Girl Scouts now earning badges geared toward science and technology - KYW Newsradio 1060

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- The Girl Scouts are stepping up their game as they challenge troop members with a series of badges and experiences focused on science and technology. 

In all, the Girl Scouts are offering 30 new badges that are geared toward the age-appropriate, contemporary interests of girls.

Erin Vermeulen, Senior Director of Girl Experience at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, says one of the choices for members is out-of-this-world.

"Getting them exposed to some space science," Vermeulen said, "learning about the solar system, and what it means to be a real space scientist and exploring and investigating the sun, the moon, the stars and then taking that further to be an environmental steward."

And, for members in grades 11 and 12, a practical badge: College Knowledge.

"Girls who are at the end of their high school career," Vermeulen said, "and it's really about having them think about the test prep, the financial aid, walking them through the college admission process and getting them ready to really make that choice."

Vermeulen says there's also new badges for cybersecurity, mechanical engineering and robotics.

"Cybersecurity, allowing our girls to learn how computers and the Internet work, and then apply those concepts of safety and protection to the technology that we know girls are using every day," she said. 

"We're also doing a lot with engineering," she explained, "so talking about mechanical engineering and introducing our girls to design thinking so they can complete some hands-on mechanical engineering design challenges."

"And becoming more engaged with robotics," Vermeulen added, "how they're designed, built and programmed."

Vermeulen says the new badges and activities are being offered at both the troop and council level, evenings and weekends, and at Girl Scout summer camps.

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