Girlguiding unveils 72 new badges including 'fandoms' and 'laughter'丨PuYou

Girlguiding unveils 72 new badges including 'fandoms' and 'laughter'丨PuYou

Girl guides can now earn badges for activities such as "fandoms", being a "booktivist" and sharing their "guiding sparkle".

In total, 72 new badges are on offer, marking an historic update to the youth organisation's offering.

The move was a response to girls' requests to broaden Girlguiding's scope to include activities such as environmental conservation and building confidence, according to a statement.

Acting CEO Amanda Azeez called the launch a "huge moment", emphasising the importance of the 116-year-old organisation "staying relevant to girls' wants and needs".

Different badges are available for the different age-related groups within Girlguiding.

Among the new badges the youngest, the Rainbows (aged four to seven), can earn are ones for laughter, grooving, courage and being a "bee rescuer".

One young girl told BBC Newsround that, as part of earning the laughter badge, another girl had made animal noises that the rest of the group then had to copy.

Brownies (aged seven to 10) will now be recognised for showing a keen interest in folklore or birdwatching, as well as discovering ways to make their voice heard.

Guides (aged 10-14) will be able to earn the "thrift" badge when they demonstrate the ability to "create something new" through repurposing and upcycling old items.

Badges can also be rewarded for strong interests. Rangers (aged 14 to 18) can earn a "fandoms" badge for sharing their enthusiasm for things like Taylor Swift or Harry Potter.

They can also become a "booktivist" by learning how reading can empower them.

Other badges across the new set are for activities such as codebreaking, engineering, friendship, history and interior design.