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Like so many girls before and since, I got into Girl Scouts because I wanted to help my community and learn stuff. And....because I wanted that awesome outfit! The blouse! The dress! And especially the sash—oh, the sash! I imagined mine so full of impressive and colorful badges that they'd have to issue me an unprecedented second sash just to show off my accomplishments. (It didn't pan out quite that way.)

Now, for the first time in 25 years, the Girl Scouts of America have updated their badge system. Alisha Niehaus of the Girl Scouts told USA Today that in focus groups, "girls asked for more challenge and more creativity. They asked for fun with purpose."

Yes, times are changing. New badges include public policy, website design, locavore, and digital movie making. This story in USA Today features images of the new badges.  The totally-80s-sounding Fashion, Fitness and Makeup badge has been replaced with a Science of Style badge, which encourages girls to learn about the chemistry of sunscreen and nanotechnology that's used to make fabrics.

Then there is the new “Science of Happiness” section in the Scout's handbook. Created with input from developmental psychologist Martin Seligman, PhD, this badge helps girls develop the skills they'll need to survive in a crazy, stressful world. According to Niehaus, the badge is meant to "teach girls how to find happiness in their own lives."