Youth programs
Volunteer
Explore our program offerings and youth resources designed to empower the next generation of solar supporters.
The future of the solar movement starts today. That’s why we’re working to provide engaging programming for young people around the country. On this page, find our growing list of program offerings and resources designed to empower the next generation of solar supporters!
We are always looking for new ideas and opportunities to increase youth engagement with solar. If you have suggestions or feedback please contact us at getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org.
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts SUN Patch Program
Help your local Girl Scouts earn their SUN Patch!
The Solar United Neighbors SUN Patch Program can be implemented by any Girl Scout troop across the United States! While earning the SUN patch, scouts of all ages can learn how solar works, discover solar energy around them and become solar ambassadors to help grow solar in their communities.
Download the Girl Scout patch program
Help Girl Scouts connect solar energy with their lives, community, and the planet.
How it works
- Download and review our patch program curriculum.
- Contact a local troop leader and see if they would be interested in having their scouts earn the SUN Patch.
- Work with the troop leader to complete the curriculum with the scouts.
- Contact us at getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org, and we will send you the patches!
- If you have any questions, reach us at getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org.
Brenda, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Council
Thanks, Solar United Neighbors, for sharing this fun patch program and having it so well organized, interesting, age-appropriate, and relevant to what Girl Scouts is all about!
Not a scout?
You can still complete the Patch Program!
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts SUN Patch Program
Calling all scouts and troop leaders interested in solar energy
Solar United Neighbors has developed the SUN Patch Program that can be implemented across scouting throughout the United States! While earning the SUN patch, scouts will learn how solar works, discover solar energy at work around them and become solar ambassadors to help grow solar in their communities
Your troop can earn the SUN patch by downloading our PDF patch program. Contact us at getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org to let us know that your troop will be working on the SUN patch! We can answer questions, offer ideas, and provide more ways for your troop to get involved with solar.
Download the Boy Scout patch program
Help Boy Scouts connect solar energy with their lives, community, and the planet.
More information on the SUN Patch
Purpose
The purpose of the SUN patch is to educate scouts about the solar world around them. Scouts will learn how solar power works and how solar energy plays a role in their communities, their families, and their lives. Furthermore, scouts will learn how solar power relates to the core principles of scouting so that scouts can become solar leaders in their communities.
Instructions on how your troop can earn the SUN Patch
- Complete the activities and discussions listed in the patch program PDF. Contact us if you have any questions or would like additional info on any solar topic.
- Complete the reporting section at the end of this patch program document and email it to getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org. We will then mail your troop the SUN patches.
Pursuing your Eagle and looking for a project?
We would love to work with and support scouts who are working on and developing their Eagle Scout project. If you or a scout in your troop is interested in doing an Eagle Scout project focused on solar, contact us at getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org. We can help scouts think through potential project ideas and provide you with the resources to get your project up and running!
Boy Scout Councils
Help spread the word about the SUN patch program to your districts and troops in your council! You can list the SUN patch program on your Council’s patch program or volunteer resources web page. You can also email troop leaders in your council about the SUN patch program. Contact getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org to get started or for more information.
Not a scout?
You can still complete the Patch Program!
Teacher lesson plans
Teacher lesson plans
Teach the students in your life about the power of solar through these lesson plans. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the benefits of solar energy and how solar panels harness the power of the sun.
We provide lesson plans for all ages. Our partner Dream in Green developed these lesson plans based on the SUN Patch program. See lesson plans below:
- Energy Scavenger Hunt: PreK – 1st Grade
- Solar Ovens: 4th – 5th Grade
- Net Zero Schools: 9th – 12th Grade
Energy efficiency and alternative energy sources are the main themes in this year’s Dream in Green, Green Schools Challenge, thanks to a partnership between Dream in Green and Solar United Neighbors. Pre-K through 12th grade focuses on educating students about our energy needs. Students are asked to conduct school energy audits, compare alternative energy sources, and even explore environmental justice issues, such as how energy burdens affect the BIPOC community locally.
- Community Building (Pre-K through 1st grade): Energy Use Collage
- Hands-On Learning (2nd-3rd grade): School Energy Audit
- Lab Activity (4th-5th grade): Alternative Energy Comparisons
- STE(A)M Activity (6th-8th grade): Living in Heat Islands
- STE(A)M Activity (9th-12th grade): Meeting Energy Needs For All
Other activities
Other activities
Children’s Solar Hour
Every day, we turn on the lights, but where does that electricity come from? Why should we learn about it? Find out in this free, on-demand webinar for elementary school-aged children!
Kids of all ages are welcome, but The Solar Hour is best for elementary-aged children, ages 5 to 10. Parents and guardians can view along.
Interactive board game
Play this fun game with your family or friends to test your knowledge about solar. Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to participate!
Solar Energy Activity Workbook
Looking to share your passion for solar with the youth in your life? Download our Solar Energy Activity Workbook to share with them. The workbook includes a scavenger hunt, word search, coloring pages, a crossword puzzle, and other fun activities to keep them entertained while learning about solar and energy.
Solar coloring pages
Show your artistic side and your support for solar through these coloring pages. Post a picture of your work of art and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Click below to download.
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