My Family Story

Every family has stories. It’s good to share them so you know who helped make you who you are. Do this badge to find out more about the people you love and who love you. That’s your family.

Steps

Explore family stories
Know from where your family came
Make a story tree
Find an object that means something to your family
Share your family story

Purpose

When I’ve earned this badge, I’ll know how to tell my family story.

Every step has three choices. Do ONE choice to complete each step. Inspired? Do more!

Tips Before Takeoff

You’ll hear so many stories in this badge! You might want to record them on audio or video. This way, you will remember them – and other family members can hear the stories, too.

Step 1 Explore family stories

There are all kinds of family stories and all kinds of families. As you explore these stories, think about the questions in the box at the end of step 1 choices. Talk about your answers with your family and Brownie friends.

CHOICES – DO ONE:

Read two stories staring families. Many books are all about girls and their families. Read two on your own or in a group.
OR
Watch a family story. Watch one movie or two different TV shows about family.
FOR MORE FUN: If your family was in a movie, what would they do? Come up with a name for your family’s movie, and draw the movie poster.
OR
Share family stories with friends. In your Brownie group, share a story about your family. Then listen to other girls’ stories.

Family Story Questions
How are the families the same?
How are they different?
Are the families like your own?

Step 2 Know from where your family came

Find out from which different countries, states, or towns your family comes. Family stories are passed down differently in different cultures. How does your family share its family traditions and history?

CHOICES – DO ONE:

Ask about a festival, holiday, or event. Learn why that day is special. How do people have fun on that day? Try out one highlight of the day with your family or Brownie group – perhaps a ritual, a costume, or a recipe.
OR
Ask about a song, game, or dance. Try to sing the song, play the game, or dance the dance! You could teach it to your Brownie group.
OR
Ask about a family recipe. Every place has food that is special. Ask a family member to help you make a family recipe. Share the food with friends.

More to Explore

On a map, mark the places from which your family came.
Ask an adult to help you use a website with pictures from satellites to look at a far-away relative’s house from space.
Draw the flag from a place from which your family came.

Step 3 Make a story tree

Knowing who your family members are is only half the fun! Find a special detail about each person to write on your family tree. Then make your tree in one of these ways.

CHOICES – DO ONE:

Use the story tree. Look at Brownie Elf’s story tree to see an example. Then make a story tree and draw your family on it. Write their special detail on one of your journal pages.
OR
Draw or paint your tree. You can choose colors, shapes, and decorate it yourself. You could use photos of your family, too!
OR
Use software on a computer of from an online site. Get an adult’s help.

More to Explore

Make two trees. Make your own family tree. Then, make a big group family tree with your Brownie friends. Add a special detail about every girl.

Step 4 Find an object that means something to your family

Objects like photos, jewelry, and books can mean a lot. They can be favorite things from old times, or things that make people feel special. This means that objects can have their own stories! With your family, find an object that tells a part of your family’s story.

CHOICES – DO ONE:

Ask about an old photo. Learn what was happening when the photograph was taken. Share the photo and the story with a family member who doesn’t know about them!
FOR MORE FUN: Write or draw a story that begins or ends with that moment. Use your family members as characters.
OR
Talk about an object that has been handed down. Sometimes family members pass important objects on to other family members. Learn the story behind one of these.
FOR MORE FUN: Make a family time capsule. Include pictures of important objects, photos, family news, and even your drawings. Be sure to decide when it will be opened!
OR
Ask about an object that belongs to a far-away family member. With your family’s help call or write that relative. Ask about the story behind one of their treasured objects.

More to Explore

Make a family scrapbook. Team up with your family to gather, take, or draw pictures of different objects to put in a scrapbook. You could include pictures of the people to whom the objects belong! Share your book with Brownie friends.

Step 5 Share your family story

You’ve heard so many amazing family stories. Now, it’s time to share them with others! Pick one of these activities to help you tell your story.

CHOICES – DO ONE:

Have a “family tree” potluck party. Every girl brings a dish and tells a story that she’s learned about her family. You could invite your families to share the fun.
FOR MORE FUN: Make a “heritage fruit salad.” Each girl brings a fruit from a place where her family has lived. Mix them all together for a yummy treat.
OR
Make a family crest. In some countries, each family has a crest. A crest is a picture that uses colors and symbols to show what’s important to the family. Think of what is important to your family then draw your own crest. Tell your friends why you drew it in just that way.
FOR MORE FUN: Ask an adult to print out your crest on transferable paper, and iron it onto a T-shirt for you to wear.
OR
Become pen pals with another member of your family. Write about what you and your family are doing. You could pick someone far away and even send photos. Make a special folder to keep copies of notes you send and notes you get.
FOR MORE FUN: At your next family gathering read some of your notes.

Add the Badge to Your Journey

When you do step 2, you can, also, ask your family about their favorite line of the Girl Scout Law. Use the answer to make your Family Star as part of your Brownie Quest.