A Note From the Founder – The Season of Accountability
By Kerry Cordy
October has always felt like a turning point. The rush of back-to-school has settled, but the holidays aren’t quite here yet. It’s a season that invites us to pause, take stock, and reset. For me, that often means noticing the unfinished projects on my desk—or the promises I made to myself a few months back.
This month, we’re leaning into that spirit with a badge that’s close to my heart: Accountability. It’s about taking ownership of your actions, following through, and learning to be reliable even when no one’s watching. It’s a skill that takes time to grow—and one that matters more than ever in a world full of distractions.
Whether your kids are working on cleaning routines, leadership roles, or learning to follow through on commitments, I hope this badge gives you some tools (and grace) to make those lessons stick.
New Badges Posted
Shadow Art Badge, Bioluminescence Badge, Accountability, Household Machines (Specific or General), Character (specific)
Shipping & Ordering Notes
USPS holiday rates begin Oct. 5 and run through January 18 so all shipping costs will go up during this time. Mail delays due to the holidays start earlier each year, so now is the time to plan ahead.
- Bundle your badge and uniform orders when possible to save on shipping
- If you’re hosting an awards ceremony this fall or winter, order a minimum of 3 weeks in advance
- Charter school families—many Class Wallet funds can be used to pay for badges and uniforms. Let us know if you need help with invoices to submit.
- All branded apparel and gift items are made on demand by a third party. Extra shipping is added and there may be excessive holiday delays so make sure to order early if you plan to purchase anything as Christmas gifts. Please remember these items are non-refundable or exchangable since they are made on demand.
Keep in mind that the store is open to the public and is a separate website than our main site. You do not need an account on the store to place an order. Registering a store account simply grants you access to see your past orders.
Visit the Badge & Uniform Shop
Free Accountability Meeting Plan and Unit Study
Accountability isn’t something kids learn overnight—it’s a habit built through small steps and real-world practice. That’s why our Accountability Unit Study is packed with hands-on activities, conversations, and even games that make responsibility come alive.
From simple worksheets to track daily promises, to the “Circle Consequences” game that helps kids understand how choices connect to outcomes, this unit takes abstract ideas and makes them concrete. Older students can dive deeper with activities like accountability report cards on historical figures, while younger kids enjoy challenges like the “Memory Mission,” where remembering to do chores without reminders becomes a fun daily quest.
The best part? Accountability doesn’t stand alone. This badge pairs beautifully with others that build character and life skills. Link it with Citizenship to explore responsibility in your community, Budgeting to build financial accountability, or even Musical Instruments to practice the discipline of regular routines.
Whether you’re teaching at home, leading a club, or working with a co-op, this study turns accountability into something kids can see, practice, and reflect on. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about learning to follow through, own your choices, and grow stronger one step at a time.
Explore the full Accountability Unit Study here »
Halloween Line Dances
My friend Holly, who runs Adventures in Dance, makes Halloween even more magical with an incredible lineup of free themed line dances that she posts on Youtube. Her Halloween line-up includes Thriller, Monster Mash, and routines inspired by Hocus Pocus, the Adams Family, Wicked and more. Each dance offers a chance to practice rhythm, movement, and performance, making them perfect for badges like Dance, Halloween, Performance, and even Health and Fitness. What looks like play is actually hands-on learning—kids are gaining confidence, exploring pop-culture, and even putting on mini performances. It’s a fun way to mix badge work with holiday excitement.
Click Here for the full Halloween line-up.
Fall Planning Tips
As the seasons shift, it’s a great time to:
- Pair badges with seasonal themes like Weather, Pumpkins, and Thankfulness
- Start planning holiday service projects to work on your Servant’s Heart Awards
- Give older kids a leadership role in guiding a badge or helping younger siblings
- Organize badge records and finish up partials before the busy holiday season
Need help grouping badges or customizing a plan for your family or club? Just ask.
Shadow Silhouette Portraits
Supplies Needed
- A strong light source (sunlight, flashlight, or lamp)
- Large sheet of white paper or butcher paper
- Pencil or black marker
- Scissors
- Black construction paper (optional)
- Tape
- A blank wall, fence, or easel
- Optional: glue, colored paper, or collage materials for decorating
Instructions
Step 1: Set Up Your Shadow Station
Choose a well-lit area. For outdoor use, aim for early morning or late afternoon when shadows are long. Indoors, place a lamp or flashlight so it casts a clear shadow onto a wall.
Step 2: Position the Paper
Tape a large sheet of white paper to the wall, easel, or fence. Have the person sit or stand sideways so their shadow is cast clearly onto the paper.
Step 3: Trace the Silhouette
With the person holding still, trace the outline of their shadow onto the paper using a pencil or marker. Capture the curve of their forehead, nose, lips, and chin.
Step 4: Cut It Out (Optional)
Carefully cut out the silhouette and trace it onto black construction paper for a more classic look. Then cut that out too.
Step 5: Mount & Decorate
Glue the black silhouette onto a contrasting background—white or patterned paper works great. Kids can add names, dates, or creative embellishments like flowers, stars, or words that describe their personality within the silouette if you wish.
We’d Love to Feature Your Fall Projects
Have you made something amazing lately? Whether it’s a troop activity, family badge project, or a creative twist you added to a requirement, we want to see it.
Send us your photos or stories and you might be featured in our next newsletter or on social media.
