Where do all these badges go?

This page explains how badges are laid out on the Australian Scout uniform. Once you know the logic, it’s straightforward — and there’s no need to guess or invent your own system.

The general layout

Badge families sit in consistent areas of the shirt:

• Left sleeve generally carries membership-related badges, such as Group and section identity.
• Right sleeve generally carries achievement badges, including Outdoor Adventure Skills and Special Interest Area project badges.
• Chest positions carry milestone and award badges as members progress through their Achievement Pathways.

Exact positioning follows the official national badge layout guides. These diagrams show precise measurements and order, so always check the current edition rather than copying another family’s shirt — layouts change over time.

Making it easy on yourself

• Sew badges as they’re earned rather than saving them up — future-you will be grateful.
• A quick photo of the layout guide on your phone saves pulling it out at every badge night.
• Older sections often earn faster than younger ones; re-check the guide at each section change.

Try this

Turn badge-sewing night into a five-minute celebration. Ask your Scout what they did to earn each badge — then stitch that story into the fabric along with the thread.