Scouting at the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

A major part of the Civil Rights Movement, the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March inspired millions and influenced the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Scouts can learn about the march, groups, and individuals involved by visiting our Interpretive Centers in Selma, Lowndes, and Montgomery. Through visiting and speaking with our rangers on site, Scouts can also work towards fulfilling badge requirements or awards.

Scouting USA

 

Merit Badge Requirements that We Can Help With:

American Cultures Merit Badge: Requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

A major part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Scouts can fulfill the American Cultures merit badge requirements by learning about the individuals and groups involved with the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights Marches of 1965. Learn more about the specific requirements of the American Cultures Merit Badge.

American Heritage Merit Badge: Requirements 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Scouts can fulfill some of the American Heritage merit badge requirements by learning about how contributions of Civil Rights Movement leaders such as John Lewis, Amelia Boynton, and Martin Luther King, Jr led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how this affects modern day America. Learn more about the specific requirements of the American Heritage Merit Badge.

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge: Requirements 2, 7a, 8

“Realize the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership with the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge. Scouts will research any individual [i.e. John Lewis, Martin Luther King, Jr.] who has demonstrated positive leadership while making an ethical decision, explain what options the leader had when faced with a problem, why they believe they chose their final course of action, and the outcome of the leader’s decision.” 
-Scouting USA

Learn more about the specific requirements of the Citizenship in Society Badge.

Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge: Requirements 2a, 6, 8

“A nation is a patchwork of communities that differ from each other and may be governed differently. But regardless of how local communities differ, they all have one point in common: In the United States, local government means self-government. Good citizens [i.e. Amelia Boynton] help to make decisions about their community through their elected local officials.” 
-Scouting USA 

Learn more about the specific requirements of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge.

Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge: Requirement 6

“As Scouts fulfill the requirements for this merit badge, they will learn how to become active citizens [who] are aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights, to participate in their governments and protect their freedom, helping to defend their country and standing up for individual rights on behalf of all its citizens.” 
-Scouting USA 

Learn more about the specific requirements of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge.

Communication Merit Badge: Requirements 1b, 3, 4, 9

Civil Rights Movement leaders knew how to communicate effectively and persuaded millions of Americans to their cause for change in American society.  By studying these leaders and speaking with a ranger, Scouts can work towards fulfilling some of the Communication merit badge requirements.  Learn more about the specific requirements of the Communication Merit Badge.

Environmental Science Merit Badge: Requirements 2, 4, 6

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail features creeks, rivers, lakes, rolling hills, and farmland.  By studying the trail and speaking with a ranger, Scouts can learn about natural resource conservation and work towards fulfilling some of the Environmental Science merit badge requirements. Learn more about the specific requirements of the Enrironmental Science Merit Badge.

Journalism Merit Badge: Requirements 3a, 3b, 4

After touring the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, our rangers recommend Scouts pursuing the Journalism merit badge to research the Southern Courier: a major Civil Rights Movement newspaper that had offices in Montgomery, AL. Learn more about the specific requirements of the Journalism Merit Badge.

Music Merit Badge: Requirement 3a

After touring the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, our rangers recommend Scouts pursuing the Music merit badge to research Civil Rights Movement freedom songs inspired by African America spiritual, gospel, and folk music.  “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” is a great example. Learn more about the specific requirements of the Music Merit Badge.

 

Girl Scouts of the USA

 

STEM

• Digital Leadership

Outdoors

• Adventure
  • Letterboxer, Geocacher, Night Owl, Traveler
• Environmental Stewardship
  • Eco Learner, Eco Friend, Eco Camper, Eco Trekker, Eco Explorer, Eco Advocate
• Naturalist
  • Bugs, Flowers, Trees, Sky, Water
• Outdoor
  • Hiker, Camper, Trailblazing, Adventurer
• Trail Adventure
  • Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador

Life Skills

• Citizen
  • Good Neighbor, Celebrating Community, Inside Government, Finding Common Ground, Behind the Ballot, Public Policy
• Civics (Democracy for “ ”)
  • Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors
• Storytelling
  • My Family Story, Scribe, Screenwriter, Novelist

 

Learn more about girl scout badges:

Badge Explorer

 

Official Patches

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Ranger Programs

The Girl Scout Ranger Program and Scout Ranger Program were created in partnership with the National Park Service, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Scouting USA. These programs provide Scouts opportunities to participate in educational and volunteer service projects to explore, learn, and protect our National Parks natural and cultural resources.