Badge: United We Stand

AGE LEVEL: Juniors

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: America is a very special place to live. It provides all of its people with the freedoms necessary to lead a happy life. Find out how to celebrate the things that make the United States unique.

BADGE REQUIREMENTS: To earn the United We Stand badge, you must complete at least six out of the ten activities. 

BADGE ACTIVITIES:

1. Show the Colors - Learn the correct way to fly an American flag or carry one in a parade. How do you show that you respect the flag?
    
2. Write On! - With the help of an adult, send cards to people in the Army, Navy, or other U.S. armed forces. Thank these people for protecting your freedoms.

   Note: For security reasons the US Department of Defense has discontinued special mail programs addressed to "any serviceman." If you want to do this particular activity, you need to address the cards or box of cards to a specific person. This is a great activity for those who have contacts on military bases or overseas.

    

3. Express Yourself - Write a poem or create a piece of art about what your country means to you. Submit it to your local or school newspaper, to your council newsletter, or to the Writers' Room on http://www.gogirlsonly.org/ .
    
4. Roots - One of the unique things about America is that it is a nation of immigrants. Find out what countries the people in your community or their ancestors came from. How many different nationalities, religions and cultures are there within your own town? City? State?
    
5. The Pledge of Allegiance - Learn the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language.
    
6. Sing Out
   • Learn a patriotic song like:
   • America the Beautiful
   • God Bless America
   • America
   • The Star-Spangled Banner
   • This Land Is Your Land
   • Yankee Doodle
   • When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again

   Sing the song with your family, friends, or Girl Scout troop.

    

7. For Which It Stands - The American flag isn't the only American symbol. Find out about two other American symbols and what they stand for.
    
8. Check It Out - With your troop or some friends visit a historical site, museum, memorial, or park in your community.
    
9. Days Gone By - What did kids your age do centuries ago? Pick a time (the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s) and find out.
    
10. Lend a Hand - Show your patriotism by helping people in your community who are in need. Spend one morning or afternoon lending a hand.
     

PURCHASE BADGES: Badges are available at the GSWW store.