Council Patch Programs

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Council Patch programs are unique to the Southwest Texas council and are written and developed by our very own girls, volunteers and staff. These patch programs provide the opportunity to explore topics beyond those in the handbooks and other GSUSA resources. Girls world-wide are invited to share in the fun of earning our council patches. Simply download the program of your choice or send a list of the program(s) desired, include $3 for the first patch program plus $1 for each program thereafter, and your mailing address to:

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas | Attn: Resource Center | 811 N Coker Loop | San Antonio, Texas 78216

To order the patch or inquire about pricing, contact the Girl Scout Shop (210.349.2404/1.800.580.7247 ext. 244).

Introducing Two Council Patch Programs

The Peace Patch

The Peace Pole at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center was planted in 2008 and dedicated at the Building Blessing ceremony on March 30. This patch program, created by Kaitlyn DeHaven as part of her Silver Award project, was developed in honor of the original Peace Garden in Hiroshima, Japan, which was built in 1958 in memory of 12 year old Sadako Sasaki. This original peace garden represents the beginning of the children’s movement for World Peace. The new patch program encourages girls to learn about peace pole traditions, explore efforts for world-wide peace and acceptance, and inspires them to make a personal commitment.

Religions around the World

Historically, Girl Scouting has been committed to diversity and a rich tapestry of religious beliefs is reflected in the Girl Scout membership. Our organization continues to be enriched by members of all faith groups. The purpose of this patch program is to provide an opportunity for all Girl Scouts to develop an understanding and appreciation of different religions. Girls will be able to develop this understanding through participation in activities that explore the beliefs and practices of the world’s religions.  

Exciting Updates to Council Patch Programs

In Girl Scouting, it’s not just “what girl’s do” but “how” they do it. As Girl Scouting approaches its 100th anniversary, the organizations focus is on the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Through activities that are girl led, encourage cooperative learning, and provide opportunities for learning by doing, girls discover and explore their unique strengths and abilities, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. These three keys to leadership -– Discover, Connect, and Take Action -- are based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. The activities in each key build upon the others to provide the foundation for girls of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. By involving these important elements, we can ensure program quality and promote the fun and friendship so important to Girl Scouting.

Two Council’s Own Patch programs, Brady’s Badge and the San Antonio Missions Tour, have been updated to the new Discover, Connect and Take Action Girl Scout experience. We hope you like their “new look” and enjoy them with your girls. As always, girls who are currently working on these programs may finish using the previous requirements.

Introducing the NEW Heritage Hunt Patch Program

Also beginning 2009, you will see a “new look” for the heritage patches. Each year, we receive many requests for additional heritage and cultural patches, however, due to the expense of production and inventory, it is just not possible to develop a specific patch for each culture or heritage that girls are interested in learning about. The new Heritage Hunt Patch program has been created to eliminate this dilemma. Girls can now choose any culture or heritage they are interested in learning about!

The new Heritage Hunt patch program has been developed so girls can choose to learn about their personal heritage or the heritage of others. With this new program in place, there is no limit to the cultures and/or heritage that girls may explore. As supplies of the current heritage patches are depleted, each will be replaced with the new Heritage Hunt.

The Heritage Hunt program has been developed with the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience in mind. Girls will choose and complete activities from the 3 key messages; Discover, Connect and Take Action. The discover activities will help girls think about their personal experiences compared to those of children in other countries and/or eras. They will connect through activities that promote learning and trying cultural practices, foods and activities. Through sharing what they have learned from earning the new Heritage Hunt patch, girls will increase not only THEIR cultural understanding and acceptance, but that of others, thus making the world a better place.

The Heritage Hunt patch may be earned as many times as girls choose, focusing on a different heritage or culture each time. Year strips may be placed around the patch for each new heritage hunt girls complete.

For more information about the Heritage Hunt Patch or current heritage patches, contact the Resource Center Manager (210.349.2404/1.800.580.7247 ext. 225).

The Heritage Hunt patch program will replace the following:

• African-American Heritage Patch
• Asian Cultures Heritage Patch
• Down-Under Heritage Patch
• German Heritage Patch
• Hispanic Heritage Patch
• Native-American Heritage Patch
• Russian Heritage Patch
• Women: Our History, Heritage and Future Patch 

All Patch Programs

The following patch programs are unique to the San Antonio Council. Copies of the patch requirements are available in the Resource Center and the patches can be purchased in the Girl Scout Shop.  

Guidelines for Developing a Council's Own or Troop's Own Patch Program            

A Journey Through Her World

Brady's Badge Patch Program -- Updated!

Brownie Girl Scout Aide Try-It

Down Under Heritage Patch **to be discontinued**

Duck Patch

Girl Scouting, A Family Affair

Heritage Hunt Patch **NEW**

I Am America! Patch

Juliette Low World Friendship Patch

La Jita Magic

Outdoor Fun & Games (O.B.I.S.) Patch

Peace Patch **NEW**

Penquin Patch

Religions Around the World **NEW**: Requirements and/or Information Packet

San Antonio Missions Tour Patch -- Updated!

Sister/Friendship Troop; Tropas de Amistad Patch

Sizzler Patch

Spurs of Silver Patch Program & Application

Troop Camping Patch

Walking Tour of San Antonio Patch

Waring Wanderer Patch

Women: Our History, Heritage, and Future **to be discontinued**