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Grab ‘N’ Go: Word SWAP

2013/02/06 by Leave a Comment

Word SWAPPick a word that means something to you. Now, let’s make a SWAP to represent you!

 

Tools:

Scissors

 

Materials:

Cording

Glue

Letter beads

Mini pony beads

 

Steps:

Select beads – Pick the beads you need to spell your word. Then four to six mini pony beads.

Cut cording – Cut a piece of cording 6″ long.

String beads – Lay your beads out like you’re going to string them. Start with 2-3 mini pony beads, then your word and last 2-3 mini pony beads. When you’re happy with the layout, put them on the cording.

Finish – Knot the ends together so you create a circle. Add a bit of glue to keep the knot secure. Add a safety pin.

 

To nab a copy of this sheet, click here > GnG_WordSWAP_lrl_2013

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Filed Under: Crafts, Girl Scouts, Grab 'N' Go, larajla creates Tagged With: , , , , ,

Our Vanishing Camps

2012/11/29 by Leave a Comment

Realignment took the number of Girl Scout councils from over 300 to a bit over 100. The idea was to provide better programming for the girls and consolidate the resources / volunteers. We understood we’d be in for longer drive times and larger events. What we were unprepared for was the loss of many things we held dear. One of these is the loss of our camps.

Councils ended up with many camps after realignment. The cost of maintaining multiple camps is high, or so we’ve been told.

Some camps are within a short distance of one another. In my current council, two were within a few miles of each other. So, one was sold.

Some camps are too far from the main council office and they don’t want to deal with them. This camp was shut down with no one allowed on the property. Tents didn’t come down in the winter. Hot water heaters froze. It was left to be destroyed by the weather.

Camping is one of the things Girl Scouts are known for and our camps are vanishing.

The hardest part is the emotional attachment. Camp feels like home after you’ve been at day camp every summer. Your feet know all the paths. You recognize the buildings, trees and waterways. You are part your camp. And it’s a part of you.

While we can’t seem to stop the trend of camps being sold, we can celebrate our camps. We can enjoy and share them.

So, for this week, our badge programs focus on one of our most treasured possession — our camps.

Explore My Camp goes beyond visiting. Learn the stories and history as well.

Share My Camp helps you discover ways to share your information and stories with others.

Even if your camp is gone, you can keep it alive in the your heart and the hearts of others.

 

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Filed Under: AEP, Girl Scouts Tagged With: , , ,

Stepping Back

2012/09/29 by Leave a Comment

I need to step back for about a month or so.

I have adult training weekends where I’m preparing opening activities and some classes, a Girl Scout Daisy troop I’m helping to start for my niece, a very pregnant friend I’m trying to support and more.

As soon as the major part of the chaos has passed, I’ll be back with more fun.

The next badge is ready for release, Explore TED. When that gets posted, that’s your cue that I’m back.

Type at you soon!

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Filed Under: Girl Scouts Tagged With: ,

Badge: Girl Scout Leader

2012/09/02 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Girl Scout LeadersI’ve volunteered to lead a Girl Scout troop — now what? If you’ve thought this, this badge program is for you!

 

Steps

1. Girl Scouts of the USA.

www.girlscouts.org

The national site offers a great overview, programming information, level information, additional patch programs, and more. This is where you need to go to learn everything “Girl Scouts.”

2. Council resources.

There are over one hundred councils in the United States. While Girl Scouts of the USA does have processes and procedures, each council has its own way of doing things. Start with your council site to find out what it has to offer you as an adult volunteer.

3. Service unit.

Each council is made of multiple service units. Some councils may have a different name for them. The service unit is the way the council connects to individual volunteers. Service units are made up of volunteers. Your service unit may offer one or more of the following:

  • Training
  • Events
  • Monthly meetings
  • Volunteer support
  • Mentors

Find out about your local service unit and attend a meeting / event to learn more about it.

4. Required training.

Training is the one thing each volunteer must do. From the initial trainings at the GSUSA site to local trainings, you need to take the required training before leading a troop. Training may be done at the council or service unit level. You can take it via webinars, self-study courses, scheduled or one-on-one trainings. This year, we are attempting to bring back volunteer led weekend trainings where attendees can choose to get all the basics in one day. Check with your council or service unit to find out what ways you can take your training. Take any training required for the volunteer role you’ve taken on.

NOTE: Training may vary slightly depending on your council. When you take required training, you’ll find most of your questions regarding Girl Scouts and working with the girls will be answered. Sample trainings are listed below.

 

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

  • Girl Scouting 101
  • Volunteering for Series / Events
  • Volunteer Essentials
  • Grade Level: Daisy
  • Grade Level: Brownie
  • Grade Level: Junior
  • Grade Level: Cadette
  • Grade Level: Senior
  • Grade level: Ambassador
  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • Outdoor 1: Discover
  • Outdoor 2: Cabin Camping
  • Outdoor 3: Outdoor Camping
  • Outdoor 4: Advanced Camping Skills

 

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

  • Girl Scouting 101
  • Step 2 Training (within individual service units)
  • Volunteer Essentials (by grade level)
  • First Aid & CPR
  • Outdoor Camping 101
  • Outdoor Camping 102 / 103 (held during weekend camp-out)
  • Volunteer for Series / Events (to run service unit events)

In addition, other training may be required to hold certain positions within volunteering ranks.

5. Supplemental training.

Supplemental or enrichment training is any training you take to give you more information to present to your girls. Offerings may be held over a weekend or as a single class where you can learn about a variety of things including crafts, camping, science and Girl Scout traditions. The Web offers even more. You can take science classes on PBS, listen to podcasts or even earn badges on your own through projects like the Adult Enrichment Project. Participate in one or more supplemental trainings.

6. Network.

Depending on your volunteer role, you may find one person who can help with your questions or you may have multiple people. You may find other new volunteers or experienced people who can offer more ideas to make your experience enjoyable.

Don’t limit your network to those you physically meet. There are also groups on Yahoo! which offer advice and help for the asking. Check out one or more of the groups to find people who can help you.

7. Mentors.

Know someone who has “been there, done that”? You can find another leader who has worked at your level. Your council might even have a mentoring program in place. Find a mentor who can attend your meeting, answer your questions and more.

8. Meetings.

As the leader, you get to choose the time, date, frequency and location of your meetings. Some councils have meetings at schools or churches. Times can be after school, during the weekend, etc. Some meetings are weekly, twice a month or even monthly. You’ll find older girls tend to meet less often. Check with your council to find if you have any restrictions in regard to meetings.

9. Parents.

Parents need to be part of your troop. They need to be involved. Plan a parent meeting at the beginning of the year. Be able to offer specific volunteer positions / jobs to them. If a parent knows what the task is and the length of time it will take, they will be more likely to help. You cannot run everything yourself. Some of the parent positions you might ask for help with include:

  • Cookie mom / dad
  • Fall product mom / dad
  • Financials
  • Paperwork
  • Field trip driving / supervision
  • Helping hands at meetings
  • Presenter at meetings

10. Beyond leadership.

Leading a Girl Scout troop is just one way you can help girls. Many leaders continue after their daughters are no longer “girls” in a variety of positions. Find out about other opportunities to help girls and volunteers in your area.

11. Fun.

Remember as you enjoy your time as a Girl Scout that you need to have fun. If you’re not having fun, you will look at volunteering as a job. Relax and remember this is your opportunity to help girls experience the world beyond their school and family.

 

Sites to Explore

www.girlscouts.org
www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder
training.girlscouts.org/default.asp
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
larajla.com/adult-enrichment-project
groups.yahoo.com (search for Girl Scouts)

 

Special thanks to Kim Petriga for her help with this badge program.

Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , , ,

Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts!

2012/03/12 by Leave a Comment

Girl Scout RibbonOn 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.

Filed Under: Girl Scouts Tagged With: , , , , ,

Move Nearly Complete

2011/12/08 by Leave a Comment

All of the badge programs have been moved here from Blogger.

So, I will be spending the weekend checking links and making sure everything works. :)

Afterwards, I’ll start uploading additional supplements for Girl Scout Traditions and Printables: Girl Scouts.

Watch for new badges coming soon!

Filed Under: AEP, On the Web Tagged With: , , ,

Badge: DNR – Project Learning Tree

2011/12/06 by Leave a Comment

Badge: DNR - Project Learning TreeProject Learning Tree is an environmental education program for kids from preschool through grade 12. It is from the American Forest Foundation.

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Steps

1. Project Learning Tree (PLT).

www.plt.org

Project Learning Tree is designed to get kids outside. The purpose is to teach kids HOW to think about the environment. Explore the Web site to learn more.

2. GreenWorks!

www.plt.org/greenworks

GreenWorks! provides the framework for service learning in cooperation with businesses, non-profits, etc. Review the guidelines and brainstorm ways you can incorporate PLT activities / service into your current programming.

3. GreenSchools!

pltgreenschools.org

GreenSchools! encourages positive environmental action of schools and communities. Review this program and decide if you want to reduce your school’s ecological footprint. These activities can be incorporated into normal school days. How much can you do to help the environment?

4. Try an activity.

Free activities are available online. Try one or more to see how the program works. Is this something you can use with your youth troop / group?

5. Take a PLT workshop.

Search for your state coordinator and / or events to find out when workshops are being offered. Sign up and take one.

6. Earth and Sky radio show.

www2.plt.org/flash/PLT_EarthSky_2009.html

Earth and Sky is a daily radio show that highlights a range of environmental topics. Go to the Earth and Sky Web site and look through some of their offerings. Do a tutorial if you are interested in this resource.

7. Focus on forests.

www.plt.org/focus-on-forests

Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests module is now available. Learn about forestry. Explore the links and resources to find activities you can use with your youth.

8. Look through the curriculum.

Review the curriculum to find other items not specifically called out in the steps of this badge program. Are there more areas you’re interested in learning about? If so, find out more.

9. Additional resources of PLT activities.

www.plt.org/curriculum

Under “Curriculum”, explore the additional activity resources for both PreK-8 and Secondary.

10. Incorporating PLT with Girl Scouts.

www.plt.org/girl-scouts

PLT has activities that work with all levels of Girl Scouts. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.

11. Incorporating PLT with Boy Scouts.

www.plt.org/boy-scouts

Look through activities to find out how to incorporate PLT activities with Boy Scout activities.

12. Create an activity box.

Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project Learning Tree. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.

13. Environmental education.

connect.plt.org/app/render/go.aspx?xsl=tp_community.xslt

PLT provides even more educational support. Check out their site where they encourage others to share their PLT materials.

14. Become a trainer or coordinator.

Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project Learning Tree.

15. Explore ways to share PLT.

Find ways to share Project Learning Tree with others beyond Step 14.

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Sites to Explore

All links are provided within the steps above.

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Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Badge: DNR – Flying Wild (revised)

2011/12/06 by Leave a Comment

Badge: DNR - Flying WildFlying WILD deals with migratory birds – conservation and environmental awareness. Flying WILD is a part of Project WILD.

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Steps

1. Flying WILD.

www.flyingwild.org

Flying WILD has 43 activities focused on birds. They explore conservation and environmental issues through contests, quizzes and hands-on projects. Review the table of contents to see what this program has to offer.

2. The Birding Beat.

www.flyingwild.org/guide/TheBirdingBeat.pdf

Review “The Birding Beat” activity available online. Is this something you can incorporate into your programming?

3. Gulf Oil Spill resources.

www.flyingwild.org/resources/gulfoilspillresources.htm

Review the materials for the Gulf Oil Spill resources.

4. Explore birding links.

www.flyingwild.org/resources/links.htm

Explore the extensive list of links to additional birding resources.

5. Participate in a Flying WILD workshop.

Find and participate in a Flying WILD workshop. Review all of the materials you receive free at the end of this workshop. Explore one or two activities that you can use with others.

6. Incorporating Flying WILD with Girl Scouts.

www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/GSALinks.pdf

Look through the provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.

7. Incorporating Flying WILD with Boy Scouts.

www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/BSALinks.pdf

Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Flying WILD with Boy Scout activities.

8. Create an activity box.

Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Flying Wild. Include instructions on how the activity works and where the adult can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.

9. Service.

Explore how you can do a service project with a group or individually-based on Flying WILD. Plan and do your project.

10. Become a trainer or coordinator.

Find out what you need to do to become a trainer, coordinator or volunteer for Flying WILD.

11. Explore ways to share Flying WILD.

Find ways to share Flying WILD with others beyond those in Step 10.

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Sites to Explore

All links are provided within the steps above.

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Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Badge: DNR – Project WILD

2011/12/05 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Project WILDProject WILD deals with conservation and environmental science through wildlife. It is designed for kids from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

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Steps

1. Project WILD.

www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDK-12CurriculumandActivityGuide.htm

Project WILD deals with wildlife and habitats. Review the table of contents and other information available on the Web.

2. Project WILD Aquatic.

www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDK-12AquaticCurriculumandActivityGuide.htm

Project WILD Aquatic deals with wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Review the information available on the Web.

3. Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife

www.projectwild.org/ScienceandCivics.htm

Designed for high school students, this program serves as a guide for environmental action projects that benefit local wildlife. Review the information available on the Web.

4. Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children.

www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm

This program provides wildlife learning for young children. Review the information available on the Web.

5. Coordinators in your state.

www.projectwild.org/statesponsoringagenciesandorganizations.htm

Find coordinators for Project WILD in your state. Review other state offerings as well that go with the Project WILD program. Find out when classes are available.

6. Project WILD sponsors and partners.

www.projectwild.org/sponsors.htm

Explore sites of the sponsors and partners of Project WILD. See how Project WILD has expanded to other countries.

7. Participate in a Project WILD workshop.

The Project WILD workshops not only allow you to try sample activities, upon completion of the workshop you’ll receive the materials free of charge. Sign up and participate in a workshop for one or more projects of Project WILD.

8. Explore other Project WILD offerings.

Find other offerings available from Project WILD starting with “WILD about Elk” and “Taking Action.”

9. Incorporating Project WILD into Girl Scout activities.

www.projectwild.org/documents/GirlScoutsandProjectWILD.doc

Review the list of Girl Scout Try-Its, Badges and Interest Projects to find out how Project WILD can help girls earn insignia.

10. Incorporating Project WILD with Boy Scouts.

www.projectwild.org/documents/NCBoyScoutCorrelations-1994.pdf

Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Project WILD with Boy Scout activities.

11. Check out Project WILD in other states.

Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?

12. Share with youth.

Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.

13. Create an activity box.

Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WILD. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.

14. Service.

Project WILD works with service learning. Review the service learning resources to do more. Participate in a service project that utilizes Project WILD.

15. Become a trainer or coordinator.

Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WILD.

16. Explore ways to share Project WILD.

Find ways to share Project WILD with others beyond Step 14.

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Sites to Explore

All links are provided within the steps above.

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Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Badge: DNR – Project WET

2011/12/05 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Project WETProject WET deals with water issues from healthy drinking water to conservation. It is designed for kids aged 5-18.

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Steps

1. DNR in your state.

Find the Web site of the Department of Natural Resources in your state. Explore the educational offerings specific to your state. Locate your state’s Project WET materials.

2. Project WET online.

www.projectwet.org

Review the Project Wet site. Learn about its history, goals and how it works.

3. Project WET materials.

Some materials come free with training. Some you can purchase. Review the materials available on the Web site and store.

NOTE: Some materials in the store are free.

4. Participate in a Project WET workshop.

Project WET is a free six-hour workshop that gives educators tools to teach water resources. Upon completion of the workshop, participants receive a 516-page curriculum and activity guide at no charge. Though the workshops are designed for teachers to incorporate environmental science into their curriculum, many adults find these materials are also beneficial for working with youth groups. Review the materials you receive after the workshop and find some you would like to do.

5. Incorporating science into other subjects.

Materials in Project WET reach beyond environmental science. The concepts are designed to be used with health, language arts, history, math and more. Find ways of incorporating Project WET materials into other areas.

6. Beyond Project WET.

Explore other water science programming / educator guides also offered by the DNR. If you find any that interest you, explore those as well. Remember to look beyond “teacher” offerings. See what Project WET has to offer parents, corporations, aquariums, etc.

  • WOW! Wonders of Wetlands
  • Healthy Water, Healthy People
  • Conserve Water
  • Discover Floods

7. Check out Project WET in other states.

Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?

8. Incorporating Project WET with Girl Scouts.

www.uni.edu/~iowawet/G_Scout.html

Project WET has activities that work with Girl Scout badges and patches. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout meetings / events.

9. Incorporating Project WET with Boy Scouts.

Compare the offerings of Project WET with individual merit badge books to find activities to incorporate Project WET with Boy Scout awards.

10. Share with youth.

Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.

11. Create an activity box.

Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WET. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.

12. Service.

Design a service project with Project WET in mind. Run it yourself or ask others to help. Ask participants to evaluate the program after it has completed and offer creative criticism to improve your service project.

13. Become a trainer / coordinator.

Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WET.

14. Explore ways to share Project WET.

Find ways to share Project WET with others beyond Step 13.

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Sites to Explore

www.butlerwebs.com/hunting/statelist.htm
www.projectwet.org
www.watereducation.org/doc.asp?id=1012
www.nationalwatercenter.org
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters
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