Ahead of National Girl Scout Day, observed annually in the U.S. on March 12, the Co-ops for Community Scout Patch Program has released an updated version of its Patch Activity Booklet.
The scout patch program, developed by Cabot Creamer Cooperative in collaboration with NCBA CLUSA, is designed to help groom the next generation of cooperators in the U.S.
By introducing boys and girls to all things co-op, the Co-ops for Community Scout Patch Program helps fill a gap in cooperative education and awareness at a young age. While completing activities to earn the Co-ops for Community Scout Patch, scouts will learn the benefits of the co-op business model, be inspired by its values and principles, build leadership skills and support community connections. 
The Co-ops for Community Patch Activity Booklet provides parents and group leaders with a range of engaging, age-appropriate learning activities, such as matching co-op brand names with their products, visiting a local co-op and even an opportunity for scouts to create their own co-op business. Once a group has completed its required activities, each participant is eligible to receive a Co-ops for Community Patch.
While many cooperative already engage local youth through groups such as Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, 4-H programs and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Co-ops for Community Patch Program is a great entry point for newer cooperatives wishing to expand their local impact.
The complete toolkit is available at cabotcheese.coop/community-scout-patch-program and on NCBA CLUSA’s toolkit page. For additional details, email Amanda Schlott at healthinfo@cabotcheese.coop.