Stamp collecting can be a great way to study modern history. By researching the people and places and things idolized on a stamp you can tell what is important to people throughout different decades. But did you know that stamp collecting can also be a great way to study geography?
By starting a worldwide stamp collection you can catch a glimpse into the lives of people around the world. While you can always buy the supplies online, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to start your collection check out the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors (here). They offer a set of free stamps to “youngster and beginners”. Please note I have not requested stamps from them, but do want to pass along the resource I found.
You will also need to a way to organize the stamps that you collect. I found a set of free stamp album pages on the American Philatelic Society website (here). The collection entitled “A Stamp For Every Country” would be a great way to organize them. Just print the pages and add them to a 3-ring binder. The pages are organized and color coded by continent. And while you may not have a stamp from every country starting out, you can always choose to only print the pages you need.
If you are trying to complete the badge before it is discontinued check out these other resources:
- Requirement #1
- Requirement #7
- Requirement #8
- Requirement #12
- Requirement #16
- Requirement #18
- Requirement #21
NOTE: The requirements have been simplified here. Please be sure to read the full text in the Girl Handbook to make sure you fully understand the requirements.
