Girl Scouts of the USA just announced their newest badges, and they’re ones that could shape our future engineers and computer programmers.
They all focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.
The 23 new badges are the largest addition of badges to Girl Scouts in more than a decade.
“I'm excited for the girls to explore the areas, like robotics and programming, and adding to the outdoor programs,” said Melissa Jobe, troop leader with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri. “Building leaders for tomorrow means we have to prepare girls to be leaders in the world as it is, and this is part of doing that.”
It’s a new addition 10-year-old junior girl scout Finlay Stizman has been excited about.
“I think it's important because when girl scouts put out badges, it basically shows this is what girls do, this is what girls like,” Finlay said. “But when what you like to do is not a part of those badges, feels like you're excluded, like you don't belong.”
From robotics to engineering, both Finley and her sister Kannon, a daisy girl scout, are ready to earn these new badges.
“The badge that I want is really the roller coaster one cause I never really got to ride on the roller coaster,” Kannon said.
“I think they're going to help me because I'm going to learn a little bit more, which can make a big difference in the future,” Finlay said.
She said it could help her get one step closer to what she wants to do when she’s older.
“When I grow up, I want to see if I can pursue in any type of engineering or technology. Right now I'm sort of looking towards robotics,” she said.
The badges are not out yet, but leaders say they will be available soon.
