Explore careers and science of aviation with this unique badge from the Kentucky Bluegrass 99s.
This month’s theme is Aviation. An international group of licensed female pilots called the Kentucky Bluegrass Ninety Nines (read more about them here) started a program in the early 2000s for Junior Girl Scouts to earn their Aerospace badge (check here to see if we have any in stock!). When this badge was transitioned to retired status in 2011, they decided to write an Aviation badge badge for Cadettes to earn. They host an annual event with a station format. The event and the badge were so popular that they followed up with badges for Brownies through Ambassadors.
To order these badges, you must contact Terri S at tgsanders@att.net. Include the number and level of badges you need. These badges are not sold by The Badge Fairy.
about the badge of the month series
Each month, I put together a customized activity plan around a theme, based on the official requirements for retired badges. (see more of them here) Where possible, I try to maximize the ways you can customize to your troop, especially if you have a mixed level troop. And, I choose badges that are plentiful in the shop, so there’s enough for your whole troop (while supplies last, so shop early!).
about the aviation badge and our guest host
Our Badge of the Month series usually features one from our own collection, but this month I’m happy to welcome Terri Sanders as our guest BOTM host! She and I talked about how this aviation badge came about. Please enjoy the highlights from our conversation!
To order these badges, you must contact Terri S at tgsanders@att.net. Include the number and level of badges you need. These badges are not sold by The Badge Fairy.
How did this aviation badge come about?
An international group of licensed female pilots called the Kentucky Bluegrass Ninety Nines (read more about them here) started a program in the early 2000s for Junior Girl Scouts to earn their Aerospace badge (check here to see if we have any in stock!). When the badge was transitioned to retired status in 2011, they decided to write a similar badge for Cadettes to earn. They host an annual event with a station format. The event and the badge were so popular that they followed up with badges for Brownies through Ambassadors.
I (Terri Sanders) am a lifelong girl scout and now a leader. One of my troop girls was the daughter of Terri Donner. She is a captain and pilot with UPS and lifetime member of the Ninety Nines. We worked together to develop the badges, and we coordinate on the annual event.
The best part of these badges is that proceeds go to the Kentucky Bluegrass Ninety Nines to fund scholarships for girls and women to earn their private pilot licenses
Do you need a machine? (yes!)
This is my #1 top recommendation. The features for the affordability can’t be beat. Today’s sewing machines – like this one – are automated and much easier to use. Badges are one and done, guaranteed!
How can girls earn these badges?
Connect with a local group that offers programs in flight and aviation. You may need to ask for someone like an education coordinator, and you may need to send them a copy of the reqs to review. Click here to find a local chapter of the 99s, or think creatively – do you have an Air Force Base, or a flight school, or small regional airport near you? What about a trade college? Get your girls to think of more ideas. And – connect with other leaders who’ve done this badge in our facebook group.
To order these badges, you must contact Terri S at tgsanders@att.net. Include the number and level of badges you need. These badges are not sold by The Badge Fairy.
Why is Aviation important for girls to learn?
The aviation industries (everything from air traffic control to mechanics) are predicting a huge employee shortages in upcoming years. In the past the military has been a major training avenue for these vocations but with military cutbacks and retirements employee demand is increased. This badge helps girls understand the importance of aviation, learn how it works, and consider potential career paths.
Are these badges official? (and front-wearable?)
These badges were developed under the “Make Your Own” program and are available, earnable, and front-wearable by all BJCSA girls in any council.
A note from The Badge Fairy: People are entitled to different opinions on what counts as “official.” Your troop leader always has the final say in when/if a badge has been earned.
get the requirements
To order these badges, you must contact Terri S at tgsanders@att.net. Include the number and level of badges you need. These badges are not sold by The Badge Fairy.
more from the badge fairy
- How to hand sew badges the easy way
- Add a Sash for Extra Patches
- Never Lose Another Pin with this easy solution
share your ideas
I want to hear from you, too! Please join our facebook group or leave a comment below to share your ideas about this month’s theme.
sign up for BOTM coupons
The Badge of the Month is always 10% off with coupon code during the month of its release – while supplies last! When you sign up for emails, you’ll get the new code delivered straight to your inbox at the beginning of every month. (So, if you sign up now you’ll get your first one next month) And when you sign up, you’ll also get a 10% off coupon you can use on your first order of anything in the shop. Sign up here.
more badges
Here’s some other badges that you might like
picture perfect permanently sewn uniform services
from The Badge Fairy
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