Girl Scout Resource Book

Ice Breakers and Quiet Games:

Stand Up – Pair up with a person close to your height. Stand back to back and link elbows. Place your feet together and about 6 – 8 inches from your partner’s. Try to sit down without loosing your balance. Can you stand up again? Make sure both your bottoms go all the way down to the ground.

Mass Stand Up – Try standing up with more in the group.

Silence Reigns – A quiet game. A leader sits in the center of a people circle (standing, sitting, whatever) Distance from the leader to players should be a minimum of 10 feet. The leader announces herself as the Empress of The Sounds of Silence, and invites those who qualify to become part of the royal court. Obviously, only very quiet people may join her.

The empress beckons grandiosely (and silently) to a specific candidate in the circle, whose response is to try and move forward and touch the empresses without making a sound. Any squeak, rustle, or the softest sound made by the approaching “peasant”, and heard by the fox-eared empresses is reason enough for the too-noisy peasant to return to her seat. The empress gestures an invitation to another candidate to silently come forward.

Whoever makes the trip without making a sound become the new empresses immediately – a coronation might be too noisy – and the game continues.

Hog Call – Have each person get a partner. Explain that you want each pair to have a matching set of words (peanut – butter, foot – ball, apple – pie, salt – pepper, etc). Have partners practice calling out their words. One calling one word and one calling the other. Then separate the partners on opposite sides of the unit
and blindfold them (bandana’s work nice). Their task is to find their partners by calling out their matching words.

Knots – The group forms a tight circle (stand shoulder to shoulder) and each person grasps hands with two different people on the other side of the cluster. (Pass a friendship squeeze around the circle and make sure there really only one circle). The group’s goal is to unwind themselves from this “tangle” so that a hand-in-hand circle is formed. Grips may change, but no one lets go of hands, and everyone should agree that if someone says, “Ow!” all movement stops and the group makes sure everyone is ok before continuing.

Ha Ha - At least six should play to make it fun. Have everyone sit in a circle and count off. The first person says “Ha, “ the second person says “Ha, ha” and so on. Anyone who laughs smiles or makes a mistake is out for the round. (Try to go quickly so there is no time to think).

I packed my bag – This is a memory game. “I packed my bag and in it I put a _______”.

Here you fill in the blank with something like: shoe, hat, toothbrush, etc. The next person repeats what you said and adds an item to the list. The game is over when no one can repeat the list.

Honey, do you love me? – One person is the “it person” and sits in the center of the circle of girls. She picks one person and sits directly in front of her and asks her “Honey, do you love me?” The it person can make any kind of silly expressions as she asks her question. The person being asked cannot smile as she replies, “Yes, I love you but I just can’t smile!” If she succeeds in answering without smiling, the “it” person goes on to another girl until she gets someone to smile. You can continue playing as long as the girls want. They have a hard time keeping a straight face with this one!!

Funny Face – Announce to the entire group that the purpose of this game is to make everyone else smile without showing the slightest hint of smile yourself. The group should be about 5 – 7 girls (if more split them into two or three groups). Someone signals GO and then everyone in the circle tries to make the other members smile. If you slip and crack a smile, you are eliminated and can step out of the circle. Participants are not allowed to touch other players, and all eyes must stay open – otherwise; anything goes! The facial gymnastics that result are indescribable!

When there are only two or three left, announce that these stone-faced competitors are the regional champions and have a chance to prove themselves in a face-off (with each other or the last 2 or 3 from another group). This final face-off can result in some classic moves and reactions.

Don’t take this activity seriously. The value of Funny Face lies in the off-the-cuff reactions of the players and the open participation that results. Everyone likes to be silly occasionally!

Circle the Circle – Ask your group to form a hand-in-hand circle. Place two hula hoops together between two people (resting on their grasped hands). See how quickly the people in the circle can cause the hoops to travel around the circle in opposite direction, through each other (i.e. hoop through hoop) and back to the originating position.

#10 Tin Can Foot Pass – Try to pass a #10 (empty) tin can or an empty milk or juice jug from foot-to-foot (shoes on) around a people circle. Try it seated; try it standing; try to go faster and faster.

Parachute Activities

Shark – This one is of the touch-me/don’t touch-me, or humor/horror game. As a group, stand in a circle, holding the edges of the parachute and sit down pulling the edges of the chute up to your waist with your legs underneath.

One person acts as the SHARK. This individual scoots under and patrols the parachute’s perimeter. When the shark spies a pair of feet that look good enough to eat, she grabs them and pulls her victim under the parachute (accompanied by much screaming and thrashing about by the victim). Once fully “digested,” the victim becomes a second shark and the two sharks continue patrolling the pool, looking for more prey. Continue playing until the last victim becomes a shark.

Seeing “SHARK” slowly approach your feet produces a surprising tense feeling. Being grabbed finally, gives you a chance to release your anxiety by acting like a victim.

Cat and Mouse – The group kneels around the outside of a parachute and grasps the edge. One person (the mouse) moves around under the parachute while another (the cat) crawls around on top of the parachute and tries to pounce on the mouse. The group tries to help the mouse by rapidly shaking the parachute up and down. The wave-like motion produced gives the mouse hiding spots and confuses the cat.

Tag Games

Everybody’s IT – Sometimes referred to as the world’s fastest game. When the GO signal is given, everyone is IT and must try to touch someone else. If you are touched, you must stand still with hands on your head. If two people tag each other simultaneously, both are caught. Continue until two players are left. You can also restrict the playing unit
for faster action.

Add-On-Tag - Everyone chooses a partner and one duo is declared IT. That pair catches another pair and they join hands to become a group of four. That group catches another and so on. Only the two people at the ends of the line are allowed to tag a fleeing pair (they don’t have to touch both, just one person from a team). If the line breaks at any point, IT has to stop and re-connect, and anyone caught wile the line was broken is free. This continues until only one fleeing pair is left.

To prevent injury, do not allow pairs to run through or under the catching line. Restrict the playing unit
so that the game is active, but not so small that the catching line becomes unbeatable.

Pairs Tag – The group splits into pairs, each pair choosing one to be initially IT. That person tries to tag ONLY their chosen partner, who, of course, attempts to keep from being tagged. If a tag is made, the IT designation switches over and the chaser becomes the chased. The interesting element of this game is that you have a lot of pairs playing the same game in a restricted unit
. ONLY FAST WALKING IS ALLOWED – NO RUNNING, and three seconds must elapse between tags. It is recommended that an adult stand in the middle of the play unit
to watch for potential collisions; this adult can stop the game at any time.

Elbow Tag – Ask the group to pair up and lock elbows with their partner. The players should place the other hand on their hip. If you have an odd number of players, there will be one “truddy” or group of three. Choose one pair of buddies. One will be the IT, and the other will be the “target” or the person IT is trying to catch. The fleeing partner must link elbows with one of the members of another pair to be safe. The other member of that pair becomes the fleeing player, and in order to prevent being caught musk look for another available elbow to link with.

Active Games

Catch the Dragon’s Tail – You need a good size unit
for this event, clear of sudden pits and immovable oaks. About 8 – 10 people line up, one behind the other. Everyone puts their arms around the waist of the person in front of them, forming the dragon. (You cannot be ticklish around dragons!) The last person in line tucks a bandanna in the back of her belt/pants. To work up steam, the dragon might let out a few roars. At the GO signal, the dragon starts chasing its own tail, with the object being to snatch the bandanna. The tricky part of this epic struggle is that the head and the tail are competing, but the middle is not sure where to go. When the head finally catches the tail, who is the defeated and who is the victor? EVEYRONE!! The head puts the bandanna in her back pocket, and becomes the new tail!

Moonball – Scatter your group (any size, but use two or more balls as the group size demands) on a field. Use a well-inflated beach ball as the object of play. The group’s objective is to hit the ball aloft as many times as possible before the ball strikes the ground. Depending on the group set a goal of 25, 50, 75 hits to add incentive. A player cannot hit the ball twice in succession. The group gets on point for each hit with hands, head, etc. but TWO points if a player kicks the ball.

The tension and expectation builds as each “world record” is approached. Moonball is popular with all ages, because it’s simple to understand, requires little skill, and involves everyone. This is a particularly useful activity to initiate when a new group is just getting together, especially if you want early arrivals to become involved and not just self-consciously stand around.

Three In a Row – or Tigger’s Toy – Using a long rope as a jump rope, ask a group to see how many people can make three consecutive jumps at the same time without anyone missing. Twenty people is challenging but certainly not impossible. There must be a world’s record for this bouncy event. Change the rope “turners” occasionally to combat arm fatigue and involve the whole group.

The Turnstile – Using the same section of rope as above, begin turning at a slow rate and ask the group to see if they can all get through the rope from one side to another by: 1) Going through one at a time. 2) Each player making one jump. 3) Not missing a beat of the rope between people. Not a hard assignment for one or two people but for a whole group it is quite a challenge!

Girl Scout Pins

Daisy Girl Scout Pins

These pins are given to Daisy Girl Scouts when they are invested into Girl Scouts. This pin is worn on their Daisy Smock during their Daisy year.

Brownie Girl Scout Pins

These pins are given to Brownie Girl Scouts when they are invested into Girl Scouts. This pin is worn on their sash or vest while they are Brownies. Brownies received their name because they are little elves or brownies who help people (see Brownie Story). Some troops turn the Brownie pin upside down until the girl does a good deed and then the Brownie Pin is turned upside right.

Girl Scout Pin

The Girl Scout Pin shows others that you are a member of Girl Scouts. It is shaped like a “trefoil” which represents the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise. There are two designs. The contemporary has three profiles inside the trefoil. The light and dark profiles represent all of the different races and ethnic groups. The traditional version of the pin has the initials “GS” inside the trefoil, along with the American Eagle and shield that are part of the unit

ed States of America Great Seal.

World Trefoil Pin

The World Trefoil Pin shows that you are part of a worldwide movement of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The blue stands for the sky and the gold stands for the sun. The trefoil stands for the three parts of the Promise. The base of the trefoil is shaped like a flame, which represents the love of humanity and the flame that burns in the hearts of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world. The line in the middle of the trefoil stands for the compass needle hat guides us, while the two stars stand for the Promise and the Law.

Earned Recognitions

Daisy: These girls are not allowed to earn try-its unless they are earning their bridging requirements, which allows them to earn ONE try-it during their Daisy year. However they can receive participation petals which are worn on the front of their Daisy smocks. These petals are “earned” as they participate in activities teaching about the different parts of the Girl Scout Law and learning the Girl Scout Promise.

Brownie Try-It’s: These recognitions are by Brownie Girl Scouts. There are about 45 different Try-Its available (not counting Council Own Try-It’s). In order to receive a try-it the girls will need to complete 4 activities for each one they earn. Remember when you are working on these requirements you can only use each activity to complete one requirement. These are worn on the front of their sash or vest.

Junior Proficiency Badges: Juniors have the opportunit

y to earn Badges. The number of requirements varies from badge to badge. These badges are found in the Badges and Signs Book and the back of the Junior Handbook. The requirements are listed in a gold bar that is found under the Badge title. There are about 115 available for the girls to earn. The badges with the green background are easier to earn that the ones with the tan background. Remember when you are working on requirements you can only use one activity to complete one requirement. There are other recognitions in the Junior Books that the girls are able to earn as well. These are worn on the front of their sash or vest.

Interest Project Patches: These are earned by Cadettes and Seniors. In the past the cadette was able to earn tan backed Junior Badges, but this is no longer available. The girls will need to complete 2 Skill Builders, 1 Technology, 1 Service Project, 1 Career, and 2 of any of the others that they choose. Remember when you are working on requirements you can only use each activity towards on badge. When you look in the Cadette and Senior Books, you will find other earned recognitions available as well. I.P.P.s are worn on the front of the sash or vest.

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

Service Pin – Brownies and Up:

The requirements to earn the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

Service Pin are: the girls need to complete four Communit

y Service Projects. Two of these four need to be council sponsored (Example: Friendship Boxes, Good Deed Day, etc). The other two need to be within the troop (example: picking up litter, collecting food for the Food Pantry, etc). These are worn on the front of the sash or vest.

Other Available Patches:

Keeping America Clean Patch – Any Level

This patch is available to be earned every year (different each year). There is a small form required to be filled out to purchase these patches telling what service was completed. Suggested projects are: Planting trees, shrubs, flowers, or cleaning up a stream or river, doing yard work for elderly or disabled people, etc. These patches are worn on the back of the sash or vest.

Media Know How – Any Level

There are booklets available for each level of scouting, which are available through the council shop. Combining facts, stories, and activities, these booklets help girls recognize and use the beneficial aspects of television, radio, magazines and the internet and teach them to think critically about the messages they hear and the images they see. If you have more questions call the Service Area

Manager. These patches are worn on the back of the sash or vest.

Connections – Any Level

There are booklets available for each level of scouting, which are available through the council shop. Helps girls make connections to their own heritage as well as to people who are different from them in unit
s ranging from race to social status. These patches are worn on the back of their sash or vest. If you have more questions call your Service Area

Manager.

Girls Are Great – Any Level

There are booklets available for each level of scouting, which are available through the council shop. Covers “growing up female” issues such as self-image, peer pressure, feelings, the media and health. These patches are worn on the back of their sash or vest. If you have more questions call your Service Area

Manager.

Read to Lead – Any Level

These booklets are available for each level of scouting, which are available through the council shop. Encourage girls to develop their reading and writing skills and use those tools in creative ways to explore the world.

These patches are worn on the back of their sash or vest. If you have more questions call your Service Area

Manager.

Girl Scouts Go Global – Any Level

There is a booklet available for each level of scouting, which is available through the council shop. By completing the activities in the booklet, the girl will be able to earn the patch. You will have a chance to learn more about yourself and explore your connections to the world. Caring for other people and for our common home – the earth – will encourage you to get involved in making a difference. Your responsible actions will create a better planet for everyone. As a Girl Scout, you are already part of a worldwide sisterhood that shares these same values. These patches are worn on the back of their sash or vest. If you have more questions call your Service Area

Manager.

Silver Award – Cadette Level

This is the highest award that a Cadette can earn. It is also the second highest award in Girl Scouting. More information is found in the Cadette Handbook. There is also a Silver Award information night, contact council for dates and times. This award is worn on the front of the sash or vest.

Gold Award – Senior Level

This is the highest award that a Senior can earn. It is also the highest award in Girl Scouting. More information is found in the Senior Resource Handbook. There is also a Gold Award information night – contact council for dates and times. This award is worn on the front of the sash or vest.

Adult Recognition Awards

Outstanding Leader Award

Recognizes that very special leader who goes above and beyond the norm as she works with girls to discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.

Nomination Procedure: - One Nomination – Two letters of endorsements (may be written or taped) – Submit to the service team or Service Area

manager.

Outstanding Volunteer Award

Recognizes an adult (not a troop leader) whose contribution benefits a Service Area

and far exceeds the expectations for the position they hold.

Nomination Procedure: - One Nomination (written or taped) outlining the nominees accomplishments – Submit to the service team or Service Area

manager.

Appreciation Pin

Recognizes an adult whose outstanding service to a geographic unit
or target audience has significantly furthered the council’s goals.
Example: A Service Area

manager whose leadership has directly impacted membership growth and retention.
Nomination Procedure: One Nomination – Two letters of endorsements (written or taped) outlining nominees accomplishments – Submit to the council’s adult recognition task group by February 22.

Top Brass Award

Recognizes a volunteer board committee member for service that has made a significant contribution to the work of our council.

Nomination Procedure: One Nomination – One letter of endorsement (written or taped) describing the nominee’s accomplishments – Submit to the councils’ adult recognitions task group by February 22.

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

Award

Recognizes an adult who has given service in one or more specific unit
s having a council-wide impact.

Example: A person who spearheads a training initiative that results in a significant impact on training effectiveness and participation council-wide.

Nomination Procedure: One Nomination – One letter of endorsement (written or taped) describing nominee’s accomplishments – Submit to council’s adult recognition task group by February 22.

Honor Pin

Recognizes an adult who has delivered outstanding service to two or more Service Area

s or target audiences in a way that furthers the council’s goals.

Example: A person who spearheads a membership outreach initiative that results in a significant increase in girls and adults in under-represented populations.

Nomination Procedure: One Nomination – Three letters of endorsement (written or taped) describing the service and its scope and impact. – Submit to council’s adult recognition task group by February 22.

Trefoil Plate

Recognizes an adult who has provided consistently high-caliber service over a period of time that benefits the council’s membership.
Nomination Procedure: One Nomination – Three letters of endorsement (written or taped describing the service and its scope and impact - Submit to council’s adult recognition task group by February 22.

Thanks Badge

Recognizes an adult whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout movement. The service is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award is appropriate.
Example: A person who successfully establishes collaboration with another agency that results in increased program opportunit

ies for girls from all parts of the council.

Nomination Procedure: One Nomination – Four letters of endorsement (written or taped) documenting the service and its scope and impact. - Submit to council’s adult recognition task group by February 22.

Note: Recipients of the Thanks Badge who continue to contribute in extraordinary ways may be eligible to receive the Thanks Badge II for continuing service. Please contact the adult development director for specific criteria information.

Ceremonies

Basic Opening Flag Ceremony

Purpose: For an opening flag ceremony at a meeting, activity or ceremony.

Materials Needed: American Flag, Troop Flag (if available) and flag stand or holder.

People Needed: Caller (the Girl Scout in charge) and Color Guard
(number can vary)

Procedure: The troop or group forms a horseshoe and stands at attention. At a ceremony you can have the audience stand at their chairs.

Caller:
“Will everyone please rise and remove all head gear (hats, bandanna’s, etc)”

Caller:

“Color guard advance”
(The color guard advances to the flag stand unit
. The American Flag allows leads. The guards stand on either side of the flag bearer. They are silent throughout the ceremony)

Caller:

“Color guard Post the Colors”
(The color guard places the flag into flag-stand. The American Flag is always posted last and is always to the right of the other flags. It also remains higher than the other flags. The color guard remains at attention next to the flags).

Caller:

“Please Join Me in the Pledge of Allegiance”
(The caller leads the Pledge of Allegiance.)

Caller:

“Please Join Me in the Girl Scout Promise”
(The caller leads the Girl Scout Promise.)

Caller:

“Color Guard Dismissed”
(The color guard goes to where they will be sitting during the event or meeting.)

Basic Closing Flag Ceremony

Purpose: For a closing flag ceremony at a meeting, activity or ceremony.

Materials Needed: American Flag, Troop Flag (if available) and flag stand.

People Needed: Caller (the Girl Scout in charge) and Color Guard
(this number can vary)

Procedure: The troop or group forms a horseshoe and stands at attention. At a ceremony you can have the audience stand at their chairs.

Caller:
“Will everyone please rise and remove all head gear (hats, bandanna’s, etc)”

Caller:

“Color guard advance”
(The color guard advances to the flag unit
, where the flags are already posted. They stand in front of the flags).

Caller:

“Color guard Retire the Colors”
(The color guards remove the flags from the stands. The American Flag is always removed first because it needs to remain higher than the other flags. The color guard turns and faces the audience. Remain standing in front.).

Caller:

“Please Join Me in singing Taps”
(The caller leads the Taps song – this is optional).

Day is done (raise hands up)
Gone the sun (lower hands)
From the lakes (arms stretch in front of you)
From the hills (arms stretch upward and diagonal, like a hill)
From the sky (arms reach up to sky)
All is well (arms in front, bend at elbow toward you)
Safely rest (arms together cross in front of body--like folding your arms in front of you)
God is nigh. (bow head on your crossed arms.)

Caller:

“Color Guard Dismissed”
(The color guard walks the flags out).

Special Ceremonies

Investiture or Rededication Ceremony

After learning the Girl Scout Promise and the Law, the girls are ready to be invested. This is a special ceremony in which the girls officially become a Girl Scout. As part of the ceremony, you will say the Girl Scout Promise. If you are being invested, you will receive your Girl Scout Pin (based on the level). If you are being rededicated, you will repeat the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Thinking Day
This ceremony is held around February 22^nd, in honor of the Girl Guides and the Girl Scouts all over the world.

Bridging

Moving from one age level to another is called “Bridging”. The girls will “Cross the bridge” at the end of their last year in that level. Daisies will cross over to Brownies. Brownies will cross over to Juniors. Juniors will cross over to Cadettes. Cadettes will cross over to Seniors.

Court of Awards

A ceremony in which Girl Scouts will receive earn recognitions (Try-its, Badges, Interest Project Patches) and other insignia and patches.

Girl Scouts’ Own

A quiet ceremony designed by the girls in which the participants express their feelings about a particular theme.

Flag Ceremony

A ceremony that honors the flag of the unit

ed States of America

Candle Lighting

A candle lighting (or flashlight) ceremony helps remind people of the words and meaning of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Opening Ceremony

A short ceremony to start a meeting or event.

Closing Ceremony

A short ceremony to close a meeting or event.

Campfire Ceremony

There is a variety of reasons to have a campfire ceremony. See samples for ideas.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Girl Scout meetings open and close with a ceremony. The troop makes up its own ceremonies. Every meeting is different. If it is simple and impressive and is planned and carried out by the girls, with its purpose and meaning shared by the whole troop, a ceremony has real value.

Openings:

1. Flag ceremony is often used to open or close meetings.

2. The Promise and Law may be repeated (vary the manner in which they are presented to keep their repetition from becoming a routine).

3. A patriotic song, quotation, psalm, poem, reading or game can be used to open a meeting.

4. Linking ceremony done with paper chain or rope and square knot. Leader ties her rope together forming a loop and then each girl in turn slips her rope through the previous loop and ties her rope and so on to form a ring. When the chain is completed the girls hold their loop in their left hand and make the hand sign with their right hand and repeat:
”Brownie Girl Scouts join together to be Discovers, Be Ready Helpers, Be Friend Makers.”

Closings:

1. The friendship circle and singing of “Taps” or other favorite songs are the most popular.

2. Good Friends Closing – tune of Farmer in the Dell

(Form circle, with hands crossed, but not joined)

Sing:

We are such good friends, the chain will never end

And so we’ll only say good bye, until we meet again.

(Continue singing, joining hands one at a time for the friendship squeeze-the last person joining hands starts the squeeze.

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

The squeeze is going around, the squeeze is going around, we think of good deeds to do each day, and the squeeze is going around.

(repeat until squeeze is completely around circle)

3. Magic Tunnel – when all is ready to go home – hats and coats on – leaders stand at door and make an arch. Girls then form two lines and make arches, then the farthest pair from the door goes through arches first, then the next set till all are gone.

SAMPLE REDEDICATION CEREMONY

Rededication Ceremony For An unit

ALL: We the members of Girl Scouts of the unit

ed States of America unit

ed by a belief in God and by acceptance of the Girl Scout Promise and Law so dedicate ourselves to the purpose of inspiring girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service that they may become happy and resourceful citizen… Our Father, we are grateful to Thee for this opportunit

y to rededicate ourselves to the service of the youth who will guide the work in the years to come.

Juniors: (Leaders) Grant us joy and satisfaction in Girl Scout Leadership and give us the imagination to see the world thru the eyes of the girls we lead.

Cadettes: (Leaders) Grant us the vision of what these girls we lead may become.

Brownies: (Leaders) Give us the patience and wisdom to guide the very young ones in paths of simple goodness according to the Promise.

Juniors: (Leaders) Bless us with the imagination to open the doors to adventure and high daring to the young Girl Scouts so that their lives may be touched with color and beauty, with creativity, friendship and the love of people.

All: Make us generous in sharing this happiness, so that all girls may find a warm welcome in our troops.

Brownie: (Leaders) Help us to bind them together with strong ties of love and understanding, with fun and activity and accomplishments so they will return to us year after year.

Cadettes: (Leaders) When they approach the age of Senior Scouts grant that we may stand beside them and help them to realize the high ideals of faith and hope for future.

Seniors: (Leaders) Grant that we may nurture in them awareness of the brotherhood of man and the challenge of the great adult world before them.

Brownies: (Leaders) Do not let them fall away, but rather increase in number, for these are their most significant years.

ALL: And give us at last the deeper “you” that comes from unselfish service to those who came after us, that the world may be better for our having lived upon it. As we return to our homes, grant us the wisdom and strength to take up our part in Girl Scouting and the life of our communit

ies with the renewed love and faith that comes from this, our sincere rededication.

AMEN.

SAMPLE INVESTITURE CEREMONY

Props: A small table, three large candles with holders, the small candles with holders, matches, a wooden or cardboard trefoil on which is written the Girl Scout Law, and Girl Scout Pins (one for each person to be invested – unpinned, for convenience in presentation).

Order of

Ceremony: Girls usually like to be invested by their leaders. Any older member of the troop may conduct the beginning of the ceremony-formation of the horseshoe, presentations of colors, pledge of allegiance, and patriotic song of Girl Scout promise/song. Leader explains the meaning of investiture and this is followed by the lighting of the candles.

Leader: The three candles represent the Girl Scout Promise. This candle that I light shall shine as a symbol that Girl Scouts are true to God and their country. (Light first candle). May the light of the second candle shine as a symbol that A Girl Scout’s greatest desire is to serve. (Light second candle). And may the light of the third candle shine as a symbol that Girl Scouts are true to their ideals as interpreted by the Girl Scout Law. (Light third candle).
The trefoil, which is the Girl Scout emblem, lies before you. We shall place before it ten candles representing the ten parts of the Girl Scout Law. (Ten girls, chosen previously, come up to the table one by one, take a small candle, light if from a large candle and as it is placed in the candle holder set before the trefoil, recite the part of the Law assigned. After each part of the Law is recited, the troop might sing the appropriate verse of the Girl Scout Chant; see Sing Together).
Each girl to be invested is brought forward by her patrol leader or a troop member who says “(Girl’s name” wishes to become a Girl Scout.”

Leader: “On your honor, will you try: to serve God, your country and mankind and to live by the Girl Scout Law?” Each girl answers, “Yes, I will”. Then as both girl and leader make the Girl Scout salute, the girl repeats the promise. The leader then pins on the Girl Scout pin. The Girl Scout Handshake is exchanged by leader and new Girl Scout, while leader says, “I welcome you into Girl Scout movement, and as a new member of troop # _____.”

Notes to help you:
Adaptations should be made to suit the number of girls to be invested, ago of girls, etc.
If more than four to five girls are to be invested at one time, it is advisable to have them brought up in several groups rather than all at one time. If the troop is new, and all girls are being invested, the girls should stay in their places in the horseshoe and the leader goes from one girl to the next.
Although it is always advisable to have each girl make her Promise individually, when ere are more than six or eight girls, the Promise should be made simultaneously by all members of the group.

Sample Rededication Ceremony

Feel free to change these words to meet the needs of your troop, this is only a sample!

Opening: Flag Ceremony

Choral Reading:

All: We believe

1^st. Reader: In the sacredness of a Promise, a girls’ word accepted without doubt. that character, not power or position is of supreme worth.

All: We believe

2^nd. Reader: That a dedication to the rendering of service is the common duty of mankind.

All: We believe

3^rd. Reader: In the worth of the individual, and her right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

All: We believe

4^th. Reader: That every right implies a responsibility, every opportunit

y an obligation.

All: We believe

5^th. Reader: That keeping physically fit and mentally alert develops a keen sense of responsibility for one’s self and a concern for others.

All: We believe

6^th. Reader: That in helping other people we will help ourselves.

All: Together we rededicate ourselves with the Girl Scout Promise (all repeat the promise together)

Closing: Retire colors.

Court of Awards

A Court of Awards – Presentation of badges and awards the girls have earned throughout the year – is an occasion for ceremony in Girl Scout troops. It may take place at any time during the year that the girls complete the badges they are working on. The presentation ceremony is usually only part of the program they plan.

A Court of Awards while usually taking place at a troop meeting may be an intertroop affair held in the neighborhood or communit

y and planned jointly by the troops taking part.

If the Court of Awards takes the form of a demonstration of the work the girls have done and includes an exhibit, a dramatization, a nature trail or outdoor meeting, or perhaps a tea for their mothers, the ceremony itself may be just the presentation of the badges by the leader. Sometimes the program consultants who have helped the girls in the badge activities are asked to present the badges.

If the girls wish to plan a ceremony based on the badges to be awarded, the following ideas offer suggestions:

Typical activity in the badge program on which the girls have been working are presented in a series of tables or pantomimes showing the skills acquired. Each tableau may be based on several related pages and interests. For instance, a home-making tableau can include cooking, sewing, gardening, child care, and table setting. An outdoor scene might be wood chopping, fire building, and lashing, looking at a bird’s nest, or the favorite on of singing around a campfire. Sketching, clay molding, and weaving can show the and arts. Examples of service that the girls have given in the communit

y and in the international projects may illustrate many badges.

The episodes are brief and each follows the preceding one promptly The girls bring the necessary properties on to the stage with them and take them off as they go. A curtain makes the Tableau more effective, but is not needed.

The introduction may be made by a reader chosen for the whole program. The girls plan beforehand what she has to say. This may include a welcome to the audience, if there is one, a few words about the Girl Scout Promise and Law or badges; “Every badge you earn is tied up to your motto. This badge is not a rewa4d for something you have done once for an examination you have passed. Badges are not medals to wear on your sleeve to show what a smart girl you are. A badge is a symbol that you have done the thing it stands for often enough, thoroughly enough, and well enough to be prepared to give service in it. You wear the badge to let people know that you are prepared to give service in it. You wear the badge to let people know that you are prepared and willing to be called on because you are a Girl Scout. And Girl Scouting is not just knowing – but doing – not just doing but being.”

A brief explanation given before each adds to the effectiveness. Instead of one reader giving this explanation, there may be two – perhaps a Cadette Scout pointing out the badges on her badge sash and answering questions asked by a bridging Junior Scout about each badge to be presented. One of the girls who is to receive a badge portrayed in the next group may tell briefly how it was earned, acting as reader for the tableau.

The badges, usually awarded by the leader, my b represented to the group at the close of each tableau as part of the ceremony, but it is generally more effective if the tableau follows consecutively with all the badges presented at the end. Appropriate songs add much to the program.

Be sure that the performance does not last too long. An hour and a half is about the right length for such a program, even for an intertroop Court of Awards. A processional for all the girls, with a flag of the unit

ed Sates followed by the troop flags, may be added. A simple flag ceremony, consisting of the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, may be used to open or close the Award Ceremony.

Points to remember:

1. Court of Awards is often part of another program, but can be used alone. If large numbers of awards are to be made, group the awards for each girl, thus you prevent lengthy repetition.

2. Briefly explain the accomplishments for which the badge stands for.
3. Recognition of those who helped the girls with badge work.

Thinking Day – February 22^nd.

In addition to celebrating the birthday of George Washington, the Father of Our Country, Girl Scouts have added a reason for observing February 22 as an important date. It is also the birthday of both the Founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell, and to Lady Baden-Powell, Chief Guide to the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Thinking Day has been set aside as a day for especially remembering our sister Guides and Scouts all over the world, learning more bout them, writing to them, and rejoicing in our common heritage. Again, the ceremonies that mean the most are those which the girls develop themselves. Those who have shared international experiences or have pen pals in other countries have much to add to program material available elsewhere.
Not only Thinking Day but the whole month of February – Girl Scout International Friendship Month – furnishes occasions of international friendship ceremonies. The words of the Founder himself, messages from the Chief Guide, and the traditional ceremonies of Girl Guides in other lands can all be used effectively.

How it all Began:

The idea for Thinking Day was first suggested at the Fourth World Conference held in the unit

ed States at the then newly—opened Camp Edith Macy in 1926. The suggestion came from a French delegate who envisioned tan international “Thinking Day’ each year, when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world would think of each other in terms of love and friendship.
In 1927, Thinking Day was first celebrated on February 22^nd, the joint birthday of Scouting Founder, Lord Robert Baden-Pow3ll, and his wife, the World Chief Guide, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell.
At the Seventh World Conference held in Poland in 1932, a Belgian delegate put forward the practical suggestion that on Thinking Day, each Girl Guide and Girl Scout throughout the world would contribute a sum of money towards the World Association Funds, to promote Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting. This suggestion was accepted by the World Conference. The

What it Does:

Part of our Juliette Low World Friendship Fund contribution goes to the Thinking Day Fund, which is administered by the World Association. Through our JLWFF, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. contributes towards:

- strengthening the movement and giving assistance to new national organizations;

- providing assistance for extension of the movement to rural and urban unit
s and to meet girls’ needs;

- planning international gatherings for Rangers/Seniors, training or leaders and printing handbooks and materials to increase communication;

- rebuilding Guiding on request from countries that have suffered national disasters.

- Studying changes affecting youth, through unit

ed Nations relationships and WAGGS consultative status, for increasing the contributions of our worldwide movement.

All over the world, millions of girls are waiting for opportunit

ies to live a fuller, richer and more rewarding life. Thinking Day is a girl-helping-girl opportunit

y. Thinking and giving anonymously and with love and respect is the Promise and Law in action.

Sample Thinking Day Ceremony

Ten candles may be placed on the table lighted separately by ten girls.

1. “We carry the candles of friendship. These are the symbols of our pledge of friendship to all the world, and especially friendship for Girl Scouts everywhere. The flames are small but burn steadily and brightly. We light them with thoughts of friendship glowing as steadily and brightly in our hearts.”

2. “We watch the glowing flames with grateful thoughts of Girl Scouts here and abroad who have put their friendship to a special test these last few years, and found it true.”

3. “This candle is for the Founder of all Guiding and Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell.”

4. “This candle is for the Founder of Girl Scouting in the unit

ed States, Juliette Low.”

5. “This candle is for all Girl Scouts and Girl Guides wherever they may be tonight (today).”

6. “This candle is for service to our country.”

7. “This candle is for the hope of peace in every land.”

8. “This candle says, “Good Luck,” to all who are away form home.”

9. “This candle is for all our Girl Scout Laws.”

10. “This last candle is for the Promise we make as Girl Scouts together. (The promise is then recited in unison by all).

Scouts’ Own

“What is a Scout’s Own?”

Just what it says…a program belonging to the girls themselves. Scouts’ Own occupies a unique place in Girl Scouting because it is a unique kind of program. It is a time set aside from the many activities of troop and camp life for quiet and reverence. A Scout’s Own may be held at any time or any place where Girl Scouts are gathered together. It is a time for girls to express their serious thoughts and deeper feelings.

A Scouts’ Own is not a religious ceremony, it is never a substitute for a church service.

Scouts’ Own is not a form of dramatics like a play, pageant, musical, or skit. The emphasis is on planning rather than rehearsing; on setting rather than staging; so that the program remains informal and keeps its spontaneity. This does not mean that the dramatic elements are not used. Even when the group is seated informally under the trees at camp or about the troop meeting place, these things are important; that the contents of the program, whether it is a talk, discussion, or singing, closing without setting rigid time limits; and that there are no distracting elements in the unit
. For instance, we would not hold a Scouts’ Own near a heavily traveled roadside or in a room where another group is putting posters on the wall. But we must not forget that informality may become carelessness. The best clue to an effective Scouts’ Own is to be able to tell yourself in a few words exactly what the point of the program is, and to believe in it.

How to plan a Scouts’ Own:

Be sure girls understand purpose and meaning.
Girls select a theme – a central idea gives it unit

y.
Let girls talk about it in patrol meetings and bring suggestions to Court of Honor.
Leader gives helpful suggestions and guidance, but does not impose her ideas.
Girls find and select suitable material to develop theme. They need to consider what’s appropriate to the subject, the entire group, the place, and the occasion. Leaders would have material on hand to help girls prepare their selections – poetry, stories, legends, history, etc.
Make definite plans – each girl should know her part, know who is to be in charge, order of the program, time it is to begin and end.

Suggested Themes and Programs:

Promise and Law – the Promise can point up unifying force by Guides and Girl Scouts the world over. Different girls may represent the different countries belonging to the World Association and repeat the Promise in the languages of those countries.
Nature – a respect for all life which God created grows with an awareness of the beauty and design of nature. Walking through the woods at sunrise or sunset, by moonlight or any time of the day, climaxed by a breathtaking, view, or more often by a time of meditation, music, poetry or a story in a favorite spot.
The Creative Arts – music, dancing, literature, drama and the hand arts can provide themes for Scouts’ Own. Music of the Out-Of-Doors – listen to musical sounds in nature: Wind through trees, the sound of birds at dawn, running water, hum or insects, etc. Then listen to music developed from these and similar sounds.
Citizenship – dramatize historical events in the founding and growth of the country; the history of the flag; the meaning of the Statue of Liberty, etc.

Sunrise Scouts’ Own:

In the spring and summer, particularly at camp, Girl Scouts like to gather at dawn to start the day off with the impressive experience f seeing the sunrise. If the arrangements are carefully made and the ceremony simple, this can be a memorable event. If breakfast is to be much later, it would be well to serve fruit juice before the ceremony starts.

The group walks silently along a familiar path to a high spot, previously chose for its’ view to the east. If the ground is wet from dew, the group can stand during the ceremony (or bring sit-upons along). This may consist of a song, poem, or short talk, then silence while the sun appears. Then all file silently back.

An International Scouts’ Own:

A program of songs from other countries may be given before a display of world flags, a map of the world or a series of “living pictures” (girls costumed according to the country and posing as typical family groups, craftsmen, or dancers). One person speaks briefly on Scouting and international friendship, then the next, etc.

A Progressive Scouts’ Own:

A Scouts’ Own at camp may be merely a quiet stroll around the camp to enjoy the sunshine, the trees, and a lovely day. Groups may pause at favorite spots; the camp lodge, the lake, brook, or beach, a campfire circle, a woodland cathedral, hillside or camp green. Short dignified programs or thoughtful talks on a Girl Scout theme may be presented at each stop.

The first Scouts’ Own was, as it is today, a way of expressing the meaning of the Promise and Law. The individual girls duty to God is a part of that Promise and is expressed in many Scouts’ Own ceremonies. When duty to God is a part of the theme of a Scouts’ Own, the program is reverent, BUT it is NEVER a substitute for a religious service, even if it is held on a Sunday.

Sample Flag Ceremony

American Flag Recipe

6 Girls

1 Cup Red Paper Pieces

1 Cup Blue Paper Pieces

1 Cup White Paper Pieces

Large Pot

Stars

Mixing Spoon

American Flag

ALL: “Old Glory!” (The six girls pull folded Flag out from the bottom of pot, and hold for Pledge and song.) A spotlight is also nice at this point.

This reading could be used with 4 girls, each with one part below or with 8 girls.

One girl to read the heading and one to read the poem for each of the four parts.

The 12 Candles of Girl Scouting
1. Silver Stands for morning, the beginning of a new day, when each day presents a new challenge.

11. Blue Stands for our sky under which we are all unit

ed by our Girl Scout ideals.

12. Orange Stands for the sunset, which signifies the closing of another Girl Scout

- The moment a flag starts to be lowered on a pole until both clasps are in hands of the color bearer.

- When the flag is present and “The Star Spangled Banner” is played. Please stand when the Flag is presented.

Make up – a color guard for each flag and two color guards for each group. Guards see that the flag does not touch the floor or the ground.

The color bearer may wear a sash over her right shoulder. It ties in a square knot on the left side of her waist. Guards wear their sashes around their waist and tied in a square knot on the left side. Girls never

When carried in a procession with another flag or flags, the flag of the unit

ed States of America should be on the right side. If there is a line of

other flags, the American flag should be in the front of the center of the line.

Fly the flag only from sunrise until sunset. (Exception: it can be flown at night if a spotlight is on it). When flown at half-staff the Flag should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, from which it should again be raised to the peak before lowering. Do not use the flag as a drapery or cover. Do not ever place anything on top of the flag; Do not allow it to touch the floor or ground.

3. The third fold is made in honor & remembrance of all the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

4. The forth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His Divine Guidance.

5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the unit

ed States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without our boundaries of our republic.

8. The eight fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

10.The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

11.The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

12.The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

13.When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under George Washington, the sailors and marines who served and assisted their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the unit

ed States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement and fold. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.

Hopefully the following information will provide you with some ideas
of new places to visit with your troop!

Brief Description: Two hour tractor drawn wagon ride through the wildlife sanctuary stopping at intervals to feed the wildlife and share points of interest on native animals,

Plants, and Native American Indian Lore. Each season offers different things to see & learn.

Brief Description: Costumed guides lead your group on a tour of an 1850’s Stagecoach Inn,

Brief Description: Horse-drawn carriage rides through the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest, featuring gentle Percheron Draft Horses. Used year round for hayrides, sleigh rides, picnics, etc. Open evenings and weekends all year round.

Brief Description: Each 60 – 75 minute workshop covers a different topic like lasers, dry ice, bubbling potions, and other science topics. Cost per scout $5.00 – minimum $100.

Brief Description: 200 acres of Kettle Moraine beauty. Horse drawn hay-rides, walking tours through Solarium and Aviary, bird, reptile and plant tour; Sculpture Garden.

Brief Description: Observe and learn about stars, constellations and planets. Winter is a great time although it is outdoors, so dress for the weather!

Brief Description: A 90 minute guided tour and show. Clydesdale museum and souvenir shop. Open May 1^st. through November 1^st. Monday – Saturday 1PM show only. Rain or Shine.

Name of Business: Little White School House (birthplace of the Republican Party)

Brief Description: Group tours, both large and small, arranged by appointment. For hours of operation contact: Ripon unit
Chamber of Commerce at: 920-748-6764

Brief Description: Children’s Museum with hands-on-activities; including: Spiral Slide, Treehouse Adventure, Whisper Dishes, Magnet Table, Skycrawl, Catenary Arch and much more! Visit website for details of exhibits at: http://www.abkids.org. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9:30AM – 5:30PM and Sundays from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Closed Mondays and all major holidays.

Brief Description: Visit a distinctive garden center and gift shop in a country setting. See The Great Bridge (1883), historic log buildings, and a garden railroad! Call for information on hayrides and seasonal activities!

Brief Description: Sit back, enjoy the ride and hear the clop, clop, clop sound of draft horses. Offers carriage rides, hayrides, and sleigh-rides. Open to the public, or for private picnics, weddings & parades. Party room available or enjoy the outdoors with a bonfire.

Brief Description: Over 400 acres of peace and beauty! Wisconsin landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Locations. Pilgrims walk the half mile outdoor Way of the Cross with 14 groups of life-size sculptures representing the Passion of Jesus. Visit the Lourdes Grotto, climb the 178 steps to the top of the observation tower inside one of the Church spires for an unparalleled glimpse of the dramatic rural surroundings. The Old Monastery Inn Cafeteria provides tasty meals and simple snacks.

Cost: $2.00 Children 5-12/Adults $5.00/$4.00 Seniors Call ahead for group rates & tours.

Brief Description: Marvel at the 5000+ bell collection from Sila Lydia Bast. Bells collected from all over the world are displayed in a restored barn that dates back to 1870. You can see the 1,063 pound bell atop of the original silo-made-bell-tower. Keep strolling through the historic Dheinsville to experience a unique ethnic history and its exhibits.

Brief Description: Village has 20 restored and authentically furnished houses, barns and outbuildings, all of which show how pioneer Ozaukee county residents lived in the 1800’s. In addition to the houses and barns, the Cedarburg railroad station, a chapel, a fox farm display and a trading post are located on the grounds. Village is open each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM through Labor Day weekend. From then through the second Sunday in October, the village is open on Saturday and Sunday.

Location: This one is located on Lake Shore Road, another on Pioneer Road, about 2 miles to the southwest and another is located several miles west of Cedarburg on Western Road in the Town of Jackson.

Brief Description: Erected by Ernest Clausing 100 years ago; one of 14 Octagon barns in the southern end of Ozaukee County. The Tetzlaff’s raise llamas, alpacas and emus. The old milk house has become a retail store and tours of the working barn are given. The architectural design of the barn is Dutch and German. The eight walls of the barn made the structure capable of withstanding the fierce winds off nearby Lake Michigan. Each of the eight walls is 26 feet wide and 20 feet high. The barn has 3,200 square feet of floor space. The top of the cupola stands 60 feet above ground level.

If you need a list of other Girl Scouts that can help you complete some of these suggestions, call Ana at council 1-800-565-4475 or Shirley Bush at: 338-6512.

- Discuss hobbies with parents. Maybe you can start a new hobby for your troop to do.

- Have girls who have received their Silver or Gold Award come and talk about it at a meeting.

- Enjoy spending time talking to someone over 60 about the way things were when they were little.

1. Bear Hugs: Collect new teddy bears for police officers to give children injured in accidents

2. Bag Lunches: Make sandwiches and cookies for soup kitchens that serve the hungry

3. My Little Pillow: Create a comforting pillow for children in the abused woman shelters/homeless shelters.

4. Project Linus: Make a quilt for a child who is suffering through cancer therapy or AIDS

5. Love Letters: Write a letter or make a hand-designed card for children who are very sick

6. Care Posters: Make colorful posters to decorate the walls of homeless shelters or for elderly people’s rooms in a nursing home.

7. Spring Bags: Fill bags or baskets with Easter treats and/or toiletries for needy kids

8. Promise Placemats: Laminate decorated paper to make fun placemats for kids or elderly

10. Elderly Assistant: Help an elderly neighbor with yard or housework, or just visit

11. Braille Pages For The Blind- Create a picture book with various textures for a blind child

12. Books on Tape: Read children's books on cassette tapes for blind children to hear

13. Bags of Love: Collect baby items for new moms without money to buy diapers, bottles, nail clippers, thermometers’, baby wipes, etc. (Can be also given to the parents of the 1^st. girl born on Juliette’s Birthday (or closet to it).

14. Kids Care Coloring Books: Collect coloring books and crayons for needy children.

15. Play Kits: Make game or craft kits for hospitals to offer children who are in bed.

16. Home Warming Baskets: Fill a laundry basket with household items for relocated homeless families

17. Wish List Party: Have a party and invite guests to bring canned food or toiletries for a shelter

18. Lend a Hand: Write or read letters for elderly patients in nursing homes

19. Back To School Bags: Collect school supplies for kids who are not able to afford them

20. Handicapped Friendly: Be a friend to a handicapped or lonely child in your school

21. Mom’s Morning Off: On a weekend morning, play games and do craft projects with the children living in a homeless shelter.

22. Basic Bags: Collect toiletries and washcloths to distribute to the homeless at shelters or living on the street.

23. Canned Food Funds: Ask friends and family to save their change for you to buy canned food for a soup kitchen (Many are low on supplies in February and March).

24. Holiday Meals: Prepare a holiday meal with all the trimmings for an elderly or handicapped shut-in

25. Stone Soup: Have a stone soup party and ask your friends to each bring an ingredient for a big pan of soup.

26. Santa’s Shop: Make toys (wooden blocks, bean bags, playing dough) for children in shelters or hospitals

28. Toy Library: Start a toy library in your town where families can “check out” toys for a week

29. Repair a Day Care: Help a struggling day care center by cleaning, mending and other repairs

30. Child Safety Advocate: Write articles and distribute flyers about using bike helmet, cyber safety, and the dangers of smoking/drug use

31. Latchkey Call In: Begin a program to check in on latchkey kids in your unit

32. Trash to Treasure: Adopt a worn-out playground (Clean, paint, scrub and plant flowers)

33. Recycle Bikes: Collect discarded bikes and repair them for kids who can’t afford to buy their own

34. Holiday Kits: Put together kits with everything a homeless child would need to make gifts for his family

35. Record a Memory: Visit residents in a nursing home and record or write their memories about growing up in the past

36. Beautician: Paint the nails of an elderly woman, brush and style her hair, clip the nails of an elderly man

37. Holiday corsages: Collect flowers and foliage to make corsages for elderly patients at a nursing home or for residents at a home for the handicapped

38. Start a Hope Line: Organize a hot line for people who are depressed and may be considering suicide

39. Lap Quilts: Make small quilts for elderly people who must use a wheel chair all day

40. Sandbox Safe: Build boxes to hold sand that can be placed on sidewalks and parking lots where the elderly might slip in bad weather

41. Birthday Care Cakes: Make a birthday cake a month and take it to the local nursing home to celebrate all the birthdays for that month

41A. Birthday Boxes: Give to local child service department/abused centers/etc.

Using an adult shoebox put: cake mix, frosting, candles, decorative plates and napkins, a packet of streamers, party favors, a birthday card. I would seriously hesitate before just giving a grocery certificate. In all honesty, that's not going to make a child feel special on her/his birthday. That's certainly a logical idea, but sort of negates the idea of a "birthday" box if the child is to get money for groceries. These are children and we need to make them feel special. Now, you could with the other supplies include a McDonald's certificate for a Happy Meal. Call your local McD's headquarters; I'm sure they'll donate some as a service of their own. Our Service Area

does Birthday boxes for abused and neglected children receiving CASA services and they get excited as their birthday approaches knowing that they've got a birthday party in a box. These children are in foster care and their foster parents are not obligated to recognize their birthdays.

43. Learn Sign Language: The more people who learn to speak with sign language, the more people the hearing impaired will be able to “talk” with

44. Texture Boards: Make boards with multiple textures and name the materials with fabric paint so the letters will be raised for a blind child to feel and read

45. Raise a Seeing Eye Dog: There are many organizations that will teach you how to raise a dog that can be trained to lead a blind person

46. Justice Wall Mural: Make a wall mural at school (an old sheet is great) with pictures of the justice and injustice you see in the world

47. Break the Code of Silence: Teach kids in your communit

y to NEVER keep secrets that could hurt people

48. Winter Warmth: Collect coats, hats and gloves for children who can’t afford their own

48A. Scarves, hats, mittens: Crotchet or knit a scarf, hat, or mittens for a child who can't afford them.

49. Recycled Halloween: Collect used Halloween costumes for homeless and needy children

50. Sock Hop: Have a sock hop dance and charge 5 pair of new socks (to benefit homeless) as admission

51. Hurricane/Tornado Victims: - Collect school supplies and clothing for victims of
Hurricane/tornadoes or other emergency.

53. Meals on Wheels Potholders: Crochet, knit, weave potholders for Meals on Wheels program.

54. Stuffed Animal Creations: Make or collect donated stuffed animals or small quilts for local fire/police departments for children in crisis situations.

55. Ronald McDonald House Volunteers: Help at/volunteer at the local Ronald McDonald House.

58. Church/Civic Group Volunteers: help local churches with projects/festivals/etc.

59. Nursing home/hospital Gifts: make items for patient’s trays at hospitals and/or nursing homes.

60. Nursing home Volunteers: Volunteer at a nursing home for programs, shows or visit nursing homes with your talents (playing instruments, singing, take pets to visit, etc).

61. Decorations for Nursing Homes: Make decorations for nursing homes/hospitals.

62. Boys & Girls Club Volunteers: work with younger children at local boy & girl clubs

63. Homework Tutors: Check with local schools to be a homework tutor for a child needing help.

66. Shoveling: Assist an elderly person by shoveling during winter and/or shovel out fire hydrants throughout your village.

67. Holiday Hope Chest: Children can decorate and fill an old shoebox with small toys and gifts. Holiday Hope Chests can be distributed to local shelters or through our project partners, AmeriCares and the Marine’s Toys for Tots.

68. Cool Hats – Children can collect hats or decorate painter caps for children with cancer who have lost their hair from treatments. Hats are distributed to hospitals with pediatric oncology unit

s.

69. Sleepy Snack Sacks – Children living in shelters may go to bed hungry at night. Kids decorate small pillowcases or bags and fill them with a healthy snack and bedtime stories for homeless children.

70. Project Mexico- This is a global project intended to teach kids about other cultures while helping children living in extreme poverty in Mexico City.

71. Giggle Bags – Children fill and decorate bags with homemade activities, games, books and cookies to be distributed to shelters, hospitals or any children who are in need of some cheering.

72. Chain for Life – Children create a paper chain in support of non-violence in schools. Each link is decorated and signed by a student in the school bearing witness to the fact that all of us are connected.

73. Party Pals – For some people, birthdays are just another lonely day. Kids can help by putting together a party in a bag for an elderly shut-in, a child with sick parents, people in group homes or a mentally disabled resident.

74. Reading Robin Hood – Some kids don’t have books of their own. Kids can collect gently used books for schools, shelters or other programs that serve children and promote literacy in their communit

ies.

75. Connecting Generations - This program is designed to connect children with the elderly in their communit

y.
Kids can make gifts or goodies to be distributed to the homebound through Meals On Wheels.

1. Babysitting Night: Girl Scout troops host a babysitting night for the communit

y. Set up a time period – girls organize games, etc. for the children. Minimum fee is charged per child. Parents have inexpensive night out and it can bring in a lot of funds for the troops working.

2. Family Night Out: Check with local restaurant to donate a percentage of total receipts for the evening for a “Family Night Out”. Anyone participating/eating out at that restaurant that evening during the designated time period will help bring in funds for the troop.

3. Girl Scout Cookie Sales: Everyone knows about Girl Scout Cookies…sell, sell, sell! J

4. Used Sports Equipment Sales: Collect donations of used sports equipment items and organize a sale, place posters throughout the village and collect donations.

5. Memory Recipe Book: Visit local elderly members of the communit

y and/or in nursing homes. Girl Scouts interview an elderly relative, communit

y member, or elderly person in a nursing home about their favorite recipe and a special memory that goes with it. The recipes and memories are bound together in a “Girl Scout Generations Talk Cookbook”. The troop then can use their cookbooks to raise funds that would benefit their troop. Check with local printers and see if they would donate printing costs for a memory recipe cookbook. Sell cookbooks locally.

10. Kid’s Tea Party: host a tea party with donated homemade cookies and tea’s/coffee.

11. Children’s Art Sale: have a sidewalk sale or at a local business – sell children’s art works.

13. Marathons of all types (dancing, hopping, walking, roller-blading, bowling, spelling, etc)

20. Benefit Games (any sport, or make up a new sport. Use athletes or teachers as players)

21. Chores for neighbors: Rake leaves in fall, shovel walkways, walk or wash pets, etc.

25. Birthday Parties: Work a birthday party – lead the games, serve cake, clean up afterwards.

Description of what they have to offer: There is an annual rummage sale on Maplwynde Rd., West Bend (near Decorah School) that has a lot of great craft bargains in May or June. The man gives better prices if you mention it’s for Girl Scouts. Most of the items are from Banner Crafts – silk flowers, wooden bird houses, ribbons, mini wood items, ceramic items, glue-on projects, etc.
Annual town-wide rummage sale in Jackson every May (usually third Saturday of the month) – Great to hunt for items for the troop; from crafts to camping supplies!

Description of what they have to offer: Call and ask to be put on their mailing list – they send flyers with sale items every couple of months.

Description of what they have to offer: Craft supplies. Call or visit website for catalog.

Description of what they have to offer: Indian type materials for crafts. Call for catalog.

Description of what they have to offer: Office Supply Products. Call or visit website for catalog.

Description of what they have to offer: Crafts, carnival prizes and more. Visit webpage or call for free catalog.

http://family.go.com/ Family Fun Magazine – activities, crafts, party tips and more.