State symbols embody who we are. Currently 48 of the 50 states have officially designated a state insect, with a hand full having selected more than one.
If you live in Iowa or Michigan, now is the time to select your state insect? Insect-a Inspect-a requirement #14 allows you to do just that.
If you live in one of the remaining 48 states, now is the time to learn about your state insect and why it was selected. The Smithsonian website has a list for you to begin your research (here).
If you live in Texas, like I do, I was able to find a copy of the house bill that established the monarch butterfly as our state insect (here). I have to admit, it was a pretty interesting read. The girls in my troop thought it was funny to count how many times the word “whereas” was used.
If you are looking to complete this badge, check out these other resources:
NOTE: The requirements have been simplified here. Please be sure to read the full text in the American Heritage Girl Handbook to make sure you fully understand the requirements.
My daughter’s green thumb did not come from me. I think she inherited it from her great-grandmother (that gene definitely skipped a few generations). She has a passion for anything green. So when she requested a garden cake, I was happy to oblige. This is the closest I will ever get to a weed-free garden full of goodies. 
So I have completely fallen in love with glass baubles. Now when I get lost in the craft store my husband does not know if I’m in the yarn section fingering my way down the isle or in the mosaic section drooling over all the different colors.
What can be more fun than re-decorating your bedroom for a young girl. While helping my daughter with this badge over the summer this Explorer requirement caught my eye.
While earning the Photography merit badge PiPas not only practice their photography skills, they also look at the history of photography. Requirement 26 has them research two individuals that impacted photography. While Joseph Nicephore Niepce is created as inventing photography, we would not all be carrying a camera with us everywhere, via the smartphone, without the contributions of many other people. 
