As an etiquette expert, I’ve had the privilege of working with Girl Scout troops to help them earn merit badges focused on social skills, manners and self-presentation. Offering etiquette training to Girl Scouts is more than teaching table settings and thank-you notes — it’s about helping young girls grow into confident, considerate leaders who feel comfortable in any setting. In this blog post, I’ll discuss three Girl Scout classes I offer that your Dallas-area troop could benefit from. Of course, I offer custom etiquette classes for kids, so I can make modifications to meet your specific needs. Read on for more details…
Why Girl Scout Etiquette?
The Girl Scouts have long been known for helping young girls grow into strong, confident and capable leaders. While outdoor adventures, community service and leadership skills often take the spotlight, there is another important area that Girl Scouts explore: etiquette training. Through merit badges focused on manners, social skills, and etiquette, girls learn the value of courtesy, respect and professionalism — traits that will serve them throughout life.
Etiquette training within the Girl Scouts is typically tied to the Social Butterfly badge for Brownies, Good Manners patch programs or specialized council-based etiquette badges. These programs are not about outdated rules or rigid formality. Instead, they are designed to help girls feel more comfortable and confident in social settings, from family dinners to formal events and public speaking.
One of the most valuable aspects of etiquette training is its emphasis on respect — for oneself, for others, and for diverse cultures and customs. Scouts learn that etiquette isn’t about being “perfect” or fancy; it’s about showing kindness and consideration in everyday interactions. This focus aligns perfectly with the Girl Scout Law, which encourages girls to be “honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring.”
Beyond social situations, etiquette training also helps prepare girls for future professional environments. Skills like making eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and speaking with clarity can give girls a strong foundation for job interviews, presentations, and leadership roles. It’s all part of helping young people feel empowered and prepared for whatever path they choose.
Now that we’ve discussed the foundational purposes for Girl Scout Etiquette, let’s look at some of the classes I offer and what students will be able to learn from me.
Daisy Merit Badge in Etiquette
Girl Scouts will learn the following from this class…
Respect for Myself and Others:
- Grooming
- Helping Others
- Respecting Others and Authority Figures
- What are ways you can show respect for others?
Good and Bad Manners:
- Chew with your Mouth Closed
- Say Please and Thank You
- When to Get Up from the Dinner Table
- Saying Hello
- Posture and How to Stand
- How to Sit
- How to Make Eye Contact
- Introductions: How to Introduce your Friends and Family
- How to be a Gracious Host and Guest
Dining Etiquette:
- Identifying the Fork, Knife and Spoon
- The Five Uses of the Napkin
- The Salt and Pepper Shakers
- The Two Types of Dining
The Why of the Thank You Note:
- The Four-Sentence Thank You Note
- When to Send a Thank You Note
Girl Scout Manners: The Social Butterfly
Topics covered in this training include…
- How to Hold a Conversation
- Use of Proper Table Manners
- How to be Prepared for Special Occasions
- How to Say Thank You and the Four Steps to a Handwritten Thank You Note
- Learn to Handle Yourself with Ease in Social Situations. Students will give a two- to five-minute self-presentation.
- Interview Skills
Etiquette Training for Your Troop: Girl Scout Badge
In the first hour, I will go through all of the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Etiquette Badges and Patches. To earn this Girl Scout badge, students will need to demonstrate the following requirements…
- Respect: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
- Introductions: How do I introduce myself? Practice making polite introductions with a smile, handshake and friendly greeting.
- Table Manners: Practice table manners.
- Conversation: Practice holding a conversation with others.
- Special Occasions: Practice being prepared for special occasions.
- Thank You: Practice saying Thank You and writing Thank You notes.
- Being at Ease: Practice being at ease in social situations.
- Disagreeing: Practice learning how to disagree in a polite and respectful way.
- Saying No: Practice saying no in a nice way.
- Professional Skills: Practice negotiating and pitching a business idea. Learn how to communicate with style.
- Hosting an Event: Practice setting a table and throwing a party.
Learn Confidence, Courtesy and Character at Lisa’s Etiquette Classes for Kids
If you’re a troop leader looking to provide your scouts with a unique and enriching experience, consider bringing etiquette training to your next badge workshop. Together, we can help nurture the next generation of leaders — girls who are not only brave and strong, but also gracious, confident, and ready to make the world a better place.
Dallas Etiquette Expert, Lisa Burdette, offers training for adults and children. She has trained in London and Paris and has experience with teaching social graces, afternoon tea and dining etiquette. Her private and group etiquette classes for kids and adults have helped many individuals with polishing their table manners and increasing their self-confidence.
Ready to empower your Girl Scout troop with Lisa’s etiquette classes for kids? Reach out via her Contact page or Book Online and request training for your Girl Scouts today!
