Getting started Helpful for this tutorial:

Getting started Helpful for this tutorial:
A Girl Scout Journey Adult and Girl book (any level) The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting (any level) Access to Volunteer Essentials * Access to Safety Activity Checkpoints * Pen and paper for note taking *See leading girls resources page for links for your USAGSO region For this online training the following items will be helpful to have nearby (or bookmarked on your computer) A Girl Scout Journey Adult and Girl book (any level) The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting (any level) Volunteer Essentials (bookmarked on your computer) Safety Activity Checkpoints (bookmarked on your computer) Pen and paper for note taking Link with additional resources discussed Of course you can complete this training without these items – they are just helpful references as we go along

Leading Girls Objectives
Leading Girls will give you the tools to be the best volunteer you can be! You will understand the Girl Scout Mission, Girl Scouts Promise, and Girl Scout Law; the foundations of Girl Scouting You will learn about the 3 Keys to Leadership (the Girl Scout Leadership Experience – GLSE) You will hear about the Girl Scout Journeys, the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, the highest awards in Girl Scouting and other traditions in Girl Scouting You will hear about how Girl Scouts address safety, trips, camping, cookies and the rest of the fun you will have with the girls Where to access tons of resources Review slide contents

Girl Scout Specifics

Girl Scout Beginnings Juliette Gordon Low – Founder March 12, 1912 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!" Juliette Gordon Low was a pioneer of her time. She was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest medal of honor for a civilian. According to the White House, the presidential medal of freedom is given to individuals who make especially meritorious contributions to US security, world peace, culture or "other significant public or private endeavors.” 100 years ago she began the organization that became the Girl Scouts. You can find full biographical information on Juliette on the JLG birthplace website ( girlscouts.org.

Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage,
confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Everything we do in Girl Scouting is toward this ultimate goal. (Read Mission) These 3 C’s of Courage, Confidence and Character are what come from girls taking part in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Although most people equate GS with the other 3 C’s of cookies, camp and crafts, the program behind those activities leads to this result…girls leading with courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. We will talk more about how we get there a bit later.

Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try:
To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. This promise is more than just words. Teach the girls the meaning behind the words, start each meeting with the Promise, do activities that reinforce the meaning. “On my honor” means ‘from the heart’. To serve god and my country means that GS believes that it is important to have a belief in something that they can rely on, however Girl Scouts makes no attempt to define or interpret the word “God” in the Girl Scout Promise. We look to individual members to establish for themselves the nature of their spiritual beliefs. When making the Girl Scout Promise, individuals may substitute wording appropriate to their own spiritual beliefs for the word “God.” And patriotism is a backbone of GS past and present. Finally, to help people at all times means that we believe in stepping up and doing the right thing to help…which relates back to the character from the mission.

Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair,
friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout. Each part of the law is a foundational brick to the GS movement. There are many activities that teach each concept and again, try to work them into conversations with the girls. (READ it). Each petal of the GS Daisy program focuses on a part of the Law but these concepts can be addressed in every grade level. Make sure the Law plays a prominent role in your GS interactions.

Girl Scout Organizational Structure
Volunteers & Parents Your Overseas Committee USAGSO-NA, WP & NY Served USAGSO GSUSA WAGGGS The Girl Scout program is delivered through a structure that provides support at varying levels. Girls – the most important part of the diagram…the reason we do everything. Volunteers and Parents – the closest support group to help with delivering the GS program OC – your local community’s volunteers and other registered GS in your area. USAGSO Regions– the three factions of USA GS overseas in WP, NY Served and here in North Atlantic (explain locations differences briefly) which make up the whole of USAGSO GSUSA – our headquarters based in NY that serves USAGSO & 112 councils nationwide WAGGGS – World Association of GG and GS – over 145 member nations all over the world. We are the largest member of the organization. Briefly mention the World Centres.

Who Can Join Girl Scouts?
Kindergarten & 1st Grades 2nd & 3rd Grades 4th & 5th Grades 6th, 7th & 8th Grades 9th& 10th Grades 11th & 12th Grades As you should remember from WTGS, the GS grade levels are as follows (READ). Therefore you will notice that girls in any grade in school can be a GS – Daisies through Ambassadors are Girl Scouts.

Grade Levels

Girl Scout Daisies: K to 1st Grade
Sample Activities Camping and hiking with their family Planning a picnic and making snacks Planting a community garden Earning petals and leaves Girl Scout Cookie Program and other age appropriate money earning activities (especially to earn their Financial Literacy or Cookie Business Leaves!) Girl Scout Daisies meet in groups of 5 to 10 with 2 or more adult volunteers in a nurturing, inclusive environment. They go on trips, learn about nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities. Girl Scout Daisies complete Journeys, earn Learning Petals and the brand new Leaves!

Girl Scout Brownies 2nd and 3rd Grade
Sample Activities Visiting a zoo to feed—and learn how a veterinarian cares for—baby animals Marching in a community parade Working on badges Planning an overnight to celebrate Girl Scout events Deciding how many cookies or other products to sell to earn money for trips and other activities Camping and making s'mores over a campfire Learning about nature and the out of doors at summer camp Girl Scout Brownies work together in groups to complete Journeys, earn badges and explore their community. Friendship, fun, and age-appropriate activities begin at the Girl Scouts Brownie meeting and move out to the community and wider world.

Girl Scout Junior: 4th and 5th Grade
Sample Activities Staying at a Girl Scout camp and learning outdoor skills Sleeping over in a science museum and working on STEM projects Girl Scout Cookie Program and other money earning activities – deciding how to spend their proceeds Going on a scavenger hunt for neighborhood litter Writing to a Girl Scout who lives overseas Earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest award for Junior Girl Scouts Girl Scout Juniors complete Journeys, earn badges and discover what girl power is all about through new activities and by learning to take charge of their own plans. They can earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award by completing specific requirements for this one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting. They gain self-confidence as they explore the world in partnership with their group volunteers.

Girl Scout Cadette: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Girl Scout Senior: 9th to 10th Grade Girl Scout Ambassador: 11th to 12th Grade Engage in different Girl Scout Pathways Make most of the decisions in the group – what badges and Journeys to work on, what trips to take, how to get there and what to do when they get there…Girl Led all the way is the only way older girls want to be involved Earn highest awards in Girl Scouting (Girl Scout Silver and Girl Scout Gold Award). Cadettes - Program Aide Seniors & Ambassadors –Counselor in Training (CIT I or CIT II) or Volunteer in Training (VIT) Girl Scouts Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors engage in Girl Scout activities in many different ways. Some belong to groups that meet weekly or bi-monthly. Still others may participate only in council-wide events or resident camp. Girl Scouts Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors determine the areas they will explore, how they will explore them, and in what manner their group, troop or session will be run. These Girl Scouts can complete Journeys, participate in the annual cookie program, complete badges, Take Action Projects, work toward the Girl Scout Silver Award and Gold Award and participate in both national and international events and workshops. They can receive their training as a Program Aide (as a Cadette) to learn how to work with younger Girl Scouts. Seniors and Ambassadors can earn the Volunteer in Training award (VIT) to learn how to work with younger girls on a specific area. In these ways, they can give service to other Girl Scouts and they will wear these recognitions on the Girl Scouts’ vest or sash

How to Involve the Parents
Have a plan before you arrive at the parent meeting! Start the year strong! Calendar of events Cost of dues Troop date and time of meetings Expectations of parent involvement Have specific responsibilities set aside for parents Cookie parent, 1-2 helpers per meeting, communications person, snack volunteers, drivers for field trips… Have sign up sheets ready to go. Follow up with your volunteers constantly.

THE GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
World’s best leadership experience Defines activities and outcomes Is differentiated by grade level Offers flexible pathways for participation Keeps Girl Scouts focused on our core mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place . Girl Scouting provides programs that tie activities to specific outcomes that develop girls’ leadership skills and self-esteem. Outcomes describe general benefits (behavior, skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, condition, status, or other attributes) for participants as a result of involvement in the Girl Scout program. Outcomes are the intended benefits girls should reap as a result of the program. Indicators/signs are specific observable characteristics or changes that represent achievement of a specific outcome at each grade level.

Discover Connect Take Action
Focus of Girl Scout Activities --- Discover Connect Take Action 15 Short Term and Intermediate Outcomes --- Girls gain specific knowledge, skills, attitudes , behaviors and values in Girl Scouting Long Term Outcome --- Girls lead with courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place Girl Scout Processes --- -Girl Led -Learn by Doing -Cooperative Learning And finally, when we have used the Processes and the Keys to reach toward the 15 outcomes, we will find before we know it that we have helped girls to lead with courage, confidence and character and they are indeed working to make the world a better place.

Discover Connect Take Action Leadership
These are the 15 Outcomes. Discover 1 Girls develop a strong sense of self. 2 Girls develop positive values. 3 Girls gain practical life skills. 4 Girls seek challenges in the world. 5 Girls develop critical thinking. Connect 1 Girls develop healthy relationships. 2 Girls promote cooperation and team building. 3 Girls can resolve conflicts. 4 Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world. 5 Girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally. Take Action 1 Girls can identify community needs. 2 Girls are resourceful problem solvers. 3 Girls advocate for themselves and others, locally and globally. 4 Girls educate and inspire others to act. 5 Girls feel empowered to make a difference in the world. Leadership

Girl Led Learn by Doing Cooperative Learning Girl Scout Processes
All activities in the GSLE build on three processes (that is, how girls go about doing their activities and how they interact with each other) that make Girl Scouting unique from school and other extracurricular activities. Girl Scout Processes

Progression in Girl Scouting
This is the beginnings of how “girl led” formulates. Giving girls more and more responsibility as they progress through the GS program inherently builds leadership skills. Girls should have the opportunity in the safe all-girl environment to make decisions, have choices and learn from the experience. These skills will follow her throughout her life.

Girl Adult Partnership
Daisy Girl Scouts talk with their volunteers about their ideas for their activities. Grades K-1 Brownie Girl Scouts brainstorm ideas and volunteers help determine which are possible. Grades 2-3 Junior Girl Scouts work in groups to develop ideas they like best. Volunteers help girls realize their goals. Grades 4-5 Cadette Girl Scouts take a larger role in planning and decision making. Volunteers help when necessary . Grades 6 - 8 Senior Girl Scouts decide what they want to do and how to do it. volunteers guide and help as needed. Grades 9-10 Ambassador Girl Scouts rotate leadership and tasks and plan their activities, budgets and goals. Volunteers assist occasionally. Grades 11-12 And this is what it looks like in the group setting. Some behaviors you might see in each grade level (read slide).

The Girl Scout Journeys

What is a journey? A national Girl Scout journey offers girls:
A journey has a beginning and an ending. As we travel the distance between the two, we learn and grow! A national Girl Scout journey offers girls: An invitation to explore the three keys to leadership A chance to reflect on what they learn Fun and challenges Journeys invite girls to explore a theme through a sequence of fun and challenging experiences. They incorporate the three keys to leadership: Discover, Connect, Take Action. Each journey integrates the Girl Scout processes: Girl-Led, Cooperative Learning, and Learning by Doing. The first journey series themed It’s Your World—Change It! debuted in fall 2008.

A national Girl Scout journey offers volunteers:
How-to guides, which explain how the leadership experience ties to the outcomes Specific examples that show how to use the Girl-Led, Cooperative Learning, and Learning by Doing processes Tips and encouragement for easy participation in fun and purposeful experiences with girls Guide for Adult Volunteers shows the volunteer exactly how the D, C, TA can be utilized with the girls and how the 3 processes can be implemented. Additional tips and helps along the way enrich the experience for the girls.

Girl Scout Leadership Journeys
Girl Journey books invite girls to "Take Action" on an issue they care about and contain: Stories Inspirational material Girl Scout history Traditions and values Facts and games Space for girls to fill in their own ideas and memories The corresponding adult books are "how-to" guides that contain: Support Tips and Hints Options for expanding on an idea Customizable sample sessions. Journeys are one nationally “packaged” approach to engaging girls and volunteers in the New Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Many topic areas including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Healthy Living, the Outdoors/Environment and Entrepreneurship/Financial Literacy can be used to engage girls in the leadership experience. Adult book Girl book

Traditional Girl Scout Programming
This is the landscape of Girl Scouts prior to the GSLE and Journeys. There were of course the opportunities of badges, going outdoors, the higher awards, field trips and of course the cookie program…but it seemed without specific direction and focus at times. Traditional Girl Scout Programming

How Journeys fit with Traditional Girl Scout Programming
Now we have the focus that ties these experiences together. The Journeys are what every Girl Scout experiences as part of the program called the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Why use the Journey? The Journey provides an adventure built around a theme for the girls and has identified outcomes. The activities and processes are built-in which makes it easier for the adult to partner with the girls. This is the LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE. Other activities such as badge work and field trips are used and are the SKILL BUILDERS. This improves and rounds out the Girl Scout experience. Girl Scouts individualize their experience by incorporating badges that relate to the Journey in which they are participating. The Journeys make the Girl Scout experience a more meaningful and purposeful experience. How Journeys fit with Traditional Girl Scout Programming

This map is part of a Journey “game” you can play with the girls.
Place events on the map according to when they fall (Cookie sale, Thinking Day, etc.) Let girls choose from discs that are identified as different badges, field trips, travel events, camping experiences or other Girl Scout activities to place in the blank circles on the map. Have the girls work through how they would plan their Girl Scout year learning to negotiate, plan, budget and think decisions through. By each girl getting a say in what activities get placed on the “journey” of the year, it is girl-led and she gets to practice having a say in things. This sort of tool can be utilized as a planning tool with girls & and parents. You will get this document in your when the this online course is completed.

Journeys Books for Girls It's Your World Change It! (1st set)
Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden Brownie Quest Agent of Change (for Juniors) aMAZE (for Cadettes) GIRLtopia: Toward an Ideal World for Girls (for Seniors) Your Voice, Your World: The Power of Advocacy (for Ambassadors) What will you find in these first Journey books? The Girl Scout Leadership Experience comes to life for girls and the adults in the journeys. All the leadership keys of Discover, Connect, and Take Action along with the Girl Scout processes of Girl Led, Cooperative Learning, and Learning by Doing are woven through each journey. They are introduced to the girls in a fun, interactive way. Much of the focus of this first set is about communication, leadership and working toward a goal of their choosing.

Journeys Books for Girls It’s Your Planet—Love It! (2nd set)
Between the Earth & Sky (for Daisies) WOW! Wonders of Water (for Brownies) Get Moving! (for Juniors) Breathe (for Cadettes) Sow What? (for Seniors) JUSTICE (for Ambassadors) Girls are being exposed to ideas and discussions on the environment every day and every where. This set of Girl Scouts journeys are packed with the latest research and girl-relevant environmental thinking and offer adults a way to interact with girls on topics of great importance in their lives. In this journey series, girls at each grade level have an opportunity to learn about grade-appropriate environmental issues such as clean water and air, noise pollution, global warming, soil contamination, and agricultural processes.

Journeys Books for Girls It’s Your Story – Tell It! (3rd set)
5 Stories, 4 Flowers, 3 Cheers for Animals! (for Daisies) A World of Girls (for Brownies) Amuse (for Juniors) Media (for Cadettes) Mission: Sisterhood (for Seniors) Bliss – Live It! (for Ambassadors) Stories say so much about us—our likes, desires, dreams. The It's Your Story – Tell It! Leadership Journey series, made possible by a grant from the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, gives girls the opportunity to tell their stories through a range of creative approaches. Self-esteem is a natural by-product of this Journey series because through storytelling and creative expression girls gain a deep understanding of themselves and their potential, and develop confidence to become leaders in their own lives and in the world.

It’s Your Journey – Customize It!
Adult guides provide you with ideas, examples, and encouragement. Not to be taken as “this is how you HAVE to do it.” Have fun and let the girls make it their own! The Journey adult guides provide you with ideas, examples, and encouragement, along with ideas about sequencing experiences, facilitating discussions, and assisting as girls earn awards… But, neither the girls’ book or the adult guides are meant to provide hard-and-fast, unchangeable lock-step sessions. Have fun creating new activities surrounding each topic. The Journey will be much more fun and relevant as girls make it their own.

It’s Your Journey – Stretch It!
Stretch or condense it. Fits a 6 months to a year well. Tap into the girls’ imaginations. Sample sessions in the journeys have been created to show how it is possible to have a Girl Scout Leadership Experience in 6 to 8 gatherings. For many leaders, this will be just the right length to fit into a troop year, balancing other key activities, such as Thinking Day, Girl Scout Week, Cookie Program etc. You and your girls may find that there is more you want to do, so use the tips (many found in the margins of the adult books) in the journeys and tap into your girls’ imaginations to venture forth!

It’s Your Journey – Explore It!
Engage girls in stories of girls and women taking action. Capture the imagination and motivate. Encourage girls to create their own. The Journey series engage girls in stories – real and fictional – of girls and women taking action in the world. Stories, after all, capture the imagination and motivate. Make use of these stories, expand upon them, encourage girls to create their own.

The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting

"Every badge you earn is tied up to your motto. 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 to it." Juliette Gordon Low Starting in the fall of 2011, girls got an exciting, new resource: The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting! If girls want to earn badges to supplement their journey — and you know there’s a great chance that most of them do — they now have new ones to choose.

The National Program Portfolio
Leadership Journeys (Keys) GG2GS Badges (Skills) This is what financial advisors call a balanced portfolio! The journeys offer girls all the leadership benefits that we’ve promised them and the badges offer them the chance to build specific skills. When a girl goes on a journey, she gets to explore leadership from all different angles. How does a leader identify a problem that needs to be solved? How does she dig deeper to find the root causes of that issue? How does she research solutions that go beyond the surface level of the problem? And how does she team with others on all of the above, multiplying efforts to make the world a better place? That’s what the journeys are all about! The journeys, as you know, aim at all three keys to leadership: Discover, Connect and Take Action. Badges help girls develop specific skills in everything from photography to inventing to camping to geocaching – the list goes on and on! When girls build skills, they become more confident and develop a stronger sense of self, part of our Discover key. (And of course, a girl can use the skills she builds as she goes on her journey!) Journeys offer a wide, 360 degree view of leadership. Badges offer a focus on one topic. Journeys are the core of what Girl Scouting is about. Badges are complementary.

Now, let’s take a look at the new badge format. The format of the new badges is very different. Gone are the long checklists or requirements. In their places are bright graphics, interesting sidebars, tips from history, and ideas of what to do for more fun. Each badge has a purpose (what skill girl will build). Each badge has five steps – a girl must complete all to earn the badge. Each step has three choices for HOW to complete the step. Girls only have to do one, but are free to do more if they’re having fun. Each badge includes a journey tie-in. These are very loose tie-ins, similar to the ones we’ve seen in the online journey maps. It’s a way to help girls and you figure out ways to earn badges as they’re doing journeys. Finally, every badge has a few ideas about how a girl can give service with her new skill. This is in reference to Juliette Gordon Low’s famous quote that a badge is a sign that a girl has developed a skill well enough to give service to it. Does she have to do this to earn the badge? Absolutely not! It’s just planting a seed for girls – now that they know how to do this, how could they help others? Another change you’ll notice is that badges intentionally take time. Hurrying girls through badge requirements in a one-day event wasn’t ever a lasting way to help girls gain a skill. These are proficiency badges, so they are meant to take girls time as they develop their skill and discover more about a topic. That means, when a girl takes the time to earn a badge, we need to make sure we really recognize her efforts, and help parents see the importance of every badge. It’s not about how many badges a girl earns, it’s about the skills she gains! (Repeat that sentence if necessary, to make certain volunteers hear it.)

The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting Badge Categories
Now let’s look more closely at the badges. The new National Proficiency Badges will fall into 5 badge categories. The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting is the 100th Anniversary edition of the Girl Scout handbook, so there are lots of references to our remarkable history, including the first category of badges. The legacy badges are topics that have always been represented in badges and are still relevant – so topics include artist, naturalist and cook, and all are progressively more challenging (and fun!) as girls get older. Some badges cover specific skills, and others have been added to teach girls about money and the entrepreneurial skills gained through the cookie sale. And you’ll see that girls can also create and earn a Make Your Own badge each year.

The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting National Proficiency Badges
The new badges have progression built right in. As girls grow and move through the Girl Scout grade levels, they can build on the skills they learned in previous years. Here you can see how one of the legacy badges, in the “cook” topic, moves from the Snack badge for Brownies to Juniors learning to cook Simple Meals. Cadettes will earn their New Cuisine badge, Seniors will earn their Locavore badge, and those sophisticated Ambassadors will have a great time with their Dinner Party badge.

Girl Scout traditions

Taking Your First Steps…
Decision time Find a Co-Leader(s) or Co-Volunteer Decide When and Where to Meet Gather all materials needed for parent meeting Make sure all girls are registered Hold a Parent / Guardian Meeting Form a Group Committee Get parents and other adults to help with the troop (chaperones, cookie parents, newsletter, snacks, etc.) Hold Group Meetings (or Event, Series or other Pathway meeting) Use Journeys and Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting Utilizing Other Resources (girlscouts.org, usagso-na.org, etc.) Troop Governance: Letting Girls Lead BE SAFE BE A ROLE MODEL! HAVE FUN!!!!

The Six Parts of a Girl Scout Meeting
Start-up Opening Business Activities Clean-up Closing Reviewing the Six Elements of a Troop Meeting Troop meetings usually include the six following components. (Note that journey sample session plans are also arranged in a similar way!) Start-up Start-up activities are planned so that when girls arrive at the meeting they have something to do until the meeting starts. For younger girls, it could be coloring pages; teen girls might jot down a journal entry or just enjoy a little time to talk. Opening The opening focuses the meeting and allows girls to start the meeting. Each troop decides how to open their own meeting—most begin with the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and then add a simple flag ceremony, song, game, story, or other ceremony designed by the girls. Girl Scout Brownies, for example, might create a new tradition by skipping in a circle while singing a song. Ceremonies, even when brief or humorous, make Girl Scout time special. Business Troop business may include taking attendance, collecting dues, making announcements, and planning an upcoming event or trip. This is a good time for girls to lead, especially as they grow up! (Note that some troops move the business portion of the meeting to an earlier slot.) Activities Activities will depend on what the girls want to do in their troop and how they want to spend their collective time. Outdoor time is important, so encourage the girls to an activity at a park or forest. If girls are interested in animals, encourage the girls to plan a visit to a zoo or animal shelter. As you engage in one of the two leadership journeys, review the “Sample Sessions at a Glance” in the adult guide for journey activity ideas. Treats are an option some troops decide to include in their meetings and range from a bottle of soap bubbles or a jump rope to or a food snack. If girls choose to include snacks, guide them to consider the health of a potential snack, as well as possible food allergies. Enlist the help of parents or guardians by asking them to sign up and bring a treat. You’ll also find plenty of snack ideas and signup forms in the adult guide of most leadership journeys. Clean-up Clean-up is a great habit for girls to get their meeting space back to the way it was when they arrived—maybe even cleaner! Girls can also take leadership of the cleaning themselves, deciding who does what. They might even enjoy the tradition of a kaper chart (a chore chart that lists all the chores and assigns girls’ names to each), so that everyone takes turns at each responsibility. Closing The closing lets the girls know that the troop meeting is ending. Many girls close with the friendship circle, in which each girl stands in a circle, puts her right arm over her left, and holds the hand of the girl standing next to her. The friendship squeeze is started by one girl, and then passed around the circle until it comes back to the girl who started it. When the squeeze is finished, girls twist clockwise out of the circle lifting their arms and turning around and out of the circle. You help each troop member do her part to ensure the meeting and activities are enriching and fun. Based on their grade levels and abilities, girls may decide and plan opening and closing activities, bring and prepare treats, teach songs or games, and clean up. As girls grow, they can show and teach younger members about Girl Scouting. They can also assist you in preparing materials for activities. For trips, campouts, parent meetings, and multi-troop events, girls may be responsible for shopping, packing equipment, handing out programs, cleaning up, gathering wood, and so on. As long as you pay attention to grade level and maturity, what girls can do is endless!

Incorporate Traditions
Time-Honored Ceremonies Girl Scout Promise Girl Scout Law Girl Scout Handshake Quiet Sign Friendship Squeeze Songs Girl Scout Slogan (“Do a Good Turn Daily”) Girl Scout Motto (“Be Prepared”) Here you can see some of the traditions passed down throughout the years in Girl Scouting. If available, click on the links provided to get a better understanding of how they fit into the GS experience. The rest of the these concepts are easily understood. GS Handshake: each girl makes the GS promise on their right hand and shakes the other’s hand with their left. This is often used when being presented awards. Quiet sign: some people use 3 fingers on the right hand but the original quiet sign used an open hand with all 5 fingers above their head to get the group’s attention and get the girls to stop talking amongst themselves. The number 5 represents the 5th Law of the first GS Law that represented courtesy. Explain this to the girls that when they are quiet so everyone can be heard, it is being courteous. The girls will need to be taught this method. GS Slogan: Do a good turn daily (or deed). Incorporate this concept into the girls in the beginning and it will become second nature to them. And they don’t have to stop at just one! GS Motto: Be prepared…pretty self explanatory but the critical thinking skills that GS teaches help to form this concept in the girls’ minds.

Ceremonies Bridging Ceremonies Closing ceremonies Court of Awards
Flag Ceremonies Girl Scout’s Own Investiture Ceremonies Opening ceremonies Pinning ceremonies Rededication ceremonies Ceremonies are a tradition in girl scouts. The link at the botto of the page will explain the concept in more depth. Bridging ceremonies mark a girl’s move from one grade level of Girl Scouting to another, such as from Junior to Cadette. (Note that Fly-Up is a special bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies who are bridging to Juniors.) Closing ceremonies finalize the meeting, with expectations for the next. A closing ceremony may be as simple as a hand squeeze while standing in a circle. Court of Awards is a time to recognize girls who have accomplished something spectacular during the Girl Scout year. See some unique ways of presenting awards here. Flag Ceremonies can be part of any activity that honors the American flag. Girl Scout Bronze (or Silver or Gold) Award ceremony honors Girl Scout Juniors who have earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award (Cadettes who have earned the Silver Award; Seniors or Ambassadors who have earned the Gold Award), and is usually held for a group or combined with the council recognition. Girl Scouts’ Own is a girl-led program that allows girls to explore their feelings and beliefs around a topic (such as the importance of friendship or the personal meaning they get from Girl Scout Promise and Law) using the spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other methods of expression. It is never a religious ceremony. Investiture welcomes new members, girls or adults, into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls receive their Girl Scout, Brownie Girl Scout, or Daisy Girl Scout pin at this time. Here is a sample investiture ceremony. Opening ceremonies start troop meetings and can also begin other group meetings. Pinning ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins. Rededication ceremonies are opportunities for girls and adults to renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. A handy Ceremony Planner can be found here. For more about ceremonies, visit

Special Girl Scout Days
Girl Scouts celebrate special days each year, which you’re encouraged to include in your group planning February 22: World Thinking Day (the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell and Lady Olave Baden-Powell, the originators of Boy Scouts and the Scouting Movement worldwide) March 12: The birthday of Girl Scouting in the USA. The first troop meeting was held in Savannah, Georgia, on this date in 1912 April 22: Volunteer Leader Appreciation Day—this day is set aside especially for you! October 31: Founder’s Day (Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday) Girl Scouts celebrate special days each year, which you’re encouraged to include in your group planning February 22: World Thinking Day (the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell and Lady Olave Baden-Powell, the originators of Boy Scouts and the Scouting Movement worldwide) March 12: The birthday of Girl Scouting in the USA. The first troop meeting was held in Savannah, Georgia, on this date in 1912 April 22: Volunteer Leader Appreciation Day—this day is set aside especially for you! October 31: Founder’s Day (Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday) These and other dates throughout the year also incorporate celebrations or ceremonies. Be sure to find out how these events are celebrated in your community. (be sure to explain how TD is when girls usually get their WAGGGS pin)

Highest Awards

Community Service vs. Take Action
Community Service Project Take Action Project A one-time effort; has short-term impacts Identifies the roost cause; has long-term benefits and sustainable support Issue: An uninsured family’s home is destroyed by a fire Solution: Collect clothes, household goods, and food for the family Option 1: A solution could be to establish a Habitat for Humanity group in the community or work with an existing Habitat group and organize a work group to rebuild the family’s home. Issue: Racial tensions exist in the community. Solution: Organize a one-time diversity celebration. Option 1: One solution could be to create an organization that holds regular seminars, meetings, or workshops about racial tolerance and understand other cultures. Issue: Families are going hungry. Solution: Hold a food drive for families in need. Option 1: One solution could be to come up with easy–to-make recipes (in a free booklet) that incorporate items families regularly receive from food pantries. Journeys always culminate with a Take Action project. Now we will move onto discussing Community Service vs. Take Action Projects. As you can see, the biggest difference between a Community Service Project and a Take Action Project is its sustainability and measurability. Sustainable Girls must make arrangements (such as collaborating with community leader and/or organization’s; building alliance with mentors) to ensure that the project creates lasting change and is not a one-time event. Measurable The success of the project can be determine based on the number of people the project helped, the number of people who were involved, any reduction in the community’s need, and other concrete numbers. A Take Action project picks up from where a short-term project leaves off. It looks at the root of the issue, not just focusing on putting a bandage on the problem. Here are some great examples: Girls organizing a book or clothing drive could make their project a Take Action project by holding the drive annually and getting a sponsor to advertise and organize every year. The girls who painted the wall to cover up graffiti can create a club that travels around the city painting beautiful murals on buildings that have been defaced. The girls who held the march or fair could expand the event to include community artisans and make it an annual gathering. When girls pursue Take Action projects, they take time to identify and understand the root cause of the issue they are addressing. Girls also must make sure that each project is sustainable and that the impact is measurable.

The Bronze, Silver & Gold
The Girl Scout Bronze Award It’s a leadership adventure and the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. As you and your team plan and complete your project, you'll develop more confidence, meet new people, and have the kind of fun that happens when you work with other Girl Scouts to make a difference. This project is usually focused on benefiting Girl Scouts. Download the Bronze Award Guidelines to find out how. The Girl Scouts Silver Award Have you ever looked around your neighborhood or school and wondered how you could make a change for the better? Going for the Girl Scout Silver Award—the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn—gives you the chance to show that you are a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving your community. This project should be focused on the needs of the community BROADER than just benefitting Girl Scouts. Download the Silver Award Guidelines to find out how. The Girl Scout Gold Award As part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, 10 million girls worldwide, you are in an exceptional position to take action and make the world a better place. By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award you will be joining the ranks of generations of young women who have made a difference both locally and globally. The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and therefore is a commitment you make and complete as an individual. The project should be something sustainable, measurable and have impact on the greater community (global impact). Check out the new Gold Award App for details.

Unifying Look of Uniforms
Daisies have a choice of tunic or vest. Brownies – Ambassadors can choose a vest or sash. All of these elements are for displaying the various pins, badges and awards earned. The unifying look = for girls is their uniform component (tunic, sash or vest, combined with their own solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts. For adult members =unifying look of the uniform Girl Scout official scarf or tie for men, worn with the official membership pins, combined with their own navy blue business attire. Daisies have a choice of tunic or vest. Brownies – Ambassadors can choose a vest or sash. All of these elements are for displaying the various pins, badges and awards earned. The unifying look for girls is their uniform component (tunic, sash or vest, combined with their own solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts. For adult members the unifying look of the uniform is a Girl Scout official scarf or tie for men, worn with the official membership pins, combined with their own navy blue business attire.

Girl Scout Daisy

Girl Scout Brownie

Girl Scout Junior

Girl Scout Cadette

Girl Scout Senior

Girl Scout Ambassador

Girl Scout Adult

Pathways

Girl Scout Pathways …the ways that girls and adults participate in Girl Scouting—offer girls a wonderful opportunity to experience Girl Scouting through one or more of the six proposed pathways. Volunteering in Girl Scouting has never been easier. Recognizing everyone’s busy lifestyle, we’ve created a variety of flexible ways to volunteer. Volunteers can participate in Girl Scouting regionally, nationally and internationally, and they can work directly or indirectly with girls on a short-term or long-term basis. Girls can also choose from a variety of ways to participate in the New Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Girl Scout Pathways Events Series Camp Virtual Travel Troops
Different girls, each event Girl Scout Pathways Series Same girls, all sessions relating to a specific theme or purpose Camp Day and Resident Camps, focus on out-of-doors and/or environmental, outdoor education Virtual High-quality, interactive program; safe, secure, online environment Travel Regional, national, and international trips Key Messages: Girl Scout Pathways are the ways girls and adults participate in Girl Scouting. The development of Girl Scout Pathways supports the Core Business Strategy priority to create flexible and consistent ways for girls and adults to participate. Multipathway participation is encouraged Girl Scout Pathways for Girls include: Camp: Day and resident camps. The essence is out-of-doors and/or includes a focus on environmental or outdoor education. Events: Girls participate in local or council-wide events. Different girls participate each time. Series: Girls participate in a series of programs with the same group of girls relating to a specific theme or purpose. Travel: Girls plan, earn money, prepare, and participate in regional, national, and international trips. Troops: Series of programs with the same group of girls; spans typically the length of a school year. Virtual: Girls participate in high-quality, interactive program activities in a safe, secure, online environment supplemented by live events. Troops Same girls, all sessions; typically spans of the length of a school year

Travel Travel Every girl deserves a chance to see the world. Girl Scouts offers many different travel opportunities so girls can see new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures and ideas. Whether exploring their own neighborhoods, going on overnight camping trips, participating in community service projects, or flying to one of the four world centers, Girl Scouts are continually expanding their horizons. Travel Pathway Girl Scouts developed a new approach called pathways to ensure that girls and adults have flexible ways to participate in Girl Scouting. The Travel Pathway offers leadership opportunities and cross-cultural understanding through council and nationally sponsored trips, along with troop travel. Girls progress along the Travel Pathway by participating in smaller, local trips to prepare for longer national or international ones. The Travel Pathway: Is available to any girl regardless of previous Girl Scouting involvement or economic resources Incorporates the Girl Scout Leadership Experience processes: girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning Follows the three leadership keys: Discover, Connect, and Take Action Presents girls with opportunities to prepare, plan, money-earn, and engage in travel opportunities and Take Action projects Engages and supports existing and new volunteers Girl Scout destinations Girl Scout destinations fall into five categories: international, outdoors, science, people, and getaways. Facilitated by Girl Scouts of the USA and hosted by individual Girl Scout councils, GSUSA, and contracted organizations, such as Outward Bound, Girl Scout destinations events or trips open girls up to whole new worlds and ideas. Camping The Girl Scout camping experience allows girls to live together in simple outdoor settings, to learn how to make their own decisions, and to do fun activities with other girls their own age. The most important benefits for the camper are the opportunities to make new friends, to enjoy the outdoors, to gain confidence in herself as she tries new activities and gains new skills, and to be a member of a caring community. The Birthplace, Savannah, Georgia Girl Scout troops and groups travel from across the United States year-round to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace—a Girl Scout national center in Savannah, Georgia and the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA. Built in 1821, the house has been elegantly restored to reflect the 1880s and is located in the heart of the Savannah Historic District. "The Birthplace," as it is commonly called by Girl Scouts nationwide, was the city's first National Historic Landmark. Girls who visit World Centers England, Switzerland, India, and Mexico are home to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) four world centers where girls from around the globe can learn more about each other, the Girl Guide/Girl Scout Movement, and the countries they are visiting. The centers sometimes offer special programs, and the facilities provide inexpensive lodging for members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Safe, Girl-Led Traveling
Facilitate Girl-Led Trip Planning Obtain OCC Permission for Trips Transporting Girls Travel Appendix of Volunteer Essentials Girls should know where they are going and why they are going Make sure you follow the procedures for appropriate permission (ask your OCC for these specifics) Drivers must be registered Girl Scout member, have a valid drivers license and insurance for their car. All passengers must be buckled up. See specific information in the Travel Appendix of the Volunteer Essentials. And as JGL said, “Ask the girls what they think.” “Ask the girls what THEY think.” Juliette Gordon Lowe

Important responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Volunteer
BE SAFE Prevent injury and illness to participants in Girl Scout activities. Demonstrate a concern for the health and welfare of the individuals for whom you are responsible. Honor pluralism and diversity so that girls feel emotionally safe. BE A ROLE MODEL Adhere to the following guidelines at all times: ALWAYS treat the girls as well as you would have someone treat YOUR child and as well as YOU would want to be treated! Involve girls in safety planning. Take advantage of the learning opportunities offered by Girl Scouts. HAVE FUN If you are having fun, the girls will be having fun! What are some characteristics good role models should possess? In Girl Scouting volunteers serve as a role models for girls. The characteristics of a role model are to be reflected in volunteers’ interactions with others, how they follow rules, behavior, speech, body language, etc. Above all else – BE SAFE, BE A ROLE MODEL and HAVE FUN! These things can be broken down as you can see here: (read slide) BE SAFE Prevent injury and illness to participants in Girl Scout activities. Demonstrate a concern for the health and welfare of the individuals for whom you are responsible. Honor pluralism and diversity so that girls feel emotionally safe. BE A ROLE MODEL Adhere to the following guidelines at all times: ALWAYS treat the girls as well as you would have someone treat YOUR child and as well as YOU would want to be treated! Involve girls in safety planning. Take advantage of the learning opportunities offered by Girl Scouts. HAVE FUN If you are having fun, the girls will be having fun!

Responsibilities of the Volunteer (continued…)
NEVER, ever, ever use illegal drugs! NEVER smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol in the presence of girls or at a Girl Scout event or activity. NEVER allow a child to ride in a car with a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even if it is the child’s parent or guardian). NEVER carry firearms or ammunition in the presence of girls. If you’re facilitating a marksmanship activity, transport weapons separately. NEVER engage in child abuse of any kind. These are pretty self explanatory: NEVER, ever, ever use illegal drugs! NEVER smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol in the presence of girls or at a Girl Scout event or activity. NEVER allow a child to ride in a car with a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even if it is the child’s parent or guardian). NEVER carry firearms or ammunition in the presence of girls. If you’re facilitating a marksmanship activity, transport weapons separately. NEVER engage in child abuse of any kind.

safety

Creating a Safe Space for Girls
Recognition and Acceptance Fairness & Trust Effective Conflict Management Open Communication with Girls LUTE method for teens (Listen, Understand, Tolerate, Empathize) Discussing Sensitive Topics Listen and Ask, Arrange for Education If It Sounds Serious… Communicating with Parents or Guardians Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion All of these concepts are discussed in depth in the VE. They are important items to be aware of and know that you have the support of suggestions on how to utilize each with your girls in the VE resource. All of them fall under the fact that we are to make the environment safe for the girls…and that does not just mean physically but emotionally as well. Briefly: Recognition and Acceptance-strive to treat every girl in your group equally. Even the quietest girl needs to be recognized for her efforts and if no where else in the world that girls experience being accepted for exactly who they are, it should be in a GS setting. Fairness & Trust-let girls know that you trust them and they can trust you. Being fair with interactions with the girls goes a long way to create this trust. Effective Conflict Management-conflict will happen. Teach girls to use “I” statements – and role model that behavior as well. Open Communication with Girls-be honest with the girls and communicate openly. LUTE method for teens (Listen, Understand, Tolerate, Empathize)-This works especially well with teens (and other adults). Listen to whatever the issue is, let them know that you understand what she is saying by paraphrasing what she said back to her. Tolerate her feelings now and encourage her to share them with you. Finally, show empathy by saying something like, “I understand that this must be very confusing or hurtful (whatever) right now.” Discussing Sensitive Topics – always get permission before having sensitive issues as the topic in your group (ie: sexual health issues, controversial things, etc.) Listen and Ask, Arrange for Education-if there is something the girls want to know more about but you are not sure you are the one to do it, ask your OCC for suggestions on who could come to the girls to share their expertise. If It Sounds Serious…talk to your OCC, report abuse per local regulations. Communicating with Parents or Guardians – make sure you have regular communication with parents and guardians. They can help when any of these issues arise. Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion

Girl to Adult Safety Ratio
2 adults must be present AT ALL TIMES – one person is never allowed to hold meetings, travel with, supervise or otherwise work with Girl Scouts alone! Group meetings: Two non-related adults (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls Plus one adult for each additional number of girls Series, travel, and camping: Two unrelated adults (at least one of whom is female) for each number of girls Plus one adult for each additional number of girls Girl Scout Daisy (K–1) 12 6 4 Girl Scout Brownie (2–3) 20 8 Girl Scout Junior (4–5) 25 10 16 Girl Scout Cadette (6–8) Girl Scout Senior (9–10) 30 15 24 Girl Scout Ambassador (11–12) Never less than 2 adults, one being female and not related. Period. Ratios are different for outside of the meeting place. Do not travel without at least 2 adults. If there are not two adults, the trip does not happen. When leaving the meeting place, one person must be CPR/First Aid certified.

Conflict Resolution Mediation Active Listening Time Out Role Reversal
Mediation is a process in which a third-party neutral assists in resolving a dispute between two or more other parties. It is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution. The role of the mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties, assist them in focusing on the real issues of the dispute, and generate options that meet the interests or needs of all relevant parties in an effort to resolve the conflict. Active Listening Active listening is a communication technique. Active listening requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what they hear. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding. Time Out Taking a time out means temporarily removing yourself from an escalating situation so you can cool down. Role Reversal Have the girls assume the role of another person to appreciate how the person feels, perceives, and behaves in relation to herself and to others. Have the other girl do the same. Make sure they remain respectful of each other and appropriate. Skillful Listening There is an art to being able to discover what another person is trying to communicate. However, the following are good starting places. 1. Demonstrate clearly that you are listening, using appropriate body language and facial expressions. 2. Let people complete the point they are making without interruption. 3. Make some reference, however brief, to what they have been saying before you change the subject. 4. Listen for the underlying message: what does the person really mean? What do they really want you to hear or to know? 5. Check for meaning - ask questions to check you have heard and understood correctly. 6. Clarify details: ask for more details, ask questions to clarify points and to show your interest. 7. Leave silences - this enables other people to enter the dialogue or to work out their own position. Applying the Girl Scout Law Have the girls look at how their behavior does or does NOT follow the Girl Scout Law: I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout. Mediation Active Listening Time Out Role Reversal Skillful Listening Applying the Girl Scout Law Discuss conflict resolution early in the year

Money earning

Managing Group Finances
Establish sub-account with OC Treasurer Help Girls with Financial Planning Financial Literacy and Cookie Business Badges for all grade levels (Leaves for Girl Scout Daisies) Girls should always be included in the financial business of the group. This may be their best opportunity to learn budgeting, planning and goal setting with regard to money management. Utilize the new badges (leaves for daisies) relating to Financial Literacy. Don’t you wish you would have had that information sooner in life?

Selling Cookies & Money Earning A Time-Honored Girl Scout Tradition
Understand financial and sales abilities by grade level Tie sales to the GSLE Girls should always know where the proceeds go Safety Group money earning – must have OCC approval The Cookie program is an PROGRAM in which girls learn things. It is not about selling the cookie, it is about learning confidence, gaining life skills, learning manners and good business skills. If the cookie program is allowed in your Overseas Community, it can be a wonderful avenue for learning and money earning. Utilize the new Cookie Business badges (leaves for Daisies) found in the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Safety is more important than any cookie. Remember to always role model appropriate behavior. Must always be 2 registered adults at a cookie booth, girls should be the ones selling the cookies and they should know what their money is going for – they should know their goal because they helped to set it!

Staying informed & connected

Resources for You Our Website E-Newsletter
Facebook Volunteer Meetings Overseas Committee Chairperson Your region’s website Chapter 4 of Volunteer Essentials & the Safety Activity Checkpoints girlscouts.org Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting Volunteer Essentials Journey Adult Guides USAGSO staff RESOURCES Journeys Adult guides Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting Volunteer Essentials USAGSO-NA staff Facebook Twitter E-Newsletter Monthly (or regular) Volunteer Meetings Chapter 4 of Volunteer Essentials & the Safety Activity Checkpoints OCC Your region’s website (

Getting started Helpful for this tutorial:

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Getting started Helpful for this tutorial:"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Getting started Helpful for this tutorial:

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Getting started Helpful for this tutorial:"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback