After months of anticipation the new Outdoor Explorer badges have been announced and our outdoor staff and community partners are so excited to start helping girls earn these badges in fall 2015. Here are the new badge for each age level and some of the program events for the 2015-2016 troop year that can help your girls earn these badges:

• Brownie Outdoor Adventurer: this will be a sampler of outdoor activities that will entice girls to love the outdoors. That’s all we know for now, but we’re just as excited as you to see what becoming an outdoor adventurer looks like!
• Junior Horseback Riding: three cheers for this old troop favorite. We have community partners who offer riding experiences that we hope you’ll use such as Old Stone Riding Center-Hamilton, Marmon Valley Farms– Zanesfield, and Riders Unlimited-Oak Harbor. Check our Community Partners list for more options.
• Cadette Archery: another favorite Girl Scout tradition! The outdoor staff offer multiple archery sessions every year. Troops can register for them on Ebiz. Or use community partners, like Indian Lake Outfitters-Russells Point or AJ Outdoors-Toledo, who can help your girls conquer this skill.
• Senior Paddling (paddle sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding): all the many ways to paddle your way through our waterways are now a badge! Take Canoeing at Camp Whip Poor Will (check Ebiz in fall), test the waters at resident camp, or find a community partner (some local parks departments offer canoeing/kayaking opportunities) to explore the many options.
• Ambassador Ultimate Recreation Challenge: this will be five different challenges that cover the gamut of outdoor activities and will include a local area challenge. We’re just as excited as you to find out more details about this badge and find ways to challenge our ambassadors in the outdoors.

The badges and their full activity requirements will be available in our shops in fall 2015 so be sure to share with your girls and start planning your next outdoor adventure. The badge requirements will also be available for a free digital download on June 30th in the Girl Scout store. Voting is taking place now on what the badges look like so don’t forget to have girls cast their votes! It’s going to be a great year for exploring the outdoors!