Photography Badges Change over Time

Girl Scout badge designs offer snapshots of the lives of the girls who earn them.

This is especially true with Girl Scout photography badges. Their designs have changed many times to keep up with new technology.

Girl Scout photography, Girl Scout History Project
This Brownie appears confused by all of the Girl Scout photography badges since the 1930s. Maybe she just wants her own badge.

This photo includes (l-r) Photography (Intermediate, 1938-1963); My Camera (Junior, 1963-1980); Photography (Cadette, 1963-1980); Communication Arts (Junior, 1980-2001); Camera Shots (Junior, 1980-2001); Photography (Cadette/Senior, 1980-1996 with purple border, 1997-2011 with blue border); and Digital Photographer (Junior, 2011-).

I wonder how many Juniors earning Digital Photographer today could identify the parts of this wonderful old Girl Scout camera? Do their leaders even remember flash bulbs?

Girl Scout photography, Girl Scout History Project
This Girl Scout camera set debuted in 1955. It originally sold for $3.95.

Here’s an ad for the camera. Note the Girl Scout’s gloved hand!

Girl Scout photography, Girl Scout History Project

For more Girl Scout camera photos, see the Vintage Girl Scout Online Museum.

Published by

Ann Robertson

Ann Robertson is a writer, editor and Girl Scout historian.

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