Girlguides announce 72 new badges in thrifting, rescuing bees and 'fandoms'
Girlguiding has unveiled 72 new badges its members can work towards, in one of the largest updates in the organisation's 115-year history.
The badges, which were co-designed by more than 20,000 girls and volunteers, will be rolled out to members aged four to 18, across Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups.
Different badges can be earned by different groups and range from skills-building challenges to encouraging wellness and knowing oneself.
Rainbows, who make up the youngest Girlguiding group, can earn a "Bee Rescuer" badge for helping the environment as well as a "My Thoughts" badge, which encourages children to share how they're feeling.
Brownies have reinvented the old "Hostess" badge, changing its name to "Celebrations", which is won by hosting a party and providing food and decorations.
While Guides are being encouraged to upcycle to earn a '"Thrift" badge and explore wellness through writing to earn the "Journaling" badge.
The new "Fandom" badge can be rewarded to Rangers who share their passion and connect with fellow fans of popstars like Taylor Swift or the Harry Potter series.
A youth panel made up of 30 girls aged between 12 to 18 and seven partners, including The Royal Horticultural Society and the Children's Book Project helped develop the ideas seen on the badges.
Amanda Azeez, acting chief executive of Girlguiding, said the launch of the new badges marked a "huge moment" for the orgaisation.
She added: "They've been designed by girls, for girls – which is so important to make sure we are staying relevant to girls' wants and needs.
"The response from girls and volunteers during the consultation process was incredible and really inspiring.
"There's something for everyone among the new badges and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact these activities have on girls, building their confidence and helping them know they can do anything."
Joining the organisation as ambassador to launch the project, broadcaster and presenter Angellica Bell said she wants to encourage girls to tackle the many challenges they face.
She said: "I know first-hand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun.
"Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls, and I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls' confidence and wellbeing, whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny.
"In a world where the voices of girls and young women are not always fairly heard, I am proud to stand alongside Girlguiding and will be using my voice to speak up for equality and to show that girls can do anything.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Channel 4 to air new Taylor Swift documentary which shows 'other side' of singer
Taylor Swift's life and legacy are to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series, which will explore the Americana star's stratospheric rise to global stardom Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat as a new two-part documentary about the Starlight star is winging its way to Channel 4. With a working title of 'Taylor', the series, which is set to air later this year, will explore the Bad Blood billionaire's rise to global stardom as one of the world's most successful pop stars. According to Channel 4, the programme will 'dig deep' into Taylor's 20-year career through interviews with high-profile commentators, industry insiders, and fans. The documentary will also 'examine the forces that have shaped her trajectory and the devoted community she has inspired'. And 'rare archive will reveal fresh insights into Taylor and her story as the series charts her journey from ambitious teen with towering dreams to one of the most influential and scrutinised figures of our time'. Director, Guy Fall (The Fall, Bombing Brighton), Guy King, claims the billionaire is "unprecedentedly powerful", saying: " Taylor Swift is an unprecedentedly powerful 21st Century voice for women and young people. "Under the microscope of social media since the earliest days of MySpace and Tumblr, she came of age during a new feminist wave. "With her fame came controversy, which she so skilfully wrestled to the floor. We're excited to tell her story." Meanwhile, Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 and Commissioning Editor said: "We're thrilled that Sandpaper and director Guy King will be bringing their calibre of storytelling to chart the impact of Taylor Swift on today's culture. "Her journey has been nothing short of epic, and we're keen for this series to reflect all the joy and artistry, the heartbreaks and high stakes, of her stunning career, while also showing viewers sides of Taylor Swift that they might not know or expect.' Taylor, 35, was at her father's side last month after Scott Swift underwent major heart surgery after going to the doctor for a check-up. Scott, 73, who played a significant role in his daughter's music career, had quintuple bypass surgery last month after his GP "saw something" in worrying news for the family. Thankfully, Scott, is now said to be "doing great" after the operation, according to TMZ, after being supported by Taylor 's mum and Scott's wife, Mrs Swift, who has been married to Scott for 37 years, and the singer's brother, Austin, throughout the surgery and during the recovery process. Taylor's rep also told the outlet that the procedure was not the result of a heart attack, but because Scott's doctor "saw something" while confirming that the dad-of-two is now "feeling just great". The singer's spokesperson told the outlet: "Scott Swift had quintuple bypass surgery over a month ago and his wife, Andrea, and their kids, Taylor and Austin, were with him through the entire surgery and recovery process."
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
New Halloween experience in Glasgow promises magical thrills and eerie adventures
Glasghost will take place from October 24 to 26, 2025 and offers two full hours of immersive activities and performances A brand new Halloween event is coming to Glasgow this October, offering families a packed programme of spooky fun and supernatural-themed entertainment. Taking place at the SEC centre from October 24 to 26, 2025, Glasghost is being billed as one of the city's most exciting new seasonal celebrations, Glasgow Live reports. Organisers say the event will deliver "eerie entertainment, interactive adventures, and magical memories for all ages", and are confident it will become Glasgow's 'most anticipated Halloween celebration yet'. The indoor attraction promises two full hours of immersive activities and performances, with no hidden costs once inside. Every ride, attraction and activity is included in the ticket price, giving visitors access to an array of Halloween-themed experiences. A spokesperson for Glasghost said: "Whether it's raining bats or shining moons, the event is designed to be fully weatherproof with plenty of indoor fun for families to enjoy together. "Don't miss out. Tickets are expected to vanish fast, so secure your spot today for the ultimate Halloween adventure. Glasghost is a magical, monster-filled, and memory-making day out that's guaranteed to delight kids and grown-ups alike." Visitors can expect a wide range of themed zones and experiences. Highlights include: Ghost Train and Haunted House – Classic fairground scares for the whole family. (Children under six must be accompanied by an adult.) Alien Invasion Laser Tag – A high-energy, out-of-this-world battle experience where guests gear up and join the resistance. Silent Disco – Dance the night away on a glowing dance floor to Halloween classics, including Michael Jackson's Thriller. Kids Zone – A creative space where younger children can craft potions, make spells, and explore a pumpkin patch perfect for photo opportunities. Wizarding World – Step into a fantasy realm inspired by the world of Harry Potter, complete with dragons, Dementors and even a replica of Platform 9¾. Spooky Graveyard Photo Ops – Snap some hauntingly fun photos with life-size characters and eerie set pieces. But beware, Dracula might be lurking nearby! Trick or Treat Alley – Pick up sweet treats and browse stalls from Spook-A-Boo vendors selling costumes, spooky gifts, and Halloween goodies. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The official release says: "Your entry ticket gives you full access to all activities and rides—no hidden costs, just pure fun! Rain? No Problem!" How to get tickets for Glasghost The entire event is designed to be family friendly while still offering chills and thrills for older children and adults. With themed environments, live entertainment and hands-on activities, Glasghost aims to offer something for everyone. Tickets are available now via the official website at with prices starting at around £16 for children and from £26 for adults depending on time slot. Guests can choose their preferred entry time when booking.
Sky News
14 hours ago
- Sky News
Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes speaks out about JK Rowling's trans stance
Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes has told Sky News she believes JK Rowling is "wrong about some things" when it comes to her stance on trans issues - but says it is also wrong for the author to be left out of "celebrations" for her famous books. Margolyes, who played Professor Sprout in the film series, said it was "fair enough" to criticise Rowling, who has been outspoken in her gender critical views. However, the 84-year-old actress said the backlash against the writer had become "unkind", and highlighted her absence from certain celebrations of the Harry Potter story. In 2022, Rowling did not appear in a 25th anniversary TV reunion featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who starred in all of the films. All three stars have spoken out in support of the trans community. Speaking to Sky News presenter Wilfred Frost, Margolyes said: "I think everybody can be criticised, I think that's fair enough, but everybody's so horrid and nasty and unkind and I don't like that. "I don't want people to be unkind about trans... I mean, I'm a gay woman myself and you have to just put up with it. I don't know if [Rowling's] been badly treated but I think it was wrong that she wasn't invited to the celebrations for Harry Potter. You know, she created the whole thing. "She may be wrong about some things. And women's bodies are tremendously important - I love my body, even though it's fat and misshapen, and I wouldn't be a man for anything. But trans - who cares? Let's be kind, let's be inclusive. I think there's an awful lot of nonsense talked about it." Between 1997 and 2007, Rowling published seven Harry Potter books - which were turned into eight films between 2001 and 2011. The movies generated more than $7.7bn at the global box office. The author will be involved in the upcoming Harry Potter series. Margolyes said she does not know Rowling and has never met her, but praised her work and highlighted her series of crime novels, written under the pen name Robert Galbraith. "I salute her as a very great writer and I think I like the detective stories best," she told Frost. The actress spoke to Sky News as the patron of the Charles Dickens Museum, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. The museum is based at 48 Doughty Street, central London, where Dickens lived for two years and wrote works including Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist. "A life was lived here," she said. "A great writer, and he belongs to all of us. And that's why I want people to come to this museum and enjoy it." During the interview, Margolyes also made her thoughts clear on artificial intelligence - an issue that many creatives are concerned about. "I loathe AI and everything connected with it," she said. "That is not about everybody sharing, it's about people stealing and lying, which is what goes on a great deal these days. No, AI is a very bad thing and I won't have anything to do with it - and I'm pretty sure that Mr Dickens would not like it either."
