By Tara Rappleye, Program Director

Are you and your girls planning your adventures for the 2016-2017 program year? Let us help! In addition to our Girl Scout Leadership Experience badge program, Girl Scouts- North Carolina Coastal Pines also has a variety of council patch programs special to our council.

With almost 20 different council patch programs that cover an array of topics, there is a patch for every Girl Scout’s interest. Girl Scouts can work towards a patch at any time during the year. However, the council highlights a “Patch of the Month” so that troops from across our 41 counties can learn and earn together and share their experiences to enrich the overall experience.

Below is our Patch of the Month schedule starting in September 2016. We encourage troops leaders and parents to submit story submissions of girls earning our awesome patches so that we can share with the media and across our social media platforms recognizing your girls’ hard work.

*September – Make Every Step Count

September is National Childhood Obesity Month, which is the perfect time for the relaunch of our Make Every Step Count patch program. This patch program has been updated and simplified. Girl Scouts will learn about eating right, exercising, and overall wellness. The Make Every Step Count patch program is divided into two programs, one for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors and the other for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. Each packet contains activities specific to the age range. Ready to get stepping?

October – Think Pink!

The Think Pink! patch program carries special meaning to our organization as it honors our founder, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, who died of breast cancer. Think Pink! is also newly updated and includes engaging activities that educate Girl Scouts on breast cancer and overall wellness. The program encourages troops to learn more about Daisy and her battle with breast cancer and spread awareness of the disease throughout the community.

 

 

*November – American Indians in North Carolina  

American Indian Heritage month is November, which is a great time for us to bring back our American Indian patch program. This program informs Girl Scouts on the life of American Indians in NC, both past and present. Troops will have the opportunity to research local tribes and take part in American Indian traditions.

 

 

December – Talk It Out

The Talk It Out patch program gives troops, parents, and leaders the tools to talk about underage drinking. The program consists of activities that get girls thinking about the consequences of underage drinking. The program targets older Girl Scouts and their families.

 

 

January – Lemur S.C.O.U.T

The Lemur S.C.O.U.T patch program is a great way to get your troop out and about during the winter. In this patch program they learn about lemurs and have the opportunity to visit the Duke Lemur center to interact and see these adorable furry friends!

 

 

February – Black History Month

This patch program is in recognition of Black History Month. Girl Scouts of all ages have the opportunity to learn more about African American history and culture. Troops will take time to learn about notable African Americans and enjoy an NC African American experience at places such as the Stagville Historic Site or International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

 

 

March – Girl Scout Birthday Week

Girl Scout Week 2017 will be celebrated March 12 through March 18. This patch program provides ideas to celebrate the world’s largest organization for girls. Your troop will take part in Girl Scout traditions, service projects, and much more throughout the patch program, all while celebrating our sisterhood of 2.7 million strong!

 

 

April – Make Every Dance Step Count

It is time to get dancing in honor of International Dance Day on April 29^th! Your troop will learn multiple styles of dance through this patch program. They also will learn some history and key players for each style of dance they study. Make Every Dance Step Count is a program that is fun for all ages.

 

 

May – Amphibians and Reptiles 

As the weather warms up, it is time to get outside and learn about reptiles and amphibians through this patch program. The activities will educate Girl Scouts on amphibians and reptiles native to North Carolina. Troops will also have the opportunity to bring awareness to the protection of these creatures through different service projects.

 

 

Where do I find GS-NCCP patch programs?

Head to our Council Patch website page to download these patch program packets.

* Patch programs marked with an asterisk are not currently on the website, but will be added shortly before they are Patch of the Month.

How does my troop earn their patch?

Girl Scouts earn the patch by meeting the requirements specific to the patch program and turning in the evaluation and order form into one of the council’s shops.

Where are patches placed on a Girl Scout vest/sash/tunics?

Patches are not part of the GSUSA badge curriculum, so they are to be worn on the back of a vest/sash/tunic.

Questions?

If you have questions about one of our patch programs, email the Program Team at patchprogram@nccoastalpines.org.