Exploring Scouting Through Badges

Scout badges tell stories.

They represent places, events, achievements, and history. In this activity, Scouts will begin their very own badge collection by learning how to collect, swap, and display different types of badges. This is a fun way to connect with Scouting’s past and present while learning about design, organisation, and heritage.

It also links to the Special Interest Area (SIA) – Creating a Better World or Growth & Development, and can be developed into a full SIA project with guidance.

What you'll need

• A small badge album, display board, or folder

• Badges (from camps, old uniforms, badge swaps, Scout Shop, or others)

• Internet access (for research and contacting Scout Heritage Victoria)

• Notebook or worksheet for recording badge info

• Optional: Photos, printouts, or maps to show badge locations or themes

Activity

• Get Inspired

  • Look at examples of badge collections online or through Scout Heritage Victoria

  • Discuss what makes a badge special or collectible

• Start Your Collection

  • Gather badges you already have from past camps or events

  • Ask family, friends, or Leaders if they have any to donate or trade

  • Visit the Scout Shop or check for upcoming events where you might get a badge

• Organise and Display

  • Choose how to store or display your badges (board, album, shirt, blanket)

  • Group them by theme, year, location, or type

  • Label them with notes or stories (e.g. what event it came from, who gave it to you)

• Swap and Expand:

  • Set up a badge swap night with your Unit

  • Attend events with badge swap zones

  • Reach out to other Groups or Heritage Centres to expand your knowledge

• Make It a Project (Optional):

  • Turn your badge collecting into a Special Interest Area project

  • Plan your goals, what you’ll learn, and how to share your finished display

Change the challenge level

Easier

• Focus on collecting just a few badges and learning about them

• Ask a Leader to help you find badges or give suggestions

Harder

• Research the history of Scouting through badges (e.g. compare old and new designs)

• Create a presentation or display for your Group or a local Scout event

• Build a digital collection or badge map using software

Reflection