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Rebel Badge Book: Merit Badges for Adults
52 Badges to help you rediscover your youth! Get the book, and come and join the Rebel Badge Club!
Ever noticed how all the fun stuff is designed for kids? And how it’s perfectly normal for children to dip in and out of new hobbies, or learn a random new skill, but as adults we can never find the time or energy for it? Rebel Badge Book is designed specifically for adults - to challenge you, and help you step out of your comfort zone, and dedicate more time to yourself. Whether you want to learn a new language or a musical instrument, take up
a new hobby, research your family tree, help the environment, raise money for charity, or get round to household tasks you
keep putting off, we’ve got badges for everyone. The 52 badges in this book Activist, Adulting, Adventurer, Animal Lover, Apothecary, Artist, Baker, Camper, Chef, Codebreaker, Community Service, Conscious Consumer, Craft, Critic, Dancer, Designer, Diarist, DIY, Emergency Helper, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Event Planner, Explorer, Fitness, Florist, Fundraiser, Gardener, Good Habits, Indoor Gardener, Interior Designer, Investor, Linguist. Mechanic, Mindfulness, Money Saver, Musician, My Brand, My Goals, My Roots, My Style, My Talents, Outdoor Cook, Photographer, Reader, Runner, Self Care, Stargazer, Survivor, Water Sports, Wild Swimmer, World Traveller & Writer.
Ever noticed how all the fun stuff is designed for kids? And how it’s perfectly normal for children to dip in and out of new hobbies, or learn a random new skill, but as adults we can never find the time or energy for it? Rebel Badge Book is designed specifically for adults - to challenge you, and help you step out of your comfort zone, and dedicate more time to yourself. Whether you want to learn a new language or a musical instrument, take up
a new hobby, research your family tree, help the environment, raise money for charity, or get round to household tasks you
keep putting off, we’ve got badges for everyone. The 52 badges in this book Activist, Adulting, Adventurer, Animal Lover, Apothecary, Artist, Baker, Camper, Chef, Codebreaker, Community Service, Conscious Consumer, Craft, Critic, Dancer, Designer, Diarist, DIY, Emergency Helper, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Event Planner, Explorer, Fitness, Florist, Fundraiser, Gardener, Good Habits, Indoor Gardener, Interior Designer, Investor, Linguist. Mechanic, Mindfulness, Money Saver, Musician, My Brand, My Goals, My Roots, My Style, My Talents, Outdoor Cook, Photographer, Reader, Runner, Self Care, Stargazer, Survivor, Water Sports, Wild Swimmer, World Traveller & Writer.
- GenresNonfictionReference
96 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2021
46 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 2, 2022
I just received this book for my birthday and it is absolutely brilliant! Charly Lester has created a book full of activities to accomplish so you can earn various badges and patches (think scouts and guides but for adults). The badge themes include everything from adulting, reading, dancing, outdoor swimmer and linguist plus many many more. The most difficult thing is deciding which one to start on. The book is also very colourful and makes a great reference point to work out what to do next. I’m very excited to begin!
August 23, 2022
Motivation, inspiration, community, support, and rewards! But desperately needs a wider perspective. | I discovered during pandemic that external motivation absent a competitive component, works really well for me to achieve my goals. Paying for medals that wouldn't be sent to me unless I met my cycling challenge kept me getting on that bike. Trackable progress on virtual walking/running challenges got me dragging myself out to get my mileage. And knowing there's a badge (patch) at the successful conclusion of an effort in this book will make me keep working at it. There are suggestions here that I wouldn't have thought to try, there are things I might have thought of but needed a push to actually do, and things I already do either well or shakily. The Facebook groups seem positive after a week of lurking and reading old posts, and the badges will work for motivation for me.
The loss of a star is because the creator's perspective is clearly a bit narrow. I suspect that a year of social media feedback will have had a serious impact on that for the reprint and for Volume 2, but all I can review is what exists now. First, let me be clear: not every badge is for every person, and that is not something I'm complaining about. It's entirely appropriate for living in the world as a fully functioning adult, to accept that maybe you won't get a particular badge. But in something like this, the vast majority need to be generally accessible. Disabled participants like myself have been given the ok to modify for medical need, and that's great, but there's so very much here that we will have to modify. Setting us aside for a moment (but we're going to sneak back in), if you rent instead of owning your home, there are required clauses that aren't possible (disabled people are more likely to rent due to income disparities, so this further reduces our options). And I'm not talking about the wallpapering, painting a wall, returning a floor to floorboards, though not being able to do those things limits the remaining options. I am not in any way allowed to touch the main circuit breaker, replace a fuse, or do any vehicle maintenance--including washing my car--at my home, and there isn't exactly a backup location where that's possible. If you are not in the UK there are required clauses that aren't possible. There are two separate badges that require only making essential purchases for three months, but most of the rest of the badges require buying things, and not just craft supplies which many people can get upcycled. Buy a tool kit, an orchid, succulent, and cactus (plus tools and second pot), create first aid kits, attend three different dance classes, a multi-day first aid course, and three different forms of yoga at different times of the day (these all have registration fees), sign up for and complete a race (again, registration fees), etc. I will enjoy working toward my badges, but it is demotivating to see just how many are off the table from the start. I can definitely imagine people getting really excited to give it a try and then feeling bad about themselves because so many of the badges are unnecessarily restrictive (run or walk a 5k every Saturday morning at 9am? All the people who work on Saturday mornings are going to have to modify that, so why make it so specific in the first place?).
As I said a long paragraph ago, I'm on board with this, and I suspect that some of these issues will be ironed out for the next book (no way can the creator not have been inundated with complaints over the past year, considering the state of the world and of social media. But for now, it's important that people reading this before buying the book and maybe the journal, stickers, and some starter badges, be able to determine if it will fit for them.
The loss of a star is because the creator's perspective is clearly a bit narrow. I suspect that a year of social media feedback will have had a serious impact on that for the reprint and for Volume 2, but all I can review is what exists now. First, let me be clear: not every badge is for every person, and that is not something I'm complaining about. It's entirely appropriate for living in the world as a fully functioning adult, to accept that maybe you won't get a particular badge. But in something like this, the vast majority need to be generally accessible. Disabled participants like myself have been given the ok to modify for medical need, and that's great, but there's so very much here that we will have to modify. Setting us aside for a moment (but we're going to sneak back in), if you rent instead of owning your home, there are required clauses that aren't possible (disabled people are more likely to rent due to income disparities, so this further reduces our options). And I'm not talking about the wallpapering, painting a wall, returning a floor to floorboards, though not being able to do those things limits the remaining options. I am not in any way allowed to touch the main circuit breaker, replace a fuse, or do any vehicle maintenance--including washing my car--at my home, and there isn't exactly a backup location where that's possible. If you are not in the UK there are required clauses that aren't possible. There are two separate badges that require only making essential purchases for three months, but most of the rest of the badges require buying things, and not just craft supplies which many people can get upcycled. Buy a tool kit, an orchid, succulent, and cactus (plus tools and second pot), create first aid kits, attend three different dance classes, a multi-day first aid course, and three different forms of yoga at different times of the day (these all have registration fees), sign up for and complete a race (again, registration fees), etc. I will enjoy working toward my badges, but it is demotivating to see just how many are off the table from the start. I can definitely imagine people getting really excited to give it a try and then feeling bad about themselves because so many of the badges are unnecessarily restrictive (run or walk a 5k every Saturday morning at 9am? All the people who work on Saturday mornings are going to have to modify that, so why make it so specific in the first place?).
As I said a long paragraph ago, I'm on board with this, and I suspect that some of these issues will be ironed out for the next book (no way can the creator not have been inundated with complaints over the past year, considering the state of the world and of social media. But for now, it's important that people reading this before buying the book and maybe the journal, stickers, and some starter badges, be able to determine if it will fit for them.
March 2, 2023
The book and concept is super fun. The fact you can actually order the badges appealed to the collector in me. The challenges balance being reasonable and pushing you out of your comfort zone. There are some that require you to do all on the badge list while others say to do "x" off the list giving flexibility. Definitely will hit a nostalgia button if you were in guides, brownies, or scouts.
Graphically, it is really beautiful. You can tell effort and thought was put into the design.
It's not the book so much that brings the rating down, but the author's interactions with the community. Community involvement with their official Facebook group is encouraged/pushed by the writer several times throughout the book and in the 'how to use the book', so I feel it is relevant as the author funnels people there...and I include it to avoid people getting blindsided like I was as it took a bit of shine away from the idea.
If you get the book anywhere but from the author directly in physical form, they essentially guilt (borderline bully) you that they are making less because of it. She did this to a couple of people I know personally who got the ebook. Calls people out in the facebook group for it or answering with things like "it is obvious if you read X". The rest of the community is encouraging to newcomers and doesn't get on board with this behaviour, which is good.
In the book, they encourage modification of a badge if you can't do it for a medical reason. This seemed very inclusive and forward thinking, which is why I was surprised when the term "spoonie" is used for people who do modify one. This is considered offensive and derogatory where I live; possibly not where the author does though, so I gave the benefit of the doubt until I found out: There is a completely different Facebook group for anyone who falls into that category/does not allow talk about medical modification in the main group. You basically get kicked out and banned if you do. This is borderline ableism behaviour.
Bottom line: Book is great, but, if you are looking for the full experience of doing it with a community, create your own to keep the full enjoyment of the experience.
Graphically, it is really beautiful. You can tell effort and thought was put into the design.
It's not the book so much that brings the rating down, but the author's interactions with the community. Community involvement with their official Facebook group is encouraged/pushed by the writer several times throughout the book and in the 'how to use the book', so I feel it is relevant as the author funnels people there...and I include it to avoid people getting blindsided like I was as it took a bit of shine away from the idea.
If you get the book anywhere but from the author directly in physical form, they essentially guilt (borderline bully) you that they are making less because of it. She did this to a couple of people I know personally who got the ebook. Calls people out in the facebook group for it or answering with things like "it is obvious if you read X". The rest of the community is encouraging to newcomers and doesn't get on board with this behaviour, which is good.
In the book, they encourage modification of a badge if you can't do it for a medical reason. This seemed very inclusive and forward thinking, which is why I was surprised when the term "spoonie" is used for people who do modify one. This is considered offensive and derogatory where I live; possibly not where the author does though, so I gave the benefit of the doubt until I found out: There is a completely different Facebook group for anyone who falls into that category/does not allow talk about medical modification in the main group. You basically get kicked out and banned if you do. This is borderline ableism behaviour.
Bottom line: Book is great, but, if you are looking for the full experience of doing it with a community, create your own to keep the full enjoyment of the experience.
March 4, 2023
Fantastic book and such a lovely concept. The idea you can develop your skills and learn new ones while earning badges is great! Thanks
February 9, 2025
Badges for adults!
A great collection of activities that will help any adult become a better, well rounded person! Some are easier lifts and some really make you stretch and grow.
A great collection of activities that will help any adult become a better, well rounded person! Some are easier lifts and some really make you stretch and grow.
March 4, 2023
I bought this book a whole year ago, and it's undoubtedly the best book I've ever purchased. I missed out on Guides and Scouts as a kid, but the badges in this book give me the chance to feel like a kid again and continue learning and trying new things, which my brain craves.
Charly, the creator of Rebel Badge Book, goes above and beyond what you'd expect from an author. Frankly, she could have just published the book and left it at that, and I'd have been totally happy. But she's fostered a fantastic (completely optional) Facebook community that bring other Rebels together to share badge progress, ask for advice and encourage each other along the way. Plus there's extra badges, challenges, fun events, the list goes on!
There's even a Spoonie group, created and run by those who identify with the term, who help each other come up with reasonable adaptations to badges if you find something is unachievable for medical reasons. As someone with ADHD and occasional mobility issues, it's been fantastic having a group of understanding Rebels for support and to make me feel like I've still achieved something, even if I haven't been able to follow the clause to the letter.
If you like being creative, learning new things and trying new hobbies, or simply feel like you deserve a badge for defrosting the freezer (you do, and you can get one!), then buy this book and join the fun - you won't regret it!
Charly, the creator of Rebel Badge Book, goes above and beyond what you'd expect from an author. Frankly, she could have just published the book and left it at that, and I'd have been totally happy. But she's fostered a fantastic (completely optional) Facebook community that bring other Rebels together to share badge progress, ask for advice and encourage each other along the way. Plus there's extra badges, challenges, fun events, the list goes on!
There's even a Spoonie group, created and run by those who identify with the term, who help each other come up with reasonable adaptations to badges if you find something is unachievable for medical reasons. As someone with ADHD and occasional mobility issues, it's been fantastic having a group of understanding Rebels for support and to make me feel like I've still achieved something, even if I haven't been able to follow the clause to the letter.
If you like being creative, learning new things and trying new hobbies, or simply feel like you deserve a badge for defrosting the freezer (you do, and you can get one!), then buy this book and join the fun - you won't regret it!
March 29, 2023
Stumbled on Rebel Badges as a Facebook friend from another community was working towards them and I was very curious!
Rebel Badge Book provides some attainable yet stretching ideas for things to do, perhaps moving out of your comfort zone, and getting to know yourself and your world a bit better, too. I see it a bit like a grown-up Scouts or Guides. The book's easy to navigate, well presented and pick up when you're looking for things to do and you're encouraged to plan ahead so you can look forward to new things. Many of the challenges are low/no-cost and all are well thought-through in terms of range and scope. You have a choice to buy a well-designed fabric 'badge' from the company, either as something to work towards, or to award yourself, for your efforts, on completion. I'm enjoying collecting those but the book stands alone if that's not your thing. Highly recommend the Rebel Badge Book to anyone interested in a flexible and fun approach to informal learning and personal growth and development.
Rebel Badge Book provides some attainable yet stretching ideas for things to do, perhaps moving out of your comfort zone, and getting to know yourself and your world a bit better, too. I see it a bit like a grown-up Scouts or Guides. The book's easy to navigate, well presented and pick up when you're looking for things to do and you're encouraged to plan ahead so you can look forward to new things. Many of the challenges are low/no-cost and all are well thought-through in terms of range and scope. You have a choice to buy a well-designed fabric 'badge' from the company, either as something to work towards, or to award yourself, for your efforts, on completion. I'm enjoying collecting those but the book stands alone if that's not your thing. Highly recommend the Rebel Badge Book to anyone interested in a flexible and fun approach to informal learning and personal growth and development.
January 19, 2023
I adore these books and the community that has developed around them. Charly has created a syllabus that is both challenging but achievable, and the accompanying Facebook group is a great place to find support and inspiration to help with the badges.
I’ve always been a bit of a hobbyist, but as a new mother in a new area during lockdown, I found myself struggling to find free time and to fill it. The Rebel Badge Books have been an incredible help to reorient myself and make the most of my time.
My favourite badges aren’t in the books, though - they’re the monthly and quarterly challenges for the Facebook group. Why not pick up a copy and join us?!
(I’ve posted this review on both Vol 1 and 2 of the Rebel Badge Book.)
I’ve always been a bit of a hobbyist, but as a new mother in a new area during lockdown, I found myself struggling to find free time and to fill it. The Rebel Badge Books have been an incredible help to reorient myself and make the most of my time.
My favourite badges aren’t in the books, though - they’re the monthly and quarterly challenges for the Facebook group. Why not pick up a copy and join us?!
(I’ve posted this review on both Vol 1 and 2 of the Rebel Badge Book.)
February 5, 2023
What an amazing idea.
It's so easy to get in a rut and this book will push you out of it. If you every enjoyed earning badges at scouting or guiding then you will love this. Badges that have been specifically designed for adults and the realities of everyday life.
Some are really easy, while others are much more challangeing.
Even better is that you can purchase stickers or fabric badges and reward yourself for all that hard work and continue that camp blanket you started as a kid!
For those who like friendly communities and support, or just like to bring a bit about their achievement there is a super friendly FB group. There are always additional badges and challenges going on there as well.
Come and join us on our rebel adventures.
It's so easy to get in a rut and this book will push you out of it. If you every enjoyed earning badges at scouting or guiding then you will love this. Badges that have been specifically designed for adults and the realities of everyday life.
Some are really easy, while others are much more challangeing.
Even better is that you can purchase stickers or fabric badges and reward yourself for all that hard work and continue that camp blanket you started as a kid!
For those who like friendly communities and support, or just like to bring a bit about their achievement there is a super friendly FB group. There are always additional badges and challenges going on there as well.
Come and join us on our rebel adventures.
March 4, 2023
A nostalgic travel back to my Girl Guiding years. Lots of badges to work towards with a wide variety to choose from, and you can even purchase fabric badges to collect along the way!
Not only is this a great book, there is also a great Community on Facebook, the perfect place to chat to like minded people and get inspiration from what others are doing. There is also a great Spoonie FB page for those who are neurodivergent or disabled, where you can get excellent tips and hints on adaptations to the badge to make them accessible for everyone. The author, Charly, really has thought of everything!!
Not only is this a great book, there is also a great Community on Facebook, the perfect place to chat to like minded people and get inspiration from what others are doing. There is also a great Spoonie FB page for those who are neurodivergent or disabled, where you can get excellent tips and hints on adaptations to the badge to make them accessible for everyone. The author, Charly, really has thought of everything!!
October 31, 2021
A lot of fun! I love the idea of doing badge work as an adult. I read this in e-book format and probably would have enjoyed it more as a physical book, so I recommend purchasing the physical book if you want to refer to it and use it to track your badges and progress. I think there are some tweaks needed for a few of the badges, but overall I think this will help get people out of their comfort zones and try some new things! If the idea of merit badges appeals to you, definitely give this a shot!
March 4, 2023
The rebel badge book community has changed my life. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped with my anxiety and made me want to have fun. It has given me something to do while battling a traumatic pregnancy and ultimately losing my baby girl at three months old. The rebel community has supported me and given me something to throw myself into. The rebel badge book is way more than 'just' a book, it is a family.
April 4, 2025
I love this book. It is full of fun and engaging merit badges for adults, to help add some fun and wimsy into life. It’s a great way to try out new activities, learn new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Since I bought this book in 2022 I have found myself indulging in things I loved doing as a child, pushing my limits to try new things and having a huge amount of fun, definitely recommend!
April 12, 2022
A great idea - I read this as an ebook and it has some fab challenge suggestions it so I’d suggest buying it as a hard copy if you fancy doing the badges and keeping track of the challenges. I think page numbers, a contents page and an index would be really useful to help find things within the book.
January 19, 2023
I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Rebel Badge Club over the past year. Doing these badges has given me extra motivation to try new things and push myself with the reward of a physical badge at the end of it! The Facebook group is a great place to share achievements and also has extra monthly and quarterly challenges which are great fun!
January 19, 2023
A brilliant book, full of fun ideas and challenges to explore and widen your activities. It gives you the motivation to try new things and the online community is fab. Like a family supporting each other along the way.
Would recommend to all adults, plus if you get your friends on board too its even more fun.
Would recommend to all adults, plus if you get your friends on board too its even more fun.
March 28, 2025
Absolutely love this book and the next two, it’s such a great way to try new things, organise your life or make changes for the better. Also whilst meeting like minded supportive people. There is something suitable for everyone in these books, to get stuck in with. Written well and easy to follow. I describe it as Brownies for adults ☺️
January 19, 2023
Great book, clever ideas and totally fulfils my needs to be productive and have fun at the same time! The book and supporting Facebook group works really well. It’s an excellent gift (although you should definitely buy it from the authors website not Amazon etc).
January 19, 2023
I love this idea!! As we get older a lot of time we just go to work, go home and don't do much. This is a great way to get you doing things.
If you're looking for ideas to keep you busy and maybe trying new things, this is for you. You can earn Merit Badges by completing activities.
If you're looking for ideas to keep you busy and maybe trying new things, this is for you. You can earn Merit Badges by completing activities.
October 21, 2021
Great book!
I thought it was a really fun book and really well thought out with lots of room to make it your own experience!
I thought it was a really fun book and really well thought out with lots of room to make it your own experience!
March 2, 2022
Such fun!
I think there should be a bit more flexibility in earning the badges, but I’ll just amend as I want to and it could really do with page numbers and an index.
I think there should be a bit more flexibility in earning the badges, but I’ll just amend as I want to and it could really do with page numbers and an index.
May 12, 2022
Amazing book!!!!
June 29, 2022
What a fun idea!
This is such a wonderful idea for getting out and about, trying new things and pushing back the boundaries of our comfort zone. I’m looking forward to spending the summer going through the activities in the book!
This is such a wonderful idea for getting out and about, trying new things and pushing back the boundaries of our comfort zone. I’m looking forward to spending the summer going through the activities in the book!
December 6, 2022
This is such an excellent idea, I've had so much fun working on and earning badges, and making new friends along the way. This book and book 2 will keep me busy for years.
January 19, 2023
This is an amazing book and an amazing programme of activities to motivate you to explore new things. Because who doesn't like a badge!
January 19, 2023
I love the challenge presented in this book. I can’t wait to have all the badges!
January 20, 2023
A great motivational resource for learning new skills or for personal development. Perfect for anyone who wants to take up a new challenge
January 20, 2023
An excellent book - I have had a fantastic time working on badges this year, doing things I wouldn't normally do, and meeting new people. Buy it and join in the fun!
January 26, 2023
I'm excited to work on all these well laid out badges!
February 23, 2023
I'm so excited to complete the activities in this book!! It's such a brilliant idea and I'm so grateful to Charly Lester for coming up with this and doing it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews