Sparrow Scouts

The Sparrow Scouts are a scouting group in Trolberg for both boys and girls. The group is led by an adult woman named the Raven Leader.

They have their headquarters in a wooden cabin called the Scout Hall, just outside the city limits though still within the City Walls. Like many scout troops, they encourage their members to be helpful to everybody and take good care of nature.

Known members

 * Hilda
 * David
 * Frida
 * Raven Leader
 * Willy
 * Johanna (formerly)
 * Various unnamed boys and girls.

History
It's unknown when exactly the Sparrow Scouts were founded, but since Johanna was also a member during her own childhood, they must have been around for at least a few decades already. In the novel "Hilda and the Nowhere Space", the scouts hold their ninety-third badge ceremony, which is an annual event.

Uniform
The Sparrow Scouts uniform consists of:
 * A yellow shirt/jersey with a brown rhombus shaped insignia on the left chest.
 * A red scarf fastened with a white toggle
 * Either brown shorts, brown trousers or a brown skirt + black or red leggings.
 * A red sash that can be decorated with any earned badges. Wearing the sash is optional however.
 * Optional: a yellow/brown cap with a red feather on the side.

Oath
The Sparrow Scouts have their own oath, which new members have to cite from mind during their initiation ceremony:

I promise to be trustworthy, useful, and helpful to others.

To be a friend to all people, animals and spirits.

To never be a snob, to be courageous, to do a good thing every day.

To smile and to whistle, and to keep the Sparrow Scout law.

Afterwards, as an unofficial tradition, new members are welcomed with a game of stingball.

Merit badges
All Sparrow Scouts can earn merit badges for performing various tasks. Earned badges are handed out at the end of the year during the badge ceremony, and can be worn on the sash.

Badges can be upgraded with golden wings if the task in question is performed exceptionally well or if a Sparrow Scout meets extra criteria.

Known badges include:
 * Level Three Friendly and Helpful
 * Friend of the park
 * Coveted Camping
 * Fundraising
 * First Aid
 * Stonework
 * Young Entrepreneur
 * Cycling
 * Friend to Insects
 * Wrestling
 * Botany
 * Birding
 * Care for animals
 * Renovation
 * Interior design


 * Exclusive to the graphic novels:
 * Friend to Animals


 * Exclusive to the Hilda Tie-In Series
 * Horse Riding
 * Orienteering
 * Search and Rescue
 * Cookery
 * Wood Carving
 * Circus Skills
 * Car Maintenance
 * Road Safety
 * Fire safety
 * Paddle sports
 * Choral singing

Warblers
In the animated series, the Sparrow Scouts have their own choir named the Warblers.

Every year, for at least four days in a row, auditions for this choir are held. The choir mostly consists of singers, but also has several instrument players, including at least one piano player and a triangle player.

The warblers occasionally give concerts in the Scout Hall for the parents.

The graphic novels make no mention of the warblers, and in the novelization the only evidence that they exist comes from David getting the choral singing badge.

Camp
Every year, before the badge ceremony, the Sparrow Scouts end the year with a camping trip at Camp Sparrow in the Huldrawood. The camp is held over a period of several days, though during Hilda's first camping trip (seen in "Hilda and the Black Hound"/ "Chapter 12: The Nisse" + "Chapter 13: The Black Hound") it was ended after just one night due to The Black Hound being sighted in the woods.

Besides Camp Sparrow, the Sparrow Scouts occassionally also organize camping trips outside the walls of Trolberg, where scouts have to navigate through the wilderness for 3 days.

Jumble sale
Once a year, the Sparrow Scouts hold a jumble sale. Members will go from door to door to collect objects that people will donate for the sale. Collecting enough stuff will earn members the fundraising badge.

Broth sale
During the Trolberg Winter Festival, the Sparrow Scouts sell their famous vegetable broth. The broth is prepared according to a secret recipe.

Trivia

 * There is another scouts group for younger children called the Fledgling Scouts. Frida was once part of these scouts, as revealed in "Chapter 4: The Eternal Warriors".
 * They have their own song: Sparrow Scouts Forever.