A Note from the Founder – Passing Down More Than Recipes
By Kerry Cordy
November always brings food to the forefront—favorite family recipes, new twists on old traditions, and those simple meals that somehow turn into lifelong memories. But there’s more to a meal than what’s on the plate.
That’s why I’m especially excited to feature the Meal Traditions badge this month. Whether you’re exploring cultural foods, recreating grandma’s stuffing, or starting a brand-new tradition with your kids, this badge is a great way to turn everyday moments into meaningful learning.
Meals can carry stories, identity, and even history. This month, I hope you’ll take the time to sit down together, cook something from scratch, and talk about what those meals mean to your family.
New Badges Added
Seeds Badge, Meal Traditions Badge, Trade Routes Badge
Customer Questionnaire
We want to hear from you! Curiosity Untamed has grown into a vibrant, hands‑on learning community because of families, leaders, and educators like you—and your insights help us make it even better. To guide our next steps, we’ve created a short two‑part questionnaire. Part One asks about how you’re using the program, what’s working well, and what we could improve. Part Two invites you to reflect on your experience and share your favorite stories, creative ideas, and memorable badge moments.
Your responses not only help us grow but also help other families and clubs see what’s possible with this program. By submitting, you’ll also be giving us permission to feature your comments—anonymously if you prefer—in newsletters, blogs, or social media, so your experience can inspire others.
It only takes a few minutes to complete, but your feedback makes a real difference. Please click the link below and take the Curiosity Untamed Questionnaire today.
Gifts & Gear for the Season
Looking for a meaningful holiday gift that celebrates curiosity, growth, and the joy of learning? Explore our collection of branded apparel and accessories for Frontier Girls, Quest Clubs, and Curiosity Untamed. From t-shirts and hoodies to mugs, tote bags, and hats, these items make thoughtful gifts for members, leaders, and club families alike. Whether you’re shopping for a new troop leader, a badge-loving homeschooler, or just want to show off your pride in the program, there’s something for everyone.
(Please remember these items are filled by a print on demand third party and incur a separate shipping charge and a slightly longer fulfillment time. So please plan ahead!)
Holiday Shipping Reminder – PLAN AHEAD!!!
November through January is the busiest season for USPS, and shipping delays are common. If you need:
- Badges or awards for a winter awards ceremony
- Uniforms or accessories for club photos
We strongly encourage you to order at least 3 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Branded merchandise and apparel
These items are print-on-demand and can take up to two weeks to make. With holiday shipping delays on top of production time,it is highly recommended to order these items prior to Dec. 1, 2025.
Meal Traditions – Free Unit Study
The Meal Traditions badge invites kids to explore the role food plays in family, culture, and celebration. Learn how different communities mark holidays with special dishes, document your own family’s recipes, or invent a new meal tradition just for your troop or club.
We’ve put together a free unit study to help you dive into the topic with printable activities, writing prompts, and recipe ideas that work for all ages.
This badge pairs well with Etiquette, Cooking, Herbs, Culture by Country, Cuisine by Country, Main Dishes and more —and makes a great addition to holiday homeschooling or club meetings.
We’d Love to See Your Traditions
Do you have a favorite holiday dish, recipe, or tradition that your club or family celebrates every year?
Send us a photo or a short story and let us know how you’re using the Meal Traditions badge this month. We’d love to feature your creativity in our next newsletter or social media post.
Hands-On Activities for November
If you’re looking for creative, seasonal ways to earn badges and keep hands busy this month, try these ideas:
Create a Family Recipe Book
Have each child collect 3–5 recipes from parents, grandparents, or other relatives. Include short stories or memories tied to each dish. Assemble pages into a booklet or digital PDF. Great for the Meal Traditions or Writing badges.
Make Edible Flags
Choose a country, research its traditional foods, and then make a snack platter arranged to look like its flag using ingredients from that region. Great for the Meal Traditions, World Flags, and Food Around the World badges.
Start a One-Pot Meal Challenge
Each club member or sibling picks one recipe that can be made in a single pot or pan. Cook and share (or photograph) your creations. Great for the Cooking, Main Dishes, and Meal Traditions badges.
Create a “Thanksgiving Tree”
- Construction paper in fall colors
- Cardboard or brown butcher paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Glue stick
How to make Thanksgiving tree:
Cut thanksgiving leaf shapes or handprints out of colored construction paper. Draw a tree trunk and branches on a piece of cardboard or large piece of butcher paper. Ask your friends and family to name things for which they are thankful and write them on each leaf. Glue the leaves to the branches of the tree. You can pin the thanksgiving tree to a bulletin board or use masking tape to mount it on a wall.
