September Badge of the Month: Costume

Our 'Badge of the Month' a badge we'd like members of The Hive to try together. The idea is that even though we're an online group, we can still all come together to do the same thing and share our experiences, tips and thoughts on it.

For our third Badge of the Month, we are going to focus on ‘Costume’, which is a Rangers interest badge. We’ve chosen this badge because September is National Sewing Month, so it's the perfect time to grab your needle and thread and let your creativity run wild!

We've set out the syllabus below and would love it if you gave it a go and updated us with your progress - you could send in pictures to our social media channels to show us what you've made!

1. Cultural costumes

Find out about the costumes from three different countries or cultures and what they mean/symbolise.

You can explore national dress, clothes or accessories worn for celebrations or festivals.

Then think about your own country or culture, and choose some clothes or costumes linked to special occasions - Chinese New Year dragons, pearly kings and queens, the use of traditional fabrics (such as Sierra Leone’s lapa fabric), Caribbean carnival clothes, beefeaters, kimonos, kilts, flamenco dresses… it’s up to you! Present what you find creatively – take a look at this list for inspiration.

2. Costumes in art

Can you imagine a stunning ballet where all the dancers just wear everyday clothes? Would it be as spectacular?

Explore costumes from different art forms. Pick your favourite piece and reimagine it as an accessory like a patch, mask or piece of jewellery. Use fabric from charity shops or something from your own wardrobe. Remember to make it eye-catching!

3. Cosplay

‘Cosplay’ is a Japanese portmanteau (blending of words) of ‘costume’ and ‘play’. It involves dressing up, taking pride in becoming a character and taking on their role.

Your task is to choose a character from a TV show, film, book, comic or video game and design or create at least one element of your own cosplay costume. Or why not make it a real challenge and make the whole thing?

Read the full syllabus and get some more tips on the Girlguiding website here.

Have fun and don’t forget to tune in next month (here's a sneak preview: it’s one of our favourite badges!)