Patch Programs

Looking for even more fun things to do with your girls? GSHNJ has several fun patch programs your girls can participate in! All programs include a facilitator guide or clear directions on what, exactly, to do. Girls can complete them individually or with a troop.

Be a Better Sister: Be a Better Sister | Be a Better Sister: Diversity

Created in sisterhood with the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast

At Girl Scouts we build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We are committed to empowering girls to speak out and stand up against racial injustice and all other forms of discrimination. Using the tools of education and empathy, we aim to unite girls across the country to find shared experiences and celebrate different backgrounds. Through these actions, we can all aspire to Be a Better
Sister! Upon completion, buy your patch in the council shop and wear it on the back of your uniform.
Be the Change: Be the Change

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts have learned the skills, embraced the experiences, and cultivated the friendships that enable them to change the world right now and accomplish big things in the future. During this time of social distancing, as we continue to do our part to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus, this temporary patch program re-imagines the ways girls can engage with GSHNJ CEO Natasha Hemmings to receive her patch.
Cookie Rookie: Cookie Rookie

What can a cookie do? Download this free facilitator guide to help your cookie-selling newbies discover their Five Skills as they learn all about the Girl Scout Cookie Sale. Each guide provides five full 90-minute lesson plans. Buy corresponding patches in the council shops. Wear this patch on the back of your uniform.
Council's Own Badge: Newark: Thanks to girls in Service Unit 21, GSHNJ has our own badge! Download the requirements for free, Brownies through Ambassadors explore all the neat things Newark, New Jersey has to offer, then buy your badge in a council shop. Upon completion, wear this badge on the front of your uniform.
Food Allergy Advocates: Food Allergy Advocates

Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) has partnered with GSHNJ to offer the Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program. FARE is the world's leading food allergy advocacy organization and the largest private funder of food allergy research. The Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program requirements give Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn about life with food allergies, with an emphasis on raising awareness of the public health issues, which impacts 32 million children and adults in the United States.
Free Being Me: Free Being Me

Empowering all girls through improving body confidence and self-esteem, WAGGGS, Girl Scouts, and Dove have teamed up to work toward a world where everyone feels free to be themselves. Once you’ve completed the program, contact programs@gshnj.org for a free patch. Wear this patch on the back of your uniform.
Hearts of Service: Hearts of Service

The Hearts of Service program tracks and recognizes service hours that girls at all grade levels perform as Girl Scouts. This is an optional program and may be completed as an individual or as a troop, though girls individually track their hours and individually earn their Hearts of Service awards. Learn more here!
One Smart Cookie: One Smart Cookie

What can a cookie do? Download this free facilitator guide help your cookie-selling veterans brush up their Five Skills. Each guide provides five full 90-minute lesson plans. Buy corresponding patches in the council shops. Wear this patch on the back of your uniform.
Pen Pal Network: Pen Pal Network

Girls will make long-lasting connections with Girl Scouts from across the country, across the ocean, or just across the state. Plus, this is a fun way to learn about different cultures and improve writing skills, while sharing stories and making new friends. It’s easy, too!
Screen Smart: Screen Smart

Smartphones, tablets, video games and computers are all technology devices, or “screens.” Today, screens are a bigger part of our lives than they ever were before and it’s helpful to think and learn about how much screen time is healthy and useful in our lives--and practice making smart choices about using screens. Upon completion, buy your patch in the council shop, and wear it on the back of your uniform.
Stand and Be Counted: Stand and Be Counted

Did you know that every ten years, the United States Census Bureau makes an effect to count every person living in the United States? This is called a census, and the very first U.S. Census was conducted in 1790! Earn this patch to discover why we count everyone, what happens afterward, and how you can become involved. Upon completion, buy your patch in the council shop, and wear it on the back of your uniform. Also available en español.
Summer Outdoor Challenge: Summer Outdoor Challenge

Complete enough activities to earn 100 points. Check off which ones you did and bring your list to any GSHNJ Council Shop to buy your 2021 Summer Outdoor Challenge patch, while supplies last.