the air or on a surface with your finger. For example, breathe in as you draw the first line. Breathe out as you draw the second line.
  3. Repeat steps to complete the box.

Reflection question: What did you see in your mind’s eye while drawing the box?

Ideally, during the box activity, you should have only seen the box as you were drawing it. Sometimes our minds wander and we picture or think about other things, even if we’re trying to focus. When you notice your mind beginning to wander, gently and lovingly bring your attention back to your breath and to the box.

Exercise 2: Tie Your Shoes
Visualization is a skill that athletes often use to help them perfect new techniques and improve their response times. The purpose of visualization is to improve the connection between the mind and the body. Try imagining yourself doing a sports or musical skill you would like to improve—focusing on every little technique, move and feeling—and see what happens! You might find that the more you visualize this activity, the more your skills will improve and the less brain power it takes to make it happen. Practice the following visualization activity with a partner:

Items you will need:

  • A partner
  • A timer
  • A pair of shoes
  1. Have one partner close their eyes.
  2. Ask the partner with the closed eyes to visualize themself tying their shoes. Tell them to nod their head when they start the visualization and to open their eyes when they finish.
  3. The other partner should use the timer to see how long it takes for their partner to visualize tying their shoes, starting the timer when your partner nods their head and stopping when they open their eyes.
  4. Now ask your partner to physically tie their shoes. Use the timer to see how long it takes.
  5. Compare the times from visual shoe tying and physical shoe tying. Have them try again and see if there’s a difference!

Reflection question: Was it easier or harder to tie your shoe after first visualizing it? Why do you think that is?

Mindfulness resources:

25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens
Top 50 Mindfulness Resources for Children and Teens
18 Mindfulness Games, Worksheets and Activities for Kids
Mindfulness Activities for Children
10 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids

Emotional Health Resources:

Staying healthy during this time is important, and that includes emotional health, too!

Understanding your emotions
Fighting Stress
First Aid for Feelings
Self-soothe box
Emotional Well-Being Activities

Physical Health Resources:
The CDC recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.  Physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease and obesity.  Here are some avidities you can do virtually!

Movement videos for kids
Yoga app
YMCA on demand
P.E. with Joe
Just Dance videos for kids
Kidz Bop Dance along 
The Kids Coach
Karate for Kids!
Math physical activities

Other physical activity ideas to do as a troop virtually: choreograph a dance routine, scavenger hunt, earn a physical activity badge like Athlete, Trail Adventure or Dancer. 

Other Activities

Family and Troop Backyard Camping Toolkit
Camping is one of the most treasured Girl Scout traditions. Whether you’re in the wilderness, at Girl Scout camp or in your own backyard, camping is a great way to connect to nature and to your Girl Scout sisters. This toolkit is designed to help families bring the Girl Scout camping experience home and to help troops and service units build a virtual group campout experience.

National Girl Scout Service Projects
Girl Scouts have always stepped up in times of need and our current COVID-19 crisis is no different. We are proud of all that our service units, troops and girls have done so far to support our community—and the world—during COVID-19. We are also proud to be a part of the larger Girl Scout Movement, which is serving our country and our world. Girl Scouts of the USA has launched National Service Projects so that girls can continue serving their communities during this time. 

WAGGGS #PositivityPatrol: 10-Week Leadership Challenge
In these difficult times, we want to make sure that every and any girl can still feel empowered, and have learning and development opportunities. For that we want to make sure they still have opportunities to practice leadership and collaborate with each other to make a positive change in the world. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world can be a #PositivityPatrol, to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Join the Positivity Patrol Challenge today!

Virtual Camp Marketplace—opening soon!

Ready for Girl Scout camp but not so ready for in-person experiences? Checkout this listing of virtual Girl Scout summer camps from across the country. With themes like STEM, outdoors, life skills and more, you’re bound to learn new things and make new friends!

Ready for in-person summer camp? Sign up here!

Girl Scouts en su hogar

A pesar de que la rutina diaria de su niña puede haber cambiado, hay muchas maneras en que puede aprender y participar en las actividades de Girl Scouts, ¡incluso en casa! Siga el enlace a continuación para encontrar recursos e ideas para niñas de todos los niveles para ayudarla a comenzar.

Girl Scouts en su hogar

También, hay recursos para la Girl Scout Cookie Program (Programa de Galletas Girl Scouts) de Little Brownie Bakers para su familia!

Virtual Fun with our Program Partners

Girl Scouts – Diamonds partners with businesses and organizations to bring in-person and virtual events to girls across our council. Right now, several of our partners are sharing great activities that girls can do at home. Here are a few we love:

Apple Seeds – Kid friendly recipes and nutrition

AR Conductor – STEM Challenges

Arkansas Game and Fish – Virtual Nature Center

ASU Museum – Video programs twice a week

Ballet Arkansas – “Encore” performances and classes

Crystal Bridges - Studio at Home and My Museum Kit

Esse Purse Museum – Virtual Exhibits

Fayetteville Public Library – Activities and story times

Focus Bank - Banzai Financial Literacy

Girls in Politics Initiative – Civic Education programs

Museum of Discovery – At Home Discoveries

Scott Family Amazeum – Amazeum YOU

Shiloh Museum – History Camp

Trike Theatre – Virtual activities

Trust Tree – free Summer Inspiration program

Twists N Turns - Immersive Murder Mystery Experiences

VicTreeFi - Complete financial literacy badges online with VicTreeFi

Resources from Other Girl Scout Councils and WAGGGS Member Organiztions

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts – Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts of Colorado – Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts of Western Washington –  Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts of Western Ohio –  Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona –  Virtual Girl Scouts
 Girl Scouts of Alaska –  Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts River Valleys –  Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails –  Girl Scouting at Home
 Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands –  Girl Scouts Connected
 Girl Scouts of Central Indiana –  Girl Scouts at Home
 Girl Scouts Heart of the South – Girl Scout Digital Experience

 

 


 

Virtual Meetings and Activities Agreement
This agreement is required for all virtual meetings or activities that are recorded with girl participation. 

Virtual Troops: Our troops are meeting in a variety of ways right now—virtually, in-person, and a hybrid of both. For girls who are unable to find a current troop to join, we are offering short-term, staff-supported virtual troops. These troops offer the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to families looking to become more involved with Girl Scouts and will allow parents to learn what it’s like to be a part of a troop leadership team. Join Girl Scouts today and select Virtual Troops from our online opportunity catalog to join!

Virtual Events for Volunteers

Volunteer Roundtables
The Volunteer Roundtable is a monthly virtual event for Diamonds Volunteers that is focused on timely tips, tricks, Q&As, and discussion. Each month has a different theme/topic. Volunteer Roundtable takes place the second Tuesday of each month at 1pm and 6pm. The same topic is covered at both times so choose the time that is best for you. Questions? Contact training@girlscoutsdiamonds.org

GSUSA Tips for Troop Leaders
GSUSA regularly hosts live events to help you adapt to this new normal and stay on you’re a-game. Keep an eye out for future events or scroll back and watch the recordings from past events.

Game: Girl Scout Volunteer BINGO
Many of you are now at home all day, trying to work, raise a family and help kids with schoolwork. We get it—it’s chaos! But if you are looking for a way to use the time to learn something new, we’ve got a fun way to help motivate you—Girl Scout Bingo for Volunteers!

Resources for Running Virtual Meetings

Virtual Meeting Training

Girl Scouts – Diamonds Zoom 101: Hosting a Troop Meeting via Zoom webinar

Girl Scouts – Diamonds Zoom 102: Zoom 102 - Reservable Workshops
If you missed out on the Zoom 102 Workshops this past fall but would still like the training, please reach out to us! We are offering this training as a one-on-one reservable workshop for individuals or groups of volunteers who would like to learn a little more about engaging their girls virtually, and/or walkthrough some of Zoom’s handiest features. Whether you would like to practice with breakout rooms or adapt a certain badge, we are here for you! Email hscanlon@girlscoutsdiamonds.org to schedule.

The Virtual Meetings Playbook—A great step-by-step guide to virtual meetings

Check out GSUSA’s Tips for Troop Leaders blog for articles and insights about running virtual meetings!

Zoom instructional PDFs

Virtual Meeting Safety

Virtual Meetings and Activities Agreement—This agreement is required for all virtual meetings or activities that are recorded with girl participation. 

Best Practices for Securing Your Virtual Classroom (or troop meeting!)

Virtual Meeting Activities

Free and Low-cost Tools for Virtual Meetings

Girl Scouts - Diamonds Webinar - Hosting a Troop Meeting via Zoom

Below is a list of free and low-cost tools troops and service units in other councils are using for virtual meetings. While we cannot endorse or support specific online meeting tools, we encourage you to look at these and alternative options and discuss with parents and girls to determine what the best solution is for your troop or service unit needs. 

Video and Audio-Conferencing Tools with free versions

While all of these options have a free version, please note you may be prompted to consider their upgraded versions for a subscription fee.

Chat and Collaboration Tools with free versions

Microsoft Teams - Support

Slack – Help Center

Facebook Groups – Help Center

Google Classroom – Help Center
    Getting Started
    Tips and Tricks
    How to create digital assignments
    Google Classroom for Parents

Additional low-cost tools for collaboration and conferencing to consider if the above options do not meet your group's needs.

Troop Camping and Travel

Camping and travel are beloved Girl Scout traditions! While they may look a little different this year, travel and especially camping are still possible. Whether you’re in the wilderness, at Girl Scout camp or in your own backyard, camping is a great way to connect to nature and to your Girl Scout sisters!

 

In-Person

Check out our council’s current COVID-19 guidance for Girl Scout activities. Troop travel and camping are currently allowed, but please follow all transportation, travel and other health and safety guidelines as outlined in our council’s current COVID-19 guidance.

At-home/Virtual

If you prefer a more socially distant camping experience, check out our Family and Troop Backyard Camping Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help families bring the Girl Scout camping experience home and to help troops and service units build a virtual group campout experience. 

GS at home right rail
GS at home right rail
Keep her engaged and inspired in challenging times. Renew Now.
Keep her engaged and inspired in challenging times. Renew Now.
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us