My days of being a Girl Scout are long over, but I still miss two things: those dang cookies and the thrill of earning a new merit badge. I used to pore over the badge catalog, debating over which one to tackle next. Learning how to sew them on my vest is a fond memory. Thankfully, The Scout Project exists nowadays for all my grown-up badge-earning needs.
Founded by Baltimore-based writer Libby Zay, The Scout Project offers modern merit badges to anyone learning a new life skill — no matter their age, gender, nationality, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.
The badges themselves, designed by Minneapolis-based illustrator Alyssa Nassner, are an adorable way to award yourself or a friend on a job well done. Each circular patch is 1.5 inches in diameter and embroidered with a merrowed edge. I love the whimsical, simple designs — they’d be so cute on a bag or jacket!
To earn a badge, browse The Scout Project’s 18 merit badges online and pick out a badge you want to earn. (How you earn it is up to you!)
Personally, I think I’ve already earned the Locavore, Storyteller and Shutterbug badges (Scout’s honor!) so next I’d like to work on my Needlecraft and Birdwatching badges. Then, I’ll tackle the Craft Beer, Forestry and Archaeology badges.
Which of these cute badges would you pick? // susannah
(Photos // The Scout Project
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