Category Archives: Girl Scouts
Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts!
On March 12, 2012, Juliette Low started Girl Scouting in the United States.
In 100 years, this organization has impacted millions of girls and adults in our country. It has stood to protect each girl . . . not only physically but morally. You may not agree with the idea of accepting everyone and not imposing religious or cultural norms. You might not agree how national directs the program. Girl Scouting gives girls the courage, confidence and character to take control of their own lives and future.
If you see anyone wearing the ribbon, uniform or identifying themselves as a Girl Scout / alumnae today, please think of the girls working to make our world a better place.
New Supplements Available Now!
I have started uploading the new supplements for Girl Scout Traditions. You can find all of our Girl Scout supplements here.
Printables: World Games has also had supplements added. The badge program is coming out next month.
I like to print the world games out and give them to teachers as a gift. The time of year when the kids can’t go outside to play is here. The printable games give the kids something to break from their daily work and allow them to be indoors for recess / lunch. Some of the games need a print each time they are played. Some are reusable.
Happy Holidays!
Badge: Printables – Girl Scouts
When creating and using Girl Scout printables, you already have a theme to follow. However, there are many other choices you’ll need to make.
To help get started on this badge program, see the badge program “Create Printables.”
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Steps
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Preplanning printables
1. Audience.
You may think narrowing down your audience to “Girl Scouts” will make creating / using printables easier. However, you need to determine the level of your users to make sure what you create is age appropriate. Who will you be using your printables?
- Girl Scout Daisies: kindergarten and first grade
- Girl Scout Brownies: second and third grades
- Girl Scout Juniors: fourth and fifth grades
- Girl Scout Cadettes: sixth, seventh and eighth grades
- Girl Scout Seniors: ninth and tenth grades
- Girl Scout Ambassadors: eleventh and twelfth grades
- Girl Scout Volunteers: any over high school
2. Purpose.
Are you using the printables to go with programs such as a specific badge or journey? If so, review the materials so you know what fits with the program before you start. You can then customize your materials to the abilities of your audience.
3. Theme.
If you’re looking for activities for recruitments, events or trainings, concentrate more on age-appropriate printables. You might choose to incorporate the theme of the activities in your printables or remain exclusively with a Girl Scout theme. For example, celebrating Juliette Low’s birthday on October 31 could pull in historical information, generic birthday themes or service that can be done in addition to the celebration itself.
4. Availability and distribution.
Are you sending the files to a Service Unit manager or Council office for output? If so, you need to make sure they can accept your files, have the same fonts and can print for you. If not, you may need to provide fonts, or even graphics depending on how your software works with them. In addition, keep the files on a memory stick or email them to yourself so you have access in case of an emergency. You’ll be able to print them at a local copy shop.
5. Back it up!
Save all the printables you create for Girl Scouts in two locations. One with the information for the event so if you want to do the event again in the future, all the files are with it. Place the second set into a themed area so you can quickly go to it without having to remember the event you used the printables for.
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Specific printables
6. Color sheets.
Color sheets can be an activity to keep girls busy or to get girls into a mindset for receiving information. Check out the Daisy Petals to see two versions of the color sheets (SUPP_2011_DaisyColor.pdf and SUPP_2011_DaisyColorWords.pdf). Look through old Girl Scout materials and find images you can use as color sheets. In addition, some service projects use color sheets. Making placemats for Meals on Wheels is just one option. Also check out samples of service color sheets at “Color a Smile” online.
7. Word games.
Explore the offerings of Girl Scout word games on the Internet. Themes can be vintage Girl Scouts, WAGGGS, or even level-specific programming. Of course, you may want to use Girl Scout holidays like World Thinking Day or Girl Scout Week. Check out our supplements for examples.
8. Puzzles and games.
Puzzles and games may not need a theme. Instead, they may just be used as an additional activity in case the girls complete other activities faster than you anticipated. Having a stash of “what if” activities can allow you to quickly add items to a program.
Check out the puzzle and game supplements available through the AEP. Use this as a starting point only.
9. Icebreakers.
Icebreakers are activities that allow you to learn about yourself and others to help you get comfortable in new surroundings with new people. Check out the AEP supplement SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf and make a printable from one of those ideas or create one based on your own idea. Make sure it takes your Girl Scout theme into account. Try your icebreaker on a group and get feedback on whether it works or if adjustments need to be made.
10. SWAPS.
You can use miniatures or create your own by creating images of larger items and reducing them to a “SWAP” size. Explore cookie box miniatures available online for making as SWAPS. Brainstorm other items you can use as miniatures for swapping.
11. Crafts.
Whether giving directions, ephemera or as templates to work from, crafts utilize printables. Search for printables you can use either to explain how to do a craft or to incorporate as a craft item. Make sure they incorporate the theme you are trying to create.
12. Awards.
From investiture through bridging, printable awards allow you to give your girls a little thing extra to include in their scrapbook or handbook. You can also present awards to parents and volunteers. Search the Web for printable awards or create your own awards to hand out at your next ceremony.
13. More printables.
Review the badge program “Create Printables” and see what other ideas you can add to this list. Share your ideas, findings or completed printables with other Girl Scouts.
14. Girl Scout Traditions.
Check out the Girl Scout Traditions badge set from AEP. Review the programs and supplements to find materials to incorporate even more Girl Scout themed printables.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_2011_DaisyColor.pdf
. Color sheet with new Daisy design
SUPP_2011_DaisyColorWords.pdf
. Color sheet with new Daisy design and copy explaining the petals / leaves
SUPP_2012_Make Your Own Badge.pdf
. Sheets to make your own badges, starting February 2012.
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SUPP_Game_CootieCatcherGS.pdf
. Girl Scout cootie catcher / fortune teller
SUPP_Game_GSfind.pdf
. Girl Scout word find
SUPP_Game_GSlaw.pdf
. Arrange the words to find the Girl Scout law
SUPP_Game_GSpromise.pdf
. Arrange the words to find the Girl Scout promise
SUPP_Game_GSscramble.pdf
. Girl Scout unscramble words
SUPP_Game_GSsudoku.pdf
. Girl Scout sudoku puzzle
SUPP_Game_MakeWords_GS100.pdf
. Make words from “Happy 100th Anniversary” (Girl Scouts)
SUPP_Game_Make Words_GSUSA.pdf
. Make words from “Girl Scouts of the USA”
SUPP_Game_MakeWords_JGL.pdf
. Make words from “Juliette Gordon Low” (Girl Scouts)
SUPP_Game_Scouts_Guides.pdf
. Change the word “Scouts” to “Guides”
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SUPP_Game_Achi_GhanaNigeria.pdf
. Game board for Achi
SUPP_Game_Nim_China.pdf
. Game board for Nim
SUPP_Game_Seega_Egypt.pdf
. Game board for Seega
SUPP_Game_Tapatan_Philippines.pdf
. Game board for Tapatan
SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf
. Directions for numerous icebreakers
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NOTE: AEP Girl Scout printables can be found at www.scribd.com/collections/2837586/Girl-Scouts-Printables; other printables such as the games can be found in Game Printables or AEP Supplements.
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Sites to Explore
www.makingfriends.com/scouts/scouts_girls_paper.htm
www.dltk-kids.com/scouts/index.htm
coloringbookfun.com/girlscouts
www.sstephen.org/girlscouts/d_printables.htm
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
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Girl Scouts is full of traditions — from the songs we sing to the ceremonies we use to celebrate achievements. This badge program can be used with any other of the Girl Scout Traditions set to provide event activities for your troop / group.
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Steps
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Explore traditions
1. Tradition of acceptance
Perhaps because of a woman being treated as less than a man, Girl Scouts has always embraced girls as individuals. Girl Scouts supports and teaches each girl to reach for her unique goals. While society struggles to look past skin color, religion, and other characteristics, we place the needs of each girl first. We celebrate the victories and provide support during failures, encouraging a “try again” attitude. Share a story of a girl that you helped gain acceptance of herself or encouraged to grow beyond what she thought she could do.
2. Leadership.
From girls who succeed personally in their own lives to women who leave Girl Scouts to start their own youth groups, you can see the teachings of leadership take hold. Every Girl Scout, past and present, leads with courage, confidence and character. Share how you have taken the lead of a project, group or idea and made it your own.
3. Embracing change.
The world is constantly changing. Girl Scouts understands this and frequently updates or provides supplemental programming to cover new trends and movements. As you learn and grow, you are also changing. Examine your own life. How has Girl Scouts changed you?
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Explore skills
4. Holidays.
Explore and celebrate one or more of these Girl Scout holidays in a traditional way.
- Founder’s Day / Juliette Low’s Birthday
- Girl Scout Anniversary
- Girl Scout Leader’s Day
- Girl Scout Sunday / Sabbath
- Girl Scout Week
- World Thinking Day
5. Cookies.
Originally, selling cookies was merely a money earning project. Today, it is an extension of business as girls make decisions and goals, working to do more than just “sell cookies.” Try one or more of these to explore traditions with cookies.
- Make the original Girl Scout cookie recipe
- Host a cookie rally
- Participate in a sale, doing door-to-door and booth sales
- Explore other ways girls have sold cookies
- Make recipes with cookies as an ingredient
6. Other money earning traditions.
Calendar sales started through necessity when ingredients were unavailable to make cookies during war years. Today, girls may sell calendars, nuts or magazines for additional funds in the fall when their year starts. Explore ways girls have earned money for their troop and plan to do something new with your earnings.
7. Camping.
After selling cookies, most people relate Girl Scouts to camping. Camping has changed drastically from the beginning of Girl Scouts. While we still recycle items to make things for camp, we no longer damage foliage to create items to use at camp. Explore items Girl Scouts have made over the years to use at camp. Make one or more and try them out.
8. Participation.
Even in the early days of Girl Scouts, troops weren’t the only way to participate. Due to the rural areas of many places in the US, independent Girl Scouts could join. Today, we have even more ways to be a Girl Scout. Explore our current pathways and find out more about each.
9. Insignia and uniforms.
Original badges were referred to as “merit badges” or “proficiency badges.” As the years went on, they changed to reflect the levels of the girls, giving us “petals”, “try-its”, and “interest projects” to name a few. In 2012, we’re going back to badges for all levels with the exception of Daisies. Explore insignia and uniforms from the past 100 years.
10. Girl Scout levels.
In 1912, Girl Scouts were girls aged 10 and older. As the materials and abilities of the girls were understood, the levels were broken down and today we have six levels of girls. This makes it easier to work with the girls as they are more likely to have the same skill set. Explore the development of one of the six levels of Girl Scouts through the appropriate Girl Scout Traditions for that level.
11. Meetings and events.
Meetings encompass a lot of traditions from how they’re run to activities done during a meeting or event. Explore one or more of these traditions and share them with others.
- Kaper charts
- Forms
- Badge requirements
- Field trips
- Encouraging participation of string female role models
- Government
- Ceremonies
- Skills
- Games
- Songs
- Sports
This is only a small list. Feel free to add your own traditional experience if you wish.
12. Take action.
Take one or more of the traditions you have explored and look at it more in depth. Which Girl Scout levels will be able to do your tradition? Think of how you can incorporate it into a meeting or event. Try the tradition with a few girls and see what adjustments you need to make so your ideas can be used with a larger number of girls. Do your tradition with a larger group or share it with others.
13. Making traditions.
From starting an annual World Thinking Day event to doing a special ceremony for Gold Award winners, making your own tradition isn’t difficult. It’s keeping the tradition going that is the challenge. Brainstorm traditions you feel would benefit your girls or community. Discuss with other Girl Scout to determine the plausibility of your plan. Follow through and start your tradition.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf
. Listing of all supplements available with the Girl Scout Traditions Badge Set.
. As of October 2011, it stood at 147 supplements for all eight badge programs.
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Sites to Explore
www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Traditions/ScoutTraditions.htm
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/History.htm
www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/guiding/guidinghistory
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.scouter.com/compass/Scouting_History
www.youtube.com/user/girlscoutvideos
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions – Volunteer / Adult
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
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Girl Scout volunteers have had many titles and positions over the years. Let’s explore their development and expectations of GSUSA.
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Steps
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Exploring the past
1. Captain, leader, facilitator.
When volunteering with Girl Scouts began, captains lead their girls. We’ve also been called leaders and facilitators. As you look through the history of Girl Scouts, pay attention to the changing titles and responsibilities for adults who work with the girls.
2. Looking to the past.
Review the various “leader’s guides” provided as supplements to this badge program. Note items you think the girls might like to try that have been removed from the latest materials provided by GSUSA. Present them at a special meeting for your troop, a service unit event or make a training of your own to share with others.
3. Customizing your materials.
If you’ve looked through the level badges, you’ll see that it was not unusual to have a lack of formal materials or badge requirements. It took imagination and resourcefulness to provide programming for girls. This holds true today as we move into the Journeys as the way to expose girls to leadership. Customize activities to compare our current program with that of the past.
4. Learning to step back.
When girls first become Girl Scouts as Daisies, it is up to the adult volunteer to provide programming for the girls. As the girls move up in levels, the girls slowly take over the programming and the volunteer becomes an advisor. This progression is evident in other areas in addition to programming. Review how adults allow the girls to become leaders through taking charge of their own activities.
5. Online resources.
The Web has opened up a way for creative adults to find, make and share materials with each other. This takes a lot of the pressure of leading girls off. It also allows you to expand programming in ways you may not be familiar with, but you can acquire enough information to start the girls on the path. Find something your girls are interested in pursuing and learn how other volunteers have presented the same information, somewhere the girls can go to find the information or the resources so you / your girls can create new programming.
6. Other adult volunteer positions.
As an adult, you can volunteer for many positions that do not interact directly with the girls as a leader. From volunteering to put on a specific program to training other adults, there are many volunteer positions that are available. Review your council’s Web site or contact someone “above” you within the Girl Scout organization and learn about additional volunteering roles you might choose to participate in. Find out what you need to do to fill the volunteer roles.
7. Training for adults.
GSUSA provides online training for basic information. After that councils and volunteers provide training for new adults. Find out what training you are required for the level where you currently volunteer. If you’ve not taken anything, schedule and take the training.
In addition, supplemental training can be found with additional classes to learn songs, games, ceremonies and more. Find out if your council has supplemental trainings, whether offered individually or as a “leader’s day” or “leader’s weekend” event. Choose one and attend to find out more about trainings available to support you in your volunteer efforts.
8. Girl Scout Leader’s Day.
In 1982, Girl Scout Leader’s Day was celebrated for the first time on April 22nd. While you may feel that you shouldn’t point out to your girls that it is a day honoring you and the work you do, share this with your girls. Plan a special meeting doing something you enjoy and share your enthusiasm with your girls.
9. Girl Scout adult insignia.
www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/where_to_place
Like the girls they work with, adults also have items they can wear to show their support of Girl Scouts. Find the image of adult insignia on the link above and research those items. Acquire those items that reflect your work as a volunteer with Girl Scouts.
10. GSUSA recognitions.
GSUSA has adult recognitions. While some may be earned such as leaves for training you take above that required, some are given to you for service. These are recognitions from other adults who feel you’re going beyond the efforts required of your volunteer post. Investigate adult awards and how to get them for yourself or recommend someone else.
11. Fun patches.
Girls love fun patches. Everything you do may not go toward earned insignia. Many times, adult volunteers purchase an additional patch for themselves so they can remember the fun too. Explore ways you can collect fun patches and display them.
12. Girl Scout Alumnae.
If you’ve been a Girl Scout or volunteer, you are a Girl Scout Alumnae. From current estimates, there are 50 million of us. Find a Girl Scout Alumnae organization within your council or online and see what they do. Determine if this is something you’d like to participate in.
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Non-Girl Scout support
13. Training outside Girl Scouts.
Training for adults is not limited to the classes and weekends provided by council and volunteers. From PBS and their science workshops for Zoom!, Fetch! and Design Squad to local craft classes — anything you learn that you can share with your Girl Scouts can be counted for training hours. Look for local or online classes. Participate in one that you feel you can use with your Girl Scouts.
14. Adult Enrichment Project.
The AEP provides badge programs to give you even more support. You can learn at your own pace. Often, support materials can be taken back to trainings and meetings to share with other Girl Scouts. Find a badge program you feel goes beyond your comfort zone and try it. The AEP is a great way bring new ideas and skills into your programming.
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Supplements Available
AEP_STEM via PBS.pdf
. AEP badge program focusing on science offerings from PBS.
SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf
. Listing of all supplements available with the Girl Scout Traditions Badge Set.
. As of October 2011, it stood at 147 supplements for all eight badge programs.
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Sites to Explore
www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Traditions/ScoutTraditions.htm
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/History.htm
www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/guiding/guidinghistory
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.scouter.com/compass/Scouting_History
www.youtube.com/user/girlscoutvideos
larajla.com/adult-enrichment-project
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions – Ambassador
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
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Girl Scout Ambassadors are girls in grades 11 and 12. Explore their past and future with this badge program.
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Steps
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Exploring the past
1. Starting of Girl Scout Ambassadors.
Girl Scout Seniors have been mentioned from the beginning. The ages for our current Ambassador program fell within the ages of the Senior Girl Scouts. In 1937, Senior Girl Scouts were recognized as their own level for girls 14-17 and official uniforms were available. In 2008, Seniors and Ambassadors were split from the previous “Seniors” level so each covers two grades. Ambassadors, while being our latest level, is in name only. Review how the Girl Scout Ambassador program grew from Senior Girl Scouts.
2. Decade sampler.
Do at least one activity per decade (1912 to present) to experience what Girl Scouts did in the past as Girl Scout Ambassadors. Find information from one of these:
- Handbooks (badge requirements, things to do, activities)
- Leader’s Guides (things to do, activities)
- GSUSA supplemental materials
- Local “council own” badges / programs
- Historical Girl Scout YouTube videos
- Girl Scout Alumnae
- Supplements for the Girl Scout Traditions badge set (AEP)
If you cannot find Girl Scout specific activities, try some of the activities listed in Step 4. For additional ideas, see the badge program “Girl Scout Traditions” for non-level activities and materials.
3. Adapting to the times.
Some of the activities may not correspond to beliefs or resources we have today. Find an activity, or more than one, and look for an equivalent you might do today. Adapt your activity if there is no updated equivalent so girls today can try it. Share your final activity with others.
4. History sampler.
Experience the world as the girls did in the past. You can do one or more of the following:
- Watch a period movie
- Watch newsreel reports that used to run before movies
- Listen to old radio station broadcasts
- Historical reenactments
- Educational activities
- Local events
- Conduct research at your local library
- Trends at that time including music, fashion, popular activities, etc.
Feel free to do other activities that give you a sense of the history of Girl Scout Ambassadors.
5. Earn insignia.
Completely earn one badge from your level doing the requirements from at least ten years ago. If there is no badge, try some of the activities they did to see if any can be used with your girls today. Look for a badge to wear or create a charm or other item that illustrates the requirements / activities you did to show your proficiency. If you find activities that you enjoy more than the badge(s) at your own level, share them with others.
6. Earn patches.
Girl Scouts partners with many organizations to provide current materials for girls. They also create a lot on their own. Review patch programs that were available in the past and earn one that would have been done by Girl Scout Ambassadors. Again, try to find a patch to wear or create a charm or other item to show your proficiency.
7. Additional awards.
Explore any additional awards girls at your level may have earned. This might include higher awards, bridging awards and participatory awards. How have these changed over the years?
8. My own experience.
Girl Scout Alumnae are adults that were previously with GSUSA but may not now be active. Review your own experiences with Girl Scouts. Collect stories / items you might want to share with new Girl Scouts.
9. Troop event.
Prepare a troop event to share what you learned with your girls while exploring the past.
10. Larger event.
Work with a group of adults to create and offer an event outside your own troop / group. Use the materials you have found while exploring the past or start a new tradition.
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Moving to the future
11. Explore badges.
Review the Girl’s Guide for Girl Scouting for your level. Review and do one badge for your level. How does it compare with insignia that could previously be earned?
12. Explore Journeys.
Review at least one of the Journeys. How might you customize it to make it more palatable to girls at your level? Brainstorm ideas and put them inside your Journey so you have them when you review the Journeys with your girls.
13. Create your own badge.
Share the excitement of changing the world. Challenge yourself to create a badge program that you feel girls at your level might enjoy. Ask your girls to review your badge and make suggestions for improvement. Offer it to others outside your normal troop / group.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf
. Listing of all supplements available with the Girl Scout Traditions Badge Set.
. As of October 2011, it stood at 147 supplements for all eight badge programs.
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Sites to Explore
www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Traditions/ScoutTraditions.htm
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/History.htm
www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/guiding/guidinghistory
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.scouter.com/compass/Scouting_History
www.youtube.com/user/girlscoutvideos
Wanted: Your Materials
**Calling All Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Alumnae**
As I’m working to finish up adding the last of my own materials for Girl Scout Traditions, I’m asking for your help.
I want to add more council-specific and individual-specific flavor to our set of supplements. If you haven’t checked out the resources available so far, go to our Girl Scout Printable collection on Scribd.
http://www.scribd.com/collections/2837586/SUPP-AEP-Girl-Scouts-Printables
Look back over your own years interacting with Girl Scouts. Ask your girls about their own experiences as well. I don’t want current programming ideas. I want things that were done in the past to help add to our collective history.
Specific items I’m looking for include:
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Girl Scout Stories
I’d like to create a PDF file specific for each individual who contributes stories of their experiences. I created one for myself to give you an example, SUPP_GS_My Stories_larajla.pdf. Please include your name so the stories can be attributed to you.
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Council Owns
I have done nothing on these. While I have my girls’ favorites, I’d love to have requirements / experiences you’ve had with them with your girls. I’m especially interested in the ones based on the geography / location-specific ones in your council.
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My Council
Realignment was hard on everyone. I’d love to get information on defunct councils, powerful women who helped make their mark in your local councils and service units, etc.
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My Camp
Everyone has a camp they love. Stories of your own, history of the camp, ghost stories shared over the fire, humorous stories of items not packed for camp, anything that could be used to bring the memories of your camp to others. If I can collect enough about a specific camp, I’ll create a PDF for that camp. If not, I’ll work to create a collection of camp stories.
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Shared Information
The Web has offered a way for us to share information between councils that we didn’t have before. Previously, we’d share within our council or service unit . . . often mimeographed typewritten pages. I’d love copies of these materials as there are gems that can be shared from craft to programming ideas. These individual insights into the national program help build our history. You’ll see some that I’ve already done from Riverland Council in 1983 in our supplement set. Files start with “SUPP_1983_”.
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Okay, so for the hard part!
You can email any of these items to me at larajla__@__gmail.com (remove underscores). I can get to this email address anywhere, so it’s the easiest for me to work with.
You can type up the information and send it in an email. If you want to do an attachment, please save it as a TXT file, which is the most universal text file type.
Also, if you have access to a newer photocopier, some give you the ability to create PDFs to email. You might want to check with your local office supply store to see if they can do this for you. If you choose to do this, make sure you send a copy back to yourself so you have the information for your own records.
Thank you!
P.S. Please forward this to anyone you feel might have information to share.
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions – Senior
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
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Girl Scout Seniors are girls in grades 9 and 10. Explore their past and future with this badge program.
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Steps
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Exploring the past
1. Starting of Girl Scout Seniors.
Girl Scout Seniors have been mentioned from the beginning. In the 1915 Leader’s Manual, Seniors are “older women” who only do “first aid, signaling and the Scout program.” By the 1917 How Girls Can Help Their Country, they were expanding on the program of the younger girls and teaching them. In 1937, they were recognized as their own level for girls 14-17 and official uniforms were available. Over the years, Mariner and Wing Scouts were developed and then brought back into Seniors level. Review how Seniors became their own level over the years.
2. Decade sampler.
Do at least one activity per decade (1912 to present) to experience what Girl Scouts did in the past as Girl Scout Seniors. Find information from one of these:
- Handbooks (badge requirements, things to do, activities)
- Leader’s Guides (things to do, activities)
- GSUSA supplemental materials
- Local “council own” badges / programs
- Historical Girl Scout YouTube videos
- Girl Scout Alumnae
- Supplements for the Girl Scout Traditions badge set (AEP)
If you cannot find Girl Scout specific activities, try some of the activities listed in Step 4. For additional ideas, see the badge program “Girl Scout Traditions” for non-level activities and materials.
3. Adapting to the times.
Some of the activities may not correspond to beliefs or resources we have today. Find an activity, or more than one, and look for an equivalent you might do today. Adapt your activity if there is no updated equivalent so girls today can try it. Share your final activity with others.
4. History sampler.
Experience the world as the girls did in the past. You can do one or more of the following:
- Watch a period movie
- Watch newsreel reports that used to run before movies
- Listen to old radio station broadcasts
- Historical reenactments
- Educational activities
- Local events
- Conduct research at your local library
- Trends at that time including music, fashion, popular activities, etc.
Feel free to do other activities that give you a sense of the history of Girl Scout Seniors.
5. Earn insignia.
Completely earn one badge from your level doing the requirements from at least ten years ago. If there is no badge, try some of the activities they did to see if any can be used with your girls today. Look for a badge to wear or create a charm or other item that illustrates the requirements / activities you did to show your proficiency. If you find activities that you enjoy more than the badge(s) at your own level, share them with others.
6. Earn patches.
Girl Scouts partners with many organizations to provide current materials for girls. They also create a lot on their own. Review patch programs that were available in the past and earn one that would have been done by Girl Scout Seniors. Again, try to find a patch to wear or create a charm or other item to show your proficiency.
7. Additional awards.
Explore any additional awards girls at your level may have earned. This might include higher awards, bridging awards and participatory awards. How have these changed over the years?
8. My own experience.
Girl Scout Alumnae are adults that were previously with GSUSA but may not now be active. Review your own experiences with Girl Scouts. Collect stories / items you might want to share with new Girl Scouts.
9. Troop event.
Prepare a troop event to share what you learned with your girls while exploring the past.
10. Larger event.
Work with a group of adults to create and offer an event outside your own troop / group. Use the materials you have found while exploring the past or start a new tradition.
.
Moving to the future
11. Explore badges.
Review the Girl’s Guide for Girl Scouting for your level. Review and do one badge for your level. How does it compare with insignia that could previously be earned?
12. Explore Journeys.
Review at least one of the Journeys. How might you customize it to make it more palatable to girls at your level? Brainstorm ideas and put them inside your Journey so you have them when you review the Journeys with your girls.
13. Create your own badge.
Share the excitement of changing the world. Challenge yourself to create a badge program that you feel girls at your level might enjoy. Ask your girls to review your badge and make suggestions for improvement. Offer it to others outside your normal troop / group.
.
Supplements Available
SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf
. Listing of all supplements available with the Girl Scout Traditions Badge Set.
. As of October 2011, it stood at 147 supplements for all eight badge programs.
.
Sites to Explore
www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Traditions/ScoutTraditions.htm
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/History.htm
www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/guiding/guidinghistory
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.scouter.com/compass/Scouting_History
www.youtube.com/user/girlscoutvideos
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions – Cadette
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
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Girl Scout Cadettes are girls in grades 6 through 8. Explore their past and future with this badge program.
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Steps
.
Exploring the past
1. Starting of Girl Scout Cadettes.
Girl Scout Cadettes were part of “Girl Scouts”, started in 1912 with Juliette Low’s historical meeting. From 1912 to 1963, Cadettes were part of the Girl Scout / Girl Scout Intermediate program. In 1963, they became their own level, including girls aged 12-14. They earned the same insignia as the Juniors, but the borders of their badges were yellow to show the additional work and skill they had to put into their badges. Today, they are Girl Scout Cadettes. Examine the combined levels as well as the separation of the program in 1963 to see how this level developed.
2. Decade sampler.
Do at least one activity per decade (1912 to present) to experience what Girl Scouts did in the past as Girl Scout Cadettes. Find information from one of these:
- Handbooks (badge requirements, things to do, activities)
- Leader’s Guides (things to do, activities)
- GSUSA supplemental materials
- Local “council own” badges / programs
- Historical Girl Scout YouTube videos
- Girl Scout Alumnae
- Supplements for the Girl Scout Traditions badge set (AEP)
If you cannot find Girl Scout specific activities, try some of the activities listed in Step 4. For additional ideas, see the badge program “Girl Scout Traditions” for non-level activities and materials.
3. Adapting to the times.
Some of the activities may not correspond to beliefs or resources we have today. Find an activity, or more than one, and look for an equivalent you might do today. Adapt your activity if there is no updated equivalent so girls today can try it. Share your final activity with others.
4. History sampler.
Experience the world as the girls did in the past. You can do one or more of the following:
- Watch a period movie
- Watch newsreel reports that used to run before movies
- Listen to old radio station broadcasts
- Historical reenactments
- Educational activities
- Local events
- Conduct research at your local library
- Trends at that time including music, fashion, popular activities, etc.
Feel free to do other activities that give you a sense of the history of Girl Scout Cadettes.
5. Earn insignia.
Completely earn one badge from your level doing the requirements from at least ten years ago. If there is no badge, try some of the activities they did to see if any can be used with your girls today. Look for a badge to wear or create a charm or other item that illustrates the requirements / activities you did to show your proficiency. If you find activities that you enjoy more than the badge(s) at your own level, share them with others.
6. Earn patches.
Girl Scouts partners with many organizations to provide current materials for girls. They also create a lot on their own. Review patch programs that were available in the past and earn one that would have been done by Girl Scout Cadettes. Again, try to find a patch to wear or create a charm or other item to show your proficiency.
7. Additional awards.
Explore any additional awards girls at your level may have earned. This might include higher awards, bridging awards and participatory awards. How have these changed over the years?
8. My own experience.
Girl Scout Alumnae are adults that were previously with GSUSA but may not now be active. Review your own experiences with Girl Scouts. Collect stories / items you might want to share with new Girl Scouts.
9. Troop event.
Prepare a troop event to share what you learned with your girls while exploring the past.
10. Larger event.
Work with a group of adults to create and offer an event outside your own troop / group. Use the materials you have found while exploring the past or start a new tradition.
.
Moving to the future
11. Explore badges.
Review the Girl’s Guide for Girl Scouting for your level. Review and do one badge for your level. How does it compare with insignia that could previously be earned?
12. Explore Journeys.
Review at least one of the Journeys. How might you customize it to make it more palatable to girls at your level? Brainstorm ideas and put them inside your Journey so you have them when you review the Journeys with your girls.
13. Create your own badge.
Share the excitement of changing the world. Challenge yourself to create a badge program that you feel girls at your level might enjoy. Ask your girls to review your badge and make suggestions for improvement. Offer it to others outside your normal troop / group.
.
Supplements Available
SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf
. Listing of all supplements available with the Girl Scout Traditions Badge Set.
. As of October 2011, it stood at 147 supplements for all eight badge programs.
.
Sites to Explore
www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Traditions/ScoutTraditions.htm
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/History.htm
www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/guiding/guidinghistory
www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
www.scouter.com/compass/Scouting_History
www.youtube.com/user/girlscoutvideos
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions – Junior
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
__________________________________________________________________________
Girl Scout Juniors are girls in grades 4 and 5. Explore their past and future with this badge program.
.
Steps
.
Exploring the past
1. Starting of Girl Scout Juniors.
Girl Scout Juniors was started in 1912 with Juliette Low’s historical meeting. At that time, girls ages 10 and older could join Girl Scouts. Over the years, they have been called Girl Scouts, Intermediate Girl Scouts and Junior Girl Scouts. Today, they are Girl Scout Juniors. This is also the age when girls are so active that they leave Girl Scouts behind. Find historical activities you can share and encourage girls to remain in Girl Scouts.
2. Decade sampler.
Do at least one activity per decade (1912 to present) to experience what Girl Scouts did in the past as Girl Scout Juniors. Find information from one of these:
- Handbooks (badge requirements, things to do, activities)
- Leader’s Guides (things to do, activities)
- GSUSA supplemental materials
- Local “council own” badges / programs
- Historical Girl Scout YouTube videos
- Girl Scout Alumnae
- Supplements for the Girl Scout Traditions badge set (AEP)
If you cannot find Girl Scout specific activities, try some of the activities listed in Step 4. For additional ideas, see the badge program “Girl Scout Traditions” for non-level activities and materials.
3. Adapting to the times.
Some of the activities may not correspond to beliefs or resources we have today. Find an activity, or more than one, and look for an equivalent you might do today. Adapt your activity if there is no updated equivalent so girls today can try it. Share your final activity with others.
4. History sampler.
Experience the world as the girls did in the past. You can do one or more of the following:
- Watch a period movie
- Watch newsreel reports that used to run before movies
- Listen to old radio station broadcasts
- Historical reenactments
- Educational activities
- Local events
- Conduct research at your local library
- Trends at that time including music, fashion, popular activities, etc.
Feel free to do other activities that give you a sense of the history of Girl Scout Juniors.
5. Earn insignia.
Completely earn one badge from your level doing the requirements from at least ten years ago. If there is no badge, try some of the activities they did to see if any can be used with your girls today. Look for a badge to wear or create a charm or other item that illustrates the requirements / activities you did to show your proficiency. If you find activities that you enjoy more than the badge(s) at your own level, share them with others.
6. Earn patches.
Girl Scouts partners with many organizations to provide current materials for girls. They also create a lot on their own. Review patch programs that were available in the past and earn one that would have been done by Girl Scout Juniors. Again, try to find a patch to wear or create a charm or other item to show your proficiency.
7. Additional awards.
Explore any additional awards girls at your level may have earned. This might include higher awards, bridging awards and participatory awards. How have these changed over the years?
8. My own experience.
Girl Scout Alumnae are adults that were previously with GSUSA but may not now be active. Review your own experiences with Girl Scouts. Collect stories / items you might want to share with new Girl Scouts.
9. Troop event.
Prepare a troop event to share what you learned with your girls while exploring the past.
10. Larger event.
Work with a group of adults to create and offer an event outside your own troop / group. Use the materials you have found while exploring the past or start a new tradition.
.
Moving to the future
11. Explore badges.
Review the Girl’s Guide for Girl Scouting for your level. Review and do one badge for your level. How does it compare with insignia that could previously be earned?
12. Explore Journeys.
Review at least one of the Journeys. How might you customize it to make it more palatable to girls at your level? Brainstorm ideas and put them inside your Journey so you have them when you review the Journeys with your girls.
13. Create your own badge.
Share the excitement of changing the world. Challenge yourself to create a badge program that you feel girls at your level might enjoy. Ask your girls to review your badge and make suggestions for improvement. Offer it to others outside your normal troop / group.
.
