For over a century, Girl Scouts have proudly worn distinctive uniforms that symbolize the high ideals for which the organization stands. Our uniforms have changed over the years and are in step with today’s trends and active lifestyles.

Girl Scouts at each level now wear one required element (tunic, sash, or vest) to display official pins, badges, and awards. The Girl Scout experience can be marked by a series of smaller awards earned through badge work. Girls must complete a series of activities and programs to earn badges. There are many opportunities to earn badges depending on the path a troop chooses to follow.

 

Badges and Patches – What’s the Difference?

Badges and Pins are created by GSUSA as symbols to mark learning a new skill for a specific level of Girl Scouting. Topics of badges range from outdoor skills to civic engagement, and all GSUSA-approved badges and pins go on the front of your tunic, vest, or sash.

Council’s Own Patches are created by Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and go on the back of your tunic, vest, or sash. They each have their own list of requirements developed by our council or a partner organization. They are great options when planning troop meetings or excursions. Council’s Own patches focus on different areas of girl interest, including camping, sports, music, and the outdoors. Visit our Council’s Own Resources page for a list of GSMIDTN patches and requirements, and email nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org to check for patch availability.

Fun Patches can be earned for any number of fun activities your troop or service unit complete together — including camporees, pool parties, a trip to the movies, or a visit to a museum — and go on the back of your tunic, vest, or sash. Many fun patches are available for purchase in The Cabin. Email nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org to check availability. If you need a specialty patch for an event we do not keep in stock (like goat yoga), we can order them for you with no additional cost. Fun patches are a great way to commemorate fun experiences with your Girl Scouts.

SWAPS, short for Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere, have been an important part of Girl Scout tradition for over 50 years. They are small tokens of friendship to exchange with other Girl Scouts and can be traded at events like service unit camporees, Girl Scout programs, or any time you run into other Girl Scouts. SWAPS are are normally small, homemade items girls can attach to the back of a tunic, vest, sash, or someplace special to keep track of Girl Scout memories.

Check Out Full List of Insignia and Awards by Grade Level