Brownie Girl Scouts in Grades 1-3
A Guide to Cookies, Camping, Patches, Uniforms and Events
Brownies are the second level of Girl Scouting. Once a girl has completed her year as a Daisy Girl Scout, or is in first grade, she is eligible to become a Brownie Girl Scout.
Brownie Try-Its
Brownie Girl Scouts earn Try-its, a triangular patch that signifies the completion of four activities designed to expose girls to new knowledge, hobbies, careers and activities. There are rules about where the patches can be placed on the uniform. Different areas of the front of the uniform are designated for pins, patches and other awards.
Brownie Girl Scout Uniforms
The Brownie pin or the Girl Scout pin is all that is necessary for a scout to be considered “In Uniform.” Many girls, however, elect to purchase the optional sash or vest to display pins, patches and badges. There are skirts, a skort, shorts and pants available to match the sash and vest.
Girl Scout Council Events
Participating in Council events can help Brownie Girl Scouts feel connected to the larger community of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world. Many Councils observe World Thinking Day every year. World Thinking Day celebrates that all Girl Scouts and Girl Guides are connected, and raises awareness for the World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
Other Council events include day camps, award ceremonies (or Court of Awards), Bridging Ceremonies, and other special events.
Girl Scout Camp
Camping is an activity many older Brownie Girl Scouts enjoy. As part of the Girl Scout program, girls are expected to practice sleeping away from home in sleepovers or backyard camping trips before they can attend other outdoor camping events. Leaders are required to participate in special outdoor training classes and prospective campsites must be approved by the Girl Scouts Council, for safety and amenities.
Girl Scout Cookies
Cookie Sales are an important fundraiser for the Girl Scouts, and money from each sale goes to support individual girls, their troop, the Girl Scout Council and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Historically, the girls would make their own cookies. Currently, there are two bakeries in the U.S. that are approved for the production of Girl Scout Cookies. Recipes are a carefully guarded secret.
While participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale is optional, it is a time-honored tradition. Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program can help girls learn to set goals, give customer service, track progress toward a goal and make group decisions.
Brownie Girl Scout Meetings
There isn’t a rule about how often troops must meet. Some Brownie troops meet weekly, and others meet monthly. Troops can meet directly after school or in the evening or over the weekend. Two registered adults are required at each meeting. A troop meeting can be spent working on try-its, helping in the community, or any other age-appropriate activity. Many troops chose to open the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recitation of the Girl Scout Promise and/or law.
