Try-It or Badges, which do Brownies earn? Originally called “Try-It,” the name reflected the non-competitive emphasis on fun. Brownies were not expected to become proficient in a skill; they just had to Try It.
When the new program was introduced in 2011, the “Try-It” name was retired. Brownies still earned triangle-shaped recognitions, but now they are known as “badges.”The old name is still frequently used.
Current Badges
The current era of Brownie badges was developed in 2011. GSUSA is actively working on updating its programming, but below are the current badges.
Retired Badges
Brownie badges have been around since 1986. When first introduced, they were called “Try-It.” Brownies were not expected to become proficient in a skill; they just had to Try It. Girls had to complete 4 of 6 requirements to earn the recognition.
What were Brownies earning before Try-Its? GSUSA introduced the Brownie Bs program in 1977. The program encouraged troops to create well-rounded programs that reflected the Brownie Bs:
- Be a Discoverer
- Be a Ready Helper
- Be a Friend-maker
GSUSA also issued Brownie Bs fun patches that were worn on the back of the sash. They came in several shapes and colors.
The original Try-Its had borders that matched the Worlds to Explore program: Arts (purple), Out-of-Doors (yellow), People (blue), Today and Tomorrow (orange), and Well-Being(red). The program was wildly popular, and members immediately asked for more options. A blank “Our Own Council’s” version was introduced in 1988. More Try-Its were added in 1989, 1993, and 1997.
The Worlds to Explore program was phased out, and by 1999 all Try-Its had brown borders. The 2001 Brownie handbook included 57 Try-Its. Some were re-named older Try-Its, some were simply brought forward intact, and some were brand new Try-Its. Two additional Try-Its were added to the lineup after 2001: Smart Cookie (2004) and Wave the Flag. Wave the Flag was created in response to 9/11. Leaders were able to find the requirements for these two badges online.
In 2011, Try-Its were phased out.
In 2008 a reorganization took place and levels were changed to be by grade instead of by age or grade. Brownies went from 3 years back to being a 2-year level. It was the start of GSUSA’s push to update the Girl Scout brand for the 21st century.
In 2011, GSUSA overhauled the badge programs for all levels. Starting in 2021, GSUSA revamped its badge program again. Badges were discontinued and replaced with new badges, as they worked on updating their Cookie Business, Financial Literacy, Arts, and Body Appreciation-themed badges.
In 2021, the Give Back and Meet My Customers badges were discontinued and replaced by the Cookie Decision Maker and My First Cookie Customers badges.
In 2022, the Philanthropist and Money Manager badges were discontinued and replaced by the My Own Budget and My Budget Builder badges.
In 2023, the Potter, Painting, and Inventor badges were discontinued and replaced by the Art and Design, Craft and Tinker, and Create and Innovate badges.
In 2025, the My Best Self badge was discontinued and replaced by the Me Time badge.
For a while, girls were able to make their own badges and share them with other girls. Girls would develop the badge requirements, and then upload the design to a GS website to have the badge created. It was a way for troops to create “Our Own Troop’s Badges” and for Councils to create “Council’s Own Badges”. It helped bridge the gap that girls and leaders saw in program material. Like all good things, this program has since been discontinued, as GSUSUA has moved to streamline badges.