With so much going on in the world around us, change can feel out of reach. It can be easy to feel small and powerless and feel like issues can only be addressed by people we feel are smarter, wealthier, more connected, and more creative.

But, this is actually a myth! Just like with any skill, you have to break it down, practice, and overcome barriers along the way, including these mental ones, to build confidence. Coming up with solutions to issues that matter to you is no different!

Pianists are not born knowing how to play or compose. They must learn and practice. We need to view leadership the same way.

Engineers use a design process that breaks problem solving up into manageable tasks. Some steps have to be repeated and edited until completion, because finding solutions is a journey. Girl Scouts use a similar approach with Girl Scout Journeys. Journeys follow the same process from Daisies through Ambassadors, helping girls to explore various topics and activities to discover what they care about and then follow their interests to find an issue they want to do something about. Once they’ve ready, they come up with a creative plan that will make a difference.

This process does not change, so over time, with practice, girls see they are capable, change is attainable, and leadership is a skill, not a personality trait!

This is why Journeys are the prerequisite for the Girl Scout Highest Awards. Earning the Bronze, Silver, and/ or Gold Award requires following this same process, only on a progressively larger scale. It is important to follow the progression through the age levels so girls have the growing confidence to achieve their awards and carry that confidence and thinking with them throughout their lives.

Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4 and 5) can work on their Bronze Award after successfully completing one Junior Journey. These Girl Scouts must complete their Bronze project and submit their final report by September 30 following their 5th grade school year.

Girl Scout Cadettes (grades 6-8) can work on their Silver Award after successfully completing one Cadette Journey. These Girl Scouts must complete their Silver Project and submit their final report by September 30 following their 8th grade school year.

Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12) can work on their Gold Award after successfully completing two Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or one Senior or Ambassador Journey if they previously earned their Silver Award. All requirements must be completed by September 30 following their 12th grade school year.

For help getting started, check out our Journey Jumpstart programs offered in the upcoming Program Adventure Guide this summer!